Cathy Fromme Prairie: Fort Collins’ Wild High Plains

Hey FoCo,

If you’ve ever wondered what Fort Collins looked like before neighborhoods, breweries, and bike lanes, Cathy Fromme Prairie gives you the answer. This rare slice of pre-settlement shortgrass prairie is alive with prairie dogs, coyotes, and an impressive cast of raptors—golden eagles, ferruginous hawks, and more—soaring above. We’ll take you into its history, share the best trail connections, and reveal where to spot the wildlife (and yes, there’s a raptor observatory with your name on it).

Let’s dive in!

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Cathy Fromme Prairie: Where the Grasslands Still Roam Free 🌾

If you’ve ever wondered what Fort Collins looked like before the houses, breweries, and roundabouts, Cathy Fromme Prairie is your time machine. This 1,088-acre natural area preserves a rare stretch of shortgrass prairie — rolling hills, seasonal wetlands, and sweeping Front Range views included. It’s a quiet escape, but one teeming with life: prairie dogs pop up from their burrows, hawks circle overhead, and in winter, golden eagles perch like royalty on fenceposts.

The Fossil Creek Trail runs right through it — a 2.4-mile paved path perfect for walking, running, or biking. You can connect it to Spring Canyon Park or Pineridge Natural Area if you want to turn a short outing into a day-long wander. The raptor observatory near the Shields Street entrance is a must-stop, especially in colder months when birds of prey are more active.

More than just a pretty landscape, this prairie plays a big role in keeping Loveland and Fort Collins separate — a green buffer that’s been part of local planning since the 1960s. Named after environmental advocate Cathy Fromme, the area is proof that open spaces can be protected, enjoyed, and loved for generations.

📍 Where: South of Harmony Road, west side of County Road 17 (Shields Street)

🕔 Hours: 5:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.

💵 Cost: Free!

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