Gateway Natural Area - Poudre Canyon

Gateway Natural Area Trail Map and Parking

The Gateway Natural Area is located 15 miles northwest of Fort Collins, Colorado. Along CO-14, it is five miles west of where CO-14 breaks off from US-287. The Gateway Natural Area is managed by the City of Fort Collins which charges the following parking fees from March 1st to November 30th: $5/day, $30/year, $25/subsequent years, $10/year for handicap parking, and $60/year for vehicles with eight or more people. The trailhead has restrooms and free pet waste bags but no water. Hiking, mountain biking (although limited in scope), nordic walking, walking leashed dogs, and fishing are allowed in the park. Campers and hunters are allowed to pass through the park but not allowed to do either inside the park. Cell phone service was weak in the park. The following Google Map highlights the Seaman Reservoir Trail since it is not marked on any of the natural area maps. Other hiking and mountain biking trails in the Poudre River Canyon include Hewlett Gulch, Greyrock Mountain Trail, and Young Gulch.

Seaman Reservoir Trail

The Seaman Reservoir trail is 1.0 miles long in one direction and has almost zero elevation gain. It is a suitable trail for kids, nordic walkers, and, specifically, for fishermen desiring access to the North Fork Cache la Poudre River.
The Seaman Reservoir trail runs along the North Fork Cache la Poudre River which makes it an ideal place to come for a relaxing walk in nature.
The final hundred feet of the trail lead to the Seaman Reservoir and contain a small rise in elevation.
From the reservoir, you can experience scenic views to the north and south.

Black Powder Trail

The Black Powder trail starts near the parking lot and is 0.75 miles long in one direction. It has a quick rise of almost 400 feet, from 5,400 feet to 5,800 feet. The trail is very narrow but not particularly dangerous. The first half of trail primarily consists of switchbacks that lead you straight up the mountain.
The second half of the trail levels out and cuts though an open field that sits between two rounded peaks. Mountain mahogany can be found near the trail.
Due to the setting sun, the following pictures were taken facing east. They highlight the open landscape that provides picturesque views during the last third of the trail. Views to the west provide a look down Poudre Canyon and include the Poudre River and CO-14.

The last time we hiked Black Powder trail (November, 2008), the View Point trail that links off of Black Powder was closed due to trail construction.

Overlook Trail

The Overlook trail is a 0.25 mile trail with less than 200 feet in elevation gain. It is an ideal hike for kids and/or for a quick climb with your dog.
Like the Black Powder trail, the Overlook trail is narrow.
The view at the end of the Overlook trail make this jaunt worth the effort.

Black Powder Summit Video

The following video was taken from the southern most point on the Black Powder summit loop trail.

In sum, the Gateway Natural Area's short trails and limited human traffic make it a very peaceful place to visit. In addition, we saw several fly fishermen who attested to the high quality trout fishing in the North Fork Cache la Poudre River.