Bobcat Ridge is a great, runnable training ground with easy access to Loveland and Fort Collins. It’s a great trail all-year, notable for wildlife sightings and being a gateway with wild views and off-trail access deeper into the public land of the Big Thompson valley. For eager parents, parts of the trail are also accessible for off-road strollers, and definitely for backpacking. My favorite part: in late Spring and early Summer in peak years, Bobcat Ridge features one of the most spectacular palettes of wildflowers anywhere in the Front Range. It’s close enough to make you want to bang out some extra miles there on weekdays once you see some of those colors.
Access
Bobcat Ridge is located just south and west of Masonville, and the popular Horsetooth Mountain Park. Bobcat Ridge open dawn to dusk, and is free for entrance and parking. It is a Fort Collins Natural Area, although it is quicker to access from Loveland. Bike racks are also available, and a solid training option is to ride 45 minutes or so along fantastic cycling roads from town before doing a run or ride on the trail. However, water is not available at the trailhead, and dogs are not allowed at Bobcat Ridge.
History and Wildlife
The area has a history of both Native American and settler usage. More recently, the Bobcat Gulch fire burned much of the upper reaches in 2000, with charred trees still evident. With a denuded landscape, the upper reaches can get hot in the summer, but the fire has also resulted in outstanding views and wildflower growth. The area will be in its tenth year as a Natural Area designation in 2016.
I’ve seen deer, elk, coyote, and turkey can be seen fairly reliably, depending on the time of year; unfortunately, rattlesnakes and mosquitoes as well. On one outing,
I saw an unmistakable feline with a bobbed tail slink away through the grass. I wondered to myself if it bobcat were “supposed” to live in Colorado – and then laughed when I remembered the name of the area! On-site wildlife cameras show resident bear and mountain lions as well.
Trail
The classic loop is just under 11.5 miles with over 1800 feet of elevation gain. A preferred direction for running is clockwise, which begins the majority of the climb in earnest along the moderately technical Ginny Trail, before revealing exquisite views of Palisade Mountain, Storm Mountain, and snowy peaks beyond. In colder months, a fairly sizeable herd of elk can be seen, perhaps the closest place to Fort Collins to share the trail with elk. With most of the climbing out of the way, it’s time to pick up the pace and roll along with extended views. In wildflower season, this part of the trail is now blanketed on both sides in vivid color.
The trail then approaches Mahoney Park, an exquisite open area with large rocks and boulders. This area is a prime destination for kids to scramble around on rocks. The trail weaves among some of the boulders, below “Mahoney Knob,” a quick off-trail option for hikeable elevation gain and more views.
The descent in this direction is quick and enjoyable, with the “D.R.” trail winding it’s way back down into the trees over 3 miles, or a quicker option of a faster, loose descent down the Power Line double track. Now return on the upper Valley Loop trail, which has more shade among pine trees and several trickling stream crossings, and finish up the loop with some quick, buffed-out trail. Looking for a long-run option? Stash some water at the trailhead and head out for a double!
VFuelEver since I learned about VFuel – seeing homemade jugs being shared in Silverton – I’ve been excited about the balance of nutrition and natural flavor. Each ingredient makes sense for physiological purpose, and they taste great! I’ve been very happy with VFuel being available at the past several years at Quad Rock, and especially like the Cool Citrus flavor on hot days. They’re a great local company with great folks, and I’m humbled to have the chance to share my experience.
Past VFuel Colorado trails of the month:
January – Independence Monument Trail, Grand Junction
December – Great Western Trail, Windsor
November – Intemann Trail, Manitou Springs
October – Hell Roaring Ridge to Capitol Pass Traverse, Aspen
September – Elk Park/Needleton Loop, San Juan Mountains