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Tags:
Level: Beginner
Length: 7 mi (11.3 km)
Surface: Doubletrack
Configuration: Network
Elevation: +227/ -230 ft
Total: 109 riders
Mountain Biking Pineridge Natural Area
#317 of 1,392 mountain bike trails in Colorado
The Pineridge Natural Area features a small lake (Dixon Reservoir), wetlands, a forested hillside, and prairie in a small, but beautiful basin on the western edge of Fort Collins. Because of the amenable trails, abundant wildlife , and proximity to Fort Collins, itís trails are used for all types of recreation. The trails in the area are part of a network managed by the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas. These combine to make for some great riding that is within easy pedaling distance of town. The Pineridge area offers a network of over 7 miles of double and singletrack trails suitable for beginners and intermediates. Most trails lack technical challenge but offer some small steep climbs and fun fast descents on smooth trails. The timberline trail is the most popular and offers up some short rocky technical sections. Pineridge can be a destination for riding or can be a starting point for longer rides in the area. The Pineridge Natural Area is adjacent to other natural areas such as, Maxwell, and Reservoir Ridge and Larimer Horsetooth Reservoir offering additional riding opportunities.
First added by Grizzattack on Jan 24, 2006. Last updated May 8, 2020. → add an update
Before you go
- Drinking water: unknown
- Lift service: unknown
- Night riding: yes
- Pump track: unknown
- Restrooms: unknown
- Fat bike grooming: unknown
- E-bikes allowed: unknown
- Fee required: unknown
This trail information is user-generated. Help improve this information by suggesting a correction.
Directions to the Trailheads:
Dixon Reservoir TH: From Elizabeth Street in Fort Collins head west till it ends at Overland Trail Road. Turn left (south) on Overland Trail Road. After 1.25 miles, turn right (west) onto County Road 42C (this is the road that goes west towards the foothills, passing just south of Hughes Stadium). Follow the road as it bends left (south) and starts going up the hill. At 0.9 miles, there is a gravel turn off (left) for the Pineridge Natural Area parking area.
Horestooth Road TH: In Fort Collins, head west on Horsetooth road till it dead ends at a parking area.
Cottonwood Glen Park TH: In Fort Collins, head south on Overland Trail road till it dead ends at a parking area.
Went here yesterday for my first ride ever and enjoyed it. Started at the Horsetooth trailhead. Mostly a smooth trail with a few mildly technical spots with rocks and roots, small descents and ascents. The end of the trail is mostly a descent and is the highlight of the entire trail. Great scenery, lots of flying bugs, some rain, some hikers.
| ThankAround the reservoir is 2 miles. I recommend going clockwise around the reservoir as the descent on the west side is the the most interesting part of the trail. The east side is primarily double track. Another good option is to park at Maxwell, cross the street and ride the west side of the loop as an out and back. Combine with the lower part of Maxwell for a longer beginner ride, or use this loop to add mileage to a Maxwell ridge climb/descent.
| ThankI went there for the first time this week and was very happy with the trail. As a beginner hiker/mountain biker, the trail was very level and easy to walk. The prairie dogs that were everywhere were super cute chirping at everyone. It seems to be a very popular and highly populated trail.
| ThankTrail was great for teaching my 8 year old how to desend and climb. great for beginners. watch out for hikers.
| ThankGreat trail for beginners. Took my girl there for her first mountain biking trip. Its got very little elevation change, and the small roots/rocks are great introducing you to what you'll see on a "real" trail. I still enjoyed it, short and flows nice.
| ThankA great place to take someone who's never been off trail. My kids, who just got their first mtn bikes, love this trail. There are a few steep spot where they can get a taste of what they'll find at other trails.
| ThankSmooth and fun afterwork ride. Busy with hikers, bikers and fishermen, but a worthy afterwork ride that will get you the fix you need. You can connect to a couple other trails and even get over to the park on Horsetooth road that has a fun trials course.
| ThankUnusually flat--zero aerobic factor. Almost rock free--near zero technical factor. Some stretches can be fun to push speed as they are buff and kinda swoopy. Really only recommended as a mileage adder in conjunction with other area trails. I give it only two stars not just because it's short and easy, but because it's not particularly interesting--there are other short easy rides which are more entertaining.* Review edited 1/4/2012* Review edited 3/22/2012
| ThankSmooth singletrack network. Nothing too technical, with some climbing onto the ridges. Foothills trail connects at the north end, north of Dixon Reservoir. Access that trail for a technical climb. If you need more for a workout, ride faster.
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