Pineridge Natural Area: Fort Collins' Gateway to Effortless Riding

Overview

Nestled at the western edge of Fort Collins, Colorado, Pineridge Natural Area serves as an enticing blend of natural landscapes and trails suitable for beginner and intermediate cyclists. This location boasts a total of 7 miles of trail networks and provides the quintessential Fort Collins biking experience.

Getting There

Pineridge Natural Area offers multiple trailheads for convenient access:

• Dixon Reservoir TH: Head west from Elizabeth Street in Fort Collins until you reach Overland Trail Road. Make a left and then turn right onto County Road 42C. The Pineridge parking area will appear on the left after 0.9 miles.
• Horsetooth Road TH: Simply head west on Horsetooth road until it dead-ends at a parking area.
• Cottonwood Glen Park TH: Drive south on Overland Trail road to reach another dead-end parking area.

The Trails

Characteristics

The Pineridge trail network primarily consists of double and singletrack trails, absent of significant technical challenges but sprinkled with small steep climbs and quick descents. The Timberline trail reigns as the most popular, with its short rocky technical sections.

User Experience

The trail network is known for its smooth tracks and relatively flat terrain, making it perfect for teaching youngsters how to descend and climb. It also stands out for its accessibility, proving to be a convenient after-work ride. Here's a quick rundown of what you can expect:

• Beginner-Friendly: The trail network is especially good for beginners.
• Terrain: Mostly smooth with a few rocky and root-filled sections.
• Scenery: Features a beautiful basin, small lake, and wetlands.
• Traffic: Popular but not overly crowded. Shared with hikers and fishermen.

Suggested Rides

Cyclists recommend going clockwise around the Dixon Reservoir, as the descent on the west side is the most exciting part of the trail. The east side is mainly double track, but can be a good segment to warm up on. For those who want to venture further, you can connect this loop with lower parts of Maxwell for a longer ride, or simply use it to add mileage to a Maxwell ridge climb/descent.

Wildlife and Nature

The area also doubles as a natural sanctuary. Expect to see prairie dogs and hear their charming chirps. This adds an element of serenity to the ride, allowing cyclists to connect with nature effortlessly.

Conclusion

Pineridge Natural Area offers a relaxed yet satisfying cycling experience. While it may lack in technical challenges, it more than compensates with its accessibility and scenic beauty. Ideal for those new to mountain biking or families with young riders, Pineridge serves as an excellent introduction to what the trails around Fort Collins have to offer.