Running Deer Natural Area in Fort Collins

Ive been curious about this spot for years...free parking. Restrooms. Flat walk on wide gravel path/ road. Fishing allowed in one pond only. No dogs allowed (didnt see that until I was done...sorry!Saw a white tail in the protected area... No bikes allowed. Only knee- high brush. Meh. Would give 3 stars but the app wont allow me to remove a star.

Such a nice and quiet place. There was not a whole alot of people here and so it was nice to have a place to go to so I could clear my mind! What was really cool, was taking my daughter fishing for the first time on the floating dock they had. She had fun, thats for sure.. 😁

A beautiful and convenient natural area to take a stroll. Easy flat trails are good for little kiddos. There is an excess amount of birds, bunnies , deer, fox, and other wildlife to observe. A diverse and well cultivated ecosystem to enjoy. We enjoy evening strolls to watch animals eating a snack before retiring for the night.

This is a peaceful, beautiful place

Great place to go for a walk. Several small ponds and trails.

Modest hiking area. Seems mostly flat. Not too busy the day I visited.

Great little natural area, free and right off the highway. Good place to take a break when driving to get out and stretch your legs.

A great reprieve from the busy of Fort Collins.

Always a good place to check for wildlife and the fishing pond is full of Green Sunfish.

Beautiful kind if remote but a great park.

Its different from the East Coast parks.

The City of Fort Collins has another winner with their Running Deer Natural Area on the east side of town. A choice of trails from the ample parking lot on East Prospect Street lead south to the Cache La Poudre River and a wide variety if riverside habitat is accessible. This area is a bird watchers paradise so bring some good binoculars or a spotting scope - it doesnt get much better for the enthusiast. It is possible to to wander miles from any highway and you can visit the well preserved White Pine Fire Tower Lookout while out for a hike. While there, you will probably see the large herd of mule deer living in the area. Pond and river fishing can be had here and the extensive trails are popular with runners and walkers of all abilities. Bicycles are not permitted on the trails at Running Deer.

Smells a bit but overall a nice walk

Very peaceful and nice place to walk.

Quite place to stop and get out walk around

Enjoyed walking around this open space area. It is not crowded. A bit muddy but not impassible.

Great place to walk and relax.

My mom and I love to frequent this natural area and explore the different walking paths!

Nice and close but only a few signs of civilization.

Great trail run. Lots of bird life n other fauna.

I come here to watch the fish in the morning and its just a nice spot to find my energy for the day.

This is a very pretty hiking trail its worth the walk.

Good hiking/walking, birding, some deer, etc. Nice trails, some cement. Many Ponds.

Nice hike/walk

Nice place to enjoy nature, clean facilities.

Quiet and scenic

Seems overlooked b/c of the Riverbend Ponds to the north. Couple of loops. No bikes or dogs.

Hardly anyone there. Be careful going at midday in the summer, little shade on trails

Easy to use pit toilet . Except in the evening rush hour east bound. Otherwise, if youre in a hurry and need the loo, give it a try. Its a modern, well designed and maintained facility.

Nice clean restroom available cute little fishing pond and nice trails! Kudos foco Colorado can learn a lot from you!!!

We like this natural area because it is small and close to prospect so it is easy to access. Not the fanciest or best nature area in Fort Collins but it definitely will do!

Awesome quiet walking trail.

Former gravel mine that is now the Citys. Many trails along the river. Facilities w/o water located at the parking lot. Be way cooler if it had bike trails. Make America singletrack.

I like waking through there or biking to. It is nice in the summer!

Nice natural area, not a bunch of shade though. Short distance from downtown Fort Collins and about 20-30 minutes from Loveland, Colorado. Great for bird watching and catching a tan. Plenty of parking and only about five minutes away from a dozen breweries.

Great place to go for a hike. No bikes, or dogs allowed.

Not what we expected. My hunny and I were hoping for a nice walk but it really wasnt a pretty spot. With the traffic from prospect and the bad smell of the water at the start of the walk put a damper on it. We decided to leave and go to Poudre Trail which was much more enjoyable. Maybe this natural area is better in the summer?

Gorgeous natural area, quieter and less developed than most. Really good for birding year-round and some of the top rarities in the county have been found here. The habitat is mostly wetland with open grassland ringed with trees, so be prepared for lots of sun and wind. No bikes or dogs allowed, so Im not sure why so many people are writing that its a great place to take them. There is another natural area across the street that allows them though.

Nice quiet small little areaDogs were okWe tried walking aroundNot muchNeeded to park at a different area on to hike more

Great place to take the GF and dog to go hiking or even the whole family. Easy trails and awesome scenery.

Great place for a walk on a sunny day

Nice area with a few trails to spot deer. Theres a unisex bathroom in the parking lot.

A great place for birding. Many duck, heron, egret, and shore bird species

Love to walk short places or hear birds and fishing loved it

A great place to talk a nature hike close to downtown Fort Collins.

Wonderful place to unwind and enjoy birds and riparian nature.

Pretty natural area. No pets allowed so thousands of rabbits

Nice small place for an easy walk.

Really like this place quiet and lovely.

Great open space for exploring and bird watching.