Poudre and Great Western Trail Loop

The Poudre and Great Western Trail Loop offers a varied surface, ideal for gravel biking. You'll find a mix of paved sections, particularly along the Poudre River Trail, and significant stretches of crushed gravel, especially on the Great Western Trail. The Great Western Trail portion, being a former railroad grade, is generally quite benign and relatively flat. Some routes can be up to 80% paved, while others incorporate more gravel farm roads.

This particular 69.6 km loop is rated as 'difficult' and requires very good fitness and advanced riding skills, taking over 5 hours to complete with around 250m (820 ft) of elevation gain. While parts of the Poudre Trail are flatter, the full loop incorporating the Great Western Trail presents a challenging ride. Shorter, more moderate sections of the Poudre Trail might be suitable for those with good fitness but less experience.

The best time to ride this loop is generally during the spring, summer, and fall months when the weather is mild and the trails are clear of snow and ice. Always check local weather conditions before heading out, as conditions can vary.

Yes, the route passes through several interesting areas. You'll ride along the Great Western Trail and the Poudre River Trail, offering views along the Cache la Poudre River. You might also pass by Windsor Lake and Boardwalk Park, Prospect Ponds and Cottonwood Hollow Natural Area, Cattail Chorus Natural Area, Kingfisher Point Natural Area, and Homestead Natural Area, which are great for nature observation.

You can expect diverse scenery. The Poudre River Trail offers pleasant views along the river, passing through natural areas with wetlands and cottonwood trees. The Great Western Trail often features rolling gravel farm roads and can be very scenic. Depending on your exact route, you might also catch glimpses of Horsetooth Reservoir and the foothills.

Yes, this route is part of a larger trail system. It primarily utilizes sections of the Poudre River Trail and the Great Western Trail. You'll also find it intersects with smaller segments like the Remington Bikeway, Spring Creek Trail, Swallow Bikeway, Homestead Trail, Wilcox Trail, Chicka-dee-dee-dee Trail, and Rendezvous Trail.

There are various access points and parking options along both the Poudre River Trail and the Great Western Trail. For specific parking information, it's best to check local resources like the Visit Fort Collins website or Larimer County's official pages, as parking availability can vary by location and time of day.

Many sections of the Poudre River Trail and Great Western Trail are multi-use and allow dogs. However, leash laws and specific regulations can vary by natural area or park. Always keep your dog on a leash and be prepared to clean up after them. Check signage at specific access points for any restrictions.

Generally, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to access the Poudre River Trail or the Great Western Trail for recreational use. However, if you plan to visit specific natural areas or parks along the route, it's always a good idea to check their individual regulations on the respective county or city websites, such as larimer.gov, for any potential fees or permits.

Given that the loop passes through and near communities like Fort Collins and Windsor, you'll find various cafes, pubs, and restaurants accessible from different points along the trail. Planning your stops in advance can help you refuel during your ride.

The natural areas along the Poudre River, such as Homestead Natural Area and Kingfisher Point Natural Area, are home to various wildlife. You might spot local bird species, including waterfowl in the wetlands, and potentially small mammals. Keep an eye out, especially during quieter times of the day.