Montane Zone Update

Share Montane Zone Update on Facebook Share Montane Zone Update on Twitter Share Montane Zone Update on Linkedin Email Montane Zone Update link
Two people paused during their hike along a winding dirt trail through a grassy, hilly landscape dotted with pine trees and rocks under a partly cloudy spring sky at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area in Fort Collins.Bobcat Ridge Natural Area

The results are in from the community engagement for the Montane Zone. Natural Areas staff and volunteers engaged 1,017 participants who provided responses to feedback questions in English and Spanish. Natural Areas staff are using the feedback to define how the Natural Areas Values* are reflected in the Montane Zone and to develop actionable tactics that will guide work over the coming years. The Draft Montane Zone Update will be available for public comment in spring 2026.

What people find important about natural areas in the Montane Zone:

  1. Trail access

  2. Nature and wildlife

  3. Scenic beauty

Key feedback themes for natural areas in the Montane Zone:

  • Wildlife and habitat protection

  • Highly rated trail system

  • Positive visitor experiences, with emphasis on:

  1. Free access
  2. Quiet and uncrowded nature of the area

The community voiced overwhelming satisfaction with Bobcat Ridge Natural Area and believes that it is well maintained. They equally value the natural area for its wildlife and habitat, as well as the recreational opportunities provided through its trail system. Although not currently open to the public, Crossline Canyons Natural Area is appreciated for its conserved habitat and opportunities for education and research.

About the Feedback:

Input was collected via on-site interviews, and a feedback form was provided online and at various events. Outreach included:

  • On-site interviews

  • A mailing to neighbors

  • A Land Conservation and Stewardship Board meeting

  • Natural Areas Enews announcement

  • Social Media

  • Trailhead signs

  • Volunteer coffee talk

  • Two trailhead table opportunities with planners at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area

  • An opportunity to hike with a planner at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area

  • A booth at the Fort Collins Food Truck Rally at City Park

Feedback Demographics Summary**

  • The majority (77%) were Larimer County residents, with more than half living in the area for over ten years.

  • The proportion of visitors from Fort Collins (35%) and Loveland (38%) were nearly the same.

  • Most visitors (67%) were over the age of 45.

  • Most respondents were non-Hispanic (88%) and identified as White (94%).

  • Annual household income varied with half of visitors earning under $100,000 per year, and the other half earning greater than $100,000 annually.

  • 77% of respondents had attained a bachelor's degree or higher certification.

*Natural Areas Values can be found in the 2025 Natural Areas Strategic Framework.

**Demographics were collected during the 2022-23 on-site interviews.

The Montane Zone consists of two natural areas west of Fort Collins: Bobcat Ridge and Crossline Canyons natural areas. They provide important habitats for many wildlife and plant species in need of conservation. Bobcat Ridge Natural Area also provides 20 miles of trail with stunning views of hogback ridges and Horsetooth Mountain. An additional 675 acres was recently added to Bobcat Ridge and Natural Areas is assessing the feasibility of trails on this expanded portion. Additionally, a multi-use pilot on the DR Trail has closed and the trail is now officially open as a multi-use trail. Over 900 statistically valid visitor survey forms were collected before and during the multiuse trial that informed the decision, with overall positive feedback about the change.

Crossline Canyons Natural Area currently has no feasible public access. The area is managed for research and relatively undisturbed habitat, abundant wildlife, and sensitive plant species. Please respect property closures.

