More Fort Collins Family Activities!

Salyer Natural Area

We are always on the lookout for more Fort Collins family activities. Particular those that are close to home, and outside! Salyer Natural Area was a fun new find for us! We planned a birthday breakfast for our two year old at Cafe Bluebird , so we could get a tasty, organic breakfast before our hike, that none of us had to cook. We really enjoyed our first Bluebird experience! No surprise, since we have had no less than three friends recommend it to us in the last couple of months.

We happened on Salyer Natural Area from the Hickory spur of the Poudre River Trail. We parked at the lot down the hill from Lee Martinez Farm, next to the playground, and headed down the trail into the trees. We took a dirt packed trail just to the left of the main trail sign, at the edge of the woods. It looked like a welcome adventure, a trail with lush green (end of May) all around it.

We were able to cross a swampy spot over a downed tree, which always adds to an adventure, and climb a crazy tree with limbs and trunks in all directions. Then we came out on the concrete trail, part of the Hickory Spur of the Poudre River Trail, and headed for the bridge over the Poudre River. It was high and fast the day we were there, so the sticks we threw in were quick to leave our view. Just over the bridge on the left, we spotted the Salyer Natural Area Sign.

Heading out today for our Fort Collins family activities, we didn't bring an extra change of clothes, so we took some more conservative choices on the trail. There was a spur or two which would have required some dips in wet and muddy spots...but we had fun on the trail even without taking the X-game routes. There were tons of wild flowers, a very fragrant meadow, and when everyone was quiet...for two seconds...we could only hear the songs of what seemed to be a *million* birds! When we headed back to the trail, we lingered by the river and bridge again, climbing a large tree by the water's edge. We always keep a hand on our little guy near the water, we have a strong respect for the current on this river.

How do you get there?
From Old Town, head west on Mountain, then take a right on Sherwood. Follow Sherwood all the way to the end. If you turn left there, you'll be in the parking lot for Lee Martinez Farm. If you turn right, and go down the hill, you will see some sports fields, tennis courts and a Poudre Trail spur to the north of the parking lot. The playground is accessible from either parking lot.

Trail Logistics
There's no cost for any spot along this trail, with many options for Fort Collins family activities in the outdoors. The spurs off the trail can be a bit confusing, so keep track of where you turn...I HAVE taken a wrong turn on walks along this trail before! Be very aware with your little ones...there are MANY cyclists along these awesome paved trails.

Special Attractions
The shade along this trail makes it really appealing with little people in the summer! The Poudre River is a fantastic feature of this area. Tossing rocks and sticks in the water is a favorite past time of our kiddos. A bridge is extra special. Be sure to keep everyone within arms reach!

We love this area on the Poudre River Trail for the natural feature of the trees. There are several spots where downed trees make great climbing obstacles, or shelters for the kiddos to enjoy some imaginary play. You can spend an entire day, if you bring enough snacks in this neck of the woods...Fort Collins family activities galore...just bring a change of clothes and be prepared for an adventure!

Adjacent and Connecting Trails
There are many spurs along the paved Poudre River Trail. It connects to several of the Bike Trails in town, and runs on the north side of Old Town.

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