Coyote Ridge Natural Area

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Parks

Colorado

Nearby: Edmondson Park Kroh Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Coyote Ridge Natural Area is a beautiful outdoor destination located in Larimer County, Colorado.

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Summary

It boasts 1,000 acres of scenic landscape, including rolling hills, grasslands, and riparian areas. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing in this serene natural setting.

One of the main reasons to visit Coyote Ridge Natural Area is to experience the stunning views. The area offers panoramic vistas of the Front Range Mountains and the surrounding countryside. There are also many different types of plant and animal life to observe, making it a great spot for nature enthusiasts.

Some specific points of interest in Coyote Ridge Natural Area include the ridge itself, which offers impressive views of the surrounding landscape, and the riparian areas, which are home to a variety of bird species. Visitors can also explore the network of hiking trails that wind through the area, including the Foothills Trail, which offers a challenging but rewarding trek through the rugged terrain.

Interesting facts about the area include its history as a former ranch, and the presence of rare plant species such as the Cactus Groundsel and the Western Spiderwort. Additionally, the area is home to a variety of wildlife, including coyotes, deer, and a variety of bird species.

The best time of year to visit Coyote Ridge Natural Area is during the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and the landscape is rich with color. During the summer months, temperatures can be hot and dry, while winter weather can be unpredictable and challenging.

Overall, Coyote Ridge Natural Area is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves the outdoors and wants to experience the natural beauty of Colorado.

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

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