Cottonwood Hollow Natural Area

🦬 Bobcat Ridge Natural Area

Habitats: Grasslands, shrublands, and ponderosa pine forests in the foothills.

Bobcat Ridge lives up to its name. This scenic natural area is home to elk, deer, black bears, and even mountain lions, though they tend to keep their distance. Keep an eye on the skies too — golden eagles, grasshopper sparrows, and black-chinned hummingbirds are often spotted here, along with wild turkeys and the occasional bobcat.

🦅 Cathy Fromme Prairie Natural Area

Habitats: Shortgrass prairie and wetlands.

This prairie landscape is a favorite for raptor watching. The prairie dog colonies attract bald eagles, hawks, and other birds of prey, especially in winter. From the observation building on Shields Street, you might also see horned lizards, coyotes, foxes, rabbits, and ground-nesting songbirds.

Wildlife tip: rattlesnakes are fairly common here — if you see one, just give it space and walk around it.

🐢 Cottonwood Hollow Natural Area

Habitats: Wetlands and human-made gravel ponds.

Cottonwood Hollow is a dream spot for birdwatchers. Water-loving birds like egrets, herons, pelicans, sandpipers, and blackbirds gather around the ponds. In the surrounding grasslands you might also see warblers, kingbirds, and song sparrows, plus animals like painted turtles, foxes, muskrats, and deer.

Bring binoculars — there’s always something moving here.

🐦 Pineridge Natural Area

Habitats: Prairie, shrublands, pine forests, and Dixon Reservoir.

Pineridge is one of the best birding spots in Fort Collins, with more than 150 bird species recorded. Around the reservoir you might see pelicans, ospreys, and bald eagles, while the surrounding trees host warblers, vireos, and red-tailed hawks.

It’s also common to see mule deer, prairie dogs, and other small mammals here.

🦌 Soapstone Prairie Natural Area

Habitats: Vast shortgrass prairie and foothill shrublands.

Soapstone Prairie offers one of the most wild and remote landscapes near Fort Collins. Visitors often see pronghorn, elk, and deer roaming the open grasslands. The prairie is also home to rare grassland birds like burrowing owls, mountain plovers, curlews, and lark buntings.

Bird of prey sightings are common too, including golden eagles, prairie falcons, and ferruginous hawks.

💡 Wildlife Watching Tip:

Early morning and sunset are the best times to spot animals. Move slowly, stay quiet, and always give wildlife plenty of space.

Monday, March 9

Tuesday, March 10

Full-time

Dreaming of a new address? Each week, we’re spotlighting a standout home in town — from charming bungalows to modern builds and everything in between.

Fort Collins dates hit that sweet spot between charming and adventurous. Wander Old Town Fort Collins for coffee, shops, and easy people-watching, or keep it classic with a picnic at City Park. Craft beer lovers can settle in at New Belgium Brewing, while outdoorsy pairs can chase sunset views at Horsetooth Reservoir.

👉 Vote and we’ll share the top picks—chosen by locals—in an upcoming issue. 💌