Map of the Montane Zone Natural Areas in and near Fort Collins, Colorado. Two City of Fort Collins Natural Areas in the montane zone are shown in dark blue. Crossline Canyons Natural Area, which is not yet open to the public, is located west of Horsetooth Reservoir and north of Buckhorn Road. Bobcat Ridge Natural Area is farther south, near the southwestern edge of the map, west of County Road 27 and south of Buckhorn Road. Other areas on the map include green-shaded City of Fort Collins Natural Areas and tan-shaded open spaces like Lory State Park and Horsetooth Mountain Open Space. The map includes roads and nearby city streets for reference.Map of the Montane Zone Natural Areas


Bright yellow and purple wildflowers bloom among green plants and scattered rocks in the foreground, with a misty mountain range and charred tree stumps visible in the distance at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area during spring.Bobcat Ridge Natural Area Spring BloomsMontane Zone Ecology

The Montane Zone natural areas protect nearly 5,000 acres of valuable habitat. Ecological surveys on Bobcat Ridge and Crossline Canyons reveal 26 wildlife species of conservation priority, 39 rare plants, and four rare plant communities that need protection. Recent butterfly surveys at Crossline Canyons showed that there are at least 30 butterfly species that inhabit the area, including four different swallowtail species.

The natural areas in the Montane Zone are also prone to fire, flooding, and droughts, making for a dynamic landscape. Restoring resilient habitats in this zone is important, with restoration of native grasslands underway in the valley at Bobcat Ridge. In addition, cheatgrass treatments over the years have reduced fire potential and improved habitat.

Natural Areas is Listening: What has been shared previously

Engagement efforts in Fort Collins and across Larimer County help to inform management of Natural Areas, including those in the Montane Zone. On-site visitor surveys were conducted at Bobcat Ridge in 2022 and 2024. Survey results show overall high visitor satisfaction with the experience and amenities provided at Bobcat Ridge. Reports of crowding from all visitor groups remained relatively flat over the last several years. The 2023 Larimer County Our Lands Our Future Survey reaffirmed that residents equally value conservation and nature-based recreation. This survey also showed that residents value continued conservation of land for open spaces and trails, along with resilience to natural disasters and climate change impact.

Natural Areas continues to engage with diverse members of the community. In previous conversations, people mentioned wanting equitable access for different ages and abilities, a focus on trail etiquette, natural areas that are welcoming for all, and more information on wildlife safety. The feedback that has been shared to date will influence the management plan, and everyone is invited to share input now until June 30.

Two people paused during their hike along a winding dirt trail through a grassy, hilly landscape dotted with pine trees and rocks under a partly cloudy spring sky at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area in Fort Collins.Bobcat Ridge Natural Area

The results are in from the community engagement for the Montane Zone. Natural Areas staff and volunteers engaged 1,017 participants who provided responses to feedback questions in English and Spanish. Natural Areas staff are using the feedback to define how the Natural Areas Values* are reflected in the Montane Zone and to develop actionable tactics that will guide work over the coming years. The Draft Montane Zone Update will be available for public comment in spring 2026.

What people find important about natural areas in the Montane Zone:

  1. Trail access

  2. Nature and wildlife

  3. Scenic beauty

Key feedback themes for natural areas in the Montane Zone:

  • Wildlife and habitat protection

  • Highly rated trail system

  • Positive visitor experiences, with emphasis on:

  1. Free access
  2. Quiet and uncrowded nature of the area

The community voiced overwhelming satisfaction with Bobcat Ridge Natural Area and believes that it is well maintained. They equally value the natural area for its wildlife and habitat, as well as the recreational opportunities provided through its trail system. Although not currently open to the public, Crossline Canyons Natural Area is appreciated for its conserved habitat and opportunities for education and research.

About the Feedback:

Input was collected via on-site interviews, and a feedback form was provided online and at various events. Outreach included:

  • On-site interviews

  • A mailing to neighbors

  • A Land Conservation and Stewardship Board meeting

  • Natural Areas Enews announcement

  • Social Media

  • Trailhead signs

  • Volunteer coffee talk

  • Two trailhead table opportunities with planners at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area

  • An opportunity to hike with a planner at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area

  • A booth at the Fort Collins Food Truck Rally at City Park

Feedback Demographics Summary**

  • The majority (77%) were Larimer County residents, with more than half living in the area for over ten years.

