Priority Area: 
Poudre River Valley
Size: 
20 Acres

Description

This popular park and trailhead are host to habitat that supports a critically imperiled butterfly species.  Further along the trail are concentrations of narrowleaf cottonwood and chokecherry.  The property is located on Overland Trail north of Fort Collins, past Bingham Hill Rd.  Lions Open Space is on the west side of the road before you get to the town of Laporte.

Management Summary

  Yes No Comments
Permit required   *  
Trails *    
  • Hiking
*    
  • Mountain biking
*    
  • Horses
  *  
Restrooms *    
Picnic area *    
Drinking fountains *    
Dogs allowed *   Keep dogs leashed at all times.

Property Information

Type of Acquisition # Acres Property
Value
Partnerships
Bargain Sales
Donations
Date
Acquired
Public
Access
Fee Simple -
Lease agreement
20 N/A CPW* - 100% ownership 2001 Yes

* Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Management Plan

The Pleasant Valley Trail is an approximately two-mile segment of Upper Poudre River Trail, which itself is a segment of the Poudre River trail system. The trail begins within Lions Open Space at the western terminus of the City of Fort Collins' Poudre River Trail and reaches its current terminus at the entrance to Watson Lake State Wildlife Area (SWA) on the west side of the Cache la Poudre River. The total length of the PVT once completed will be approximately two miles from Lions Open Space to the Watson Lake SWA entrance.

The goals for the Pleasant Valley Trail are:

  • To provide a safe pedestrian and bicycle route.
  • To provide an enjoyable and scenic route for multiple trail users.
  • To create a trail connection between the communities of Bellvue and LaPorte and the City of Fort Collins and beyond.
  • To create a potential future trail connection to Lory State Park, Horsetooth Mountain Open Space and/or the Poudre Canyon.
  • To enhance and protect the natural resources, especially rare and sensitive species, along the trail.
  • To provide educational opportunities for the greater community.

The trail may be used for walking, jogging, biking, rollerblading, dog walking, access to fishing (on public property only), and wildlife viewing.