Northern Colorado Welcomes New Natural Areas/Trailheads

Living in Colorado means being able to take in much of the beauty that nature has to offer. In West Loveland, the Dakota Ridge-Skyline system of trails and natural areas is one way to get out, get fresh air, and take in nature.

East of Devil's Backbone is Nearly Eight Miles of Trails, Over 400 Acres of Nature

After over a year of construction, the City of Loveland officially opened the Dakota Ridge & Skyline Natural Areas; there are two main trailheads, the Dakota Ridge one, off of Eisenhower (just east of Jamoka Joe's), and the other, the Skyline one, about a half mile west of Wilson on 43rd Street. There is also access via walking in/biking in at  2411 Morning Drive; there is no parking allowed.

READ MORE: 7 Things to Know About Hiking the Manitou Incline

To be honest, while I have checked out the trail system a bit, I started at the Eisenhower trailhead and have not yet seen the 43rd Street trailhead. I bring that up to mention that parking at the Eisenhower trailhead can be limited: It has 16 regular parking spaces and one handicapped parking space. The city does not want people parking in non-designated areas and advises people to "come back another day" if parking spaces are all taken.

Only One Trail Within Dakota Ridge-Skyline is Open to E-Bikes

While you can mountain bike on eight of the trails within the natural areas, only one is open for e-biking: the Dakota Trail, which runs along the eastern side of the system. Also, no horses or dogs are allowed on any of the trails for their safety and the safety of others. Also, be on the lookout for rattlesnakes in the area.

The trail system has five "scenic viewpoints"; on my first hike, I went up the Equules Trail to the scenic viewpoint about three-quarters of a mile out. That view, with a bench to rest, looked west towards Devil's Backbone; very nice. I look forward to getting out there often to trek to the other scenic stops; the Namqua Star is in the Skyline Natural Area, I'll have to find it.