  • The proportion of visitors from Fort Collins (35%) and Loveland (38%) were nearly the same.

  • Most visitors (67%) were over the age of 45.

  • Most respondents were non-Hispanic (88%) and identified as White (94%).

  • Annual household income varied with half of visitors earning under $100,000 per year, and the other half earning greater than $100,000 annually.

  • 77% of respondents had attained a bachelor's degree or higher certification.

*Natural Areas Values can be found in the 2025 Natural Areas Strategic Framework.

**Demographics were collected during the 2022-23 on-site interviews.

The Montane Zone consists of two natural areas west of Fort Collins: Bobcat Ridge and Crossline Canyons natural areas. They provide important habitats for many wildlife and plant species in need of conservation. Bobcat Ridge Natural Area also provides 20 miles of trail with stunning views of hogback ridges and Horsetooth Mountain. An additional 675 acres was recently added to Bobcat Ridge and Natural Areas is assessing the feasibility of trails on this expanded portion. Additionally, a multi-use pilot on the DR Trail has closed and the trail is now officially open as a multi-use trail. Over 900 statistically valid visitor survey forms were collected before and during the multiuse trial that informed the decision, with overall positive feedback about the change.

Crossline Canyons Natural Area currently has no feasible public access. The area is managed for research and relatively undisturbed habitat, abundant wildlife, and sensitive plant species. Please respect property closures.

Map of the Montane Zone Natural Areas in and near Fort Collins, Colorado. Two City of Fort Collins Natural Areas in the montane zone are shown in dark blue. Crossline Canyons Natural Area, which is not yet open to the public, is located west of Horsetooth Reservoir and north of Buckhorn Road. Bobcat Ridge Natural Area is farther south, near the southwestern edge of the map, west of County Road 27 and south of Buckhorn Road. Other areas on the map include green-shaded City of Fort Collins Natural Areas and tan-shaded open spaces like Lory State Park and Horsetooth Mountain Open Space. The map includes roads and nearby city streets for reference.Map of the Montane Zone Natural Areas


Bright yellow and purple wildflowers bloom among green plants and scattered rocks in the foreground, with a misty mountain range and charred tree stumps visible in the distance at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area during spring.Bobcat Ridge Natural Area Spring BloomsMontane Zone Ecology

The Montane Zone natural areas protect nearly 5,000 acres of valuable habitat. Ecological surveys on Bobcat Ridge and Crossline Canyons reveal 26 wildlife species of conservation priority, 39 rare plants, and four rare plant communities that need protection. Recent butterfly surveys at Crossline Canyons showed that there are at least 30 butterfly species that inhabit the area, including four different swallowtail species.

The natural areas in the Montane Zone are also prone to fire, flooding, and droughts, making for a dynamic landscape. Restoring resilient habitats in this zone is important, with restoration of native grasslands underway in the valley at Bobcat Ridge. In addition, cheatgrass treatments over the years have reduced fire potential and improved habitat.

Natural Areas is Listening: What has been shared previously

Engagement efforts in Fort Collins and across Larimer County help to inform management of Natural Areas, including those in the Montane Zone. On-site visitor surveys were conducted at Bobcat Ridge in 2022 and 2024. Survey results show overall high visitor satisfaction with the experience and amenities provided at Bobcat Ridge. Reports of crowding from all visitor groups remained relatively flat over the last several years. The 2023 Larimer County Our Lands Our Future Survey reaffirmed that residents equally value conservation and nature-based recreation. This survey also showed that residents value continued conservation of land for open spaces and trails, along with resilience to natural disasters and climate change impact.

Natural Areas continues to engage with diverse members of the community. In previous conversations, people mentioned wanting equitable access for different ages and abilities, a focus on trail etiquette, natural areas that are welcoming for all, and more information on wildlife safety. The feedback that has been shared to date will influence the management plan, and everyone is invited to share input now until June 30.

Page last updated: 30 Oct 2025, 11:49 AM