Cathy Fromme Prairie is a natural area managed by the City of Fort Collins and located in the southwest corner of Fort Collins, CO. It has two free parking lots with one on South Taft Hill Road and the other on South Shields Street. Both trailheads have restrooms and free pet waste bags, but no water. Primary activities are hiking, cycling, nordic walking, walking leashed dogs, and birding. Jogging strollers and wheelchairs do well on the paved concrete trail. Cell phone service is strong while in the park.
Raptor Observation Building
Cathy Fromme Prairie is an ideal place to view raptors because it has an observation building with pictures and information that can guide you in spotting and identification. The observation building is located in the southeast corner of the park near the South Shield Street parking lot.
The following picture shows the view from the observation building. Raptors come to Cathy Fromme Prairie to feed on the prairie dogs. Raptors that can be seen include golden eagles, bald eagles, ferruginous hawks, rough-legged hawks, red-tailed hawks, and Swainson’s hawks.
The following picture highlights the differences between eagles, hawks, and falcons. It is one of many informational items that can be found in the observation building and along the trail.
Fossil Creek Trail
Fossil Creek trail is a 2.5 mile paved concreted path that is mostly flat and lies at about 5,500 feet in elevation. The trail is very wide which makes it great for nordic walking. In addition, it is an excellent place to bring kids to bike or hike since it is wide enough to support passersby.
The Fossil Creek trail has been proposed to connect to a trail by the same name in Fossil Creek Park which is on Lemay south of Harmony. If connected, the trail would likely be about 4 miles long.
In sum, the Fossil Creek trail is suitable for all ages, ideal for frequent dog walking and/or running, and conducive for birding. Another great place to walk dogs in Fort Collins is Reservoir Ridge.
