Tour the Soapstone Prairie This Summer

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The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program is once again offering informational, guided tours of the of the spectacular Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. Citizens have the opportunity to take a preview tour and discover the cultural and natural history of the City of Fort Collins premier natural area. All tours are led by naturalists. Geology, ecology, archaeology, and history are highlighted. 

Photo by Charlie Johnson.

The tours are free and open to adults 18 or older, and participants on most tours will be transported to the site in City vehicles. Reservations are required, and space is limited for each tour. In the interest of safety, all tours are subject to last minute cancellation because of weather and road conditions.

Located just 24 miles north of Fort Collins, Soapstone Prairie is 18,000 acres of undulating native prairies, unique rock and cliff formations, abundant wildlife, and the archaeologically-significant Lindenmeier site, all on a landscape of unimaginable beauty.

Previous tour participants have remarked:

“This is what a natural area should look like.”

“Soapstone Prairie is a unique and precious gift to the future of our area.”

“I was not aware of such beautiful natural features so close to Fort Collins.”

“Beautiful! Well worth the effort and cost to preserve. This is what Colorado is all about.”

“If you want to see some of the most beautiful and historic areas in the West, see this.”

Four types of tours are offered:

1. Van tours: Relax and enjoy the view. This tour includes short walks to the Lindenmeier overlook, a lunch break and fantastic views.

2. Hiking tours: Explore and discover natural and cultural history up close. Hikers must be able to hike 4-6 miles on uneven terrain with little cover.

3. Biking tours: Discover Soapstone Prairie from two wheels on a guided ride covering several miles of gravel road and two-track trails on steep grades. Technical riding experience not required. Bikers must provide transportation for themselves and their bikes to the entrance of Soapstone Prairie.

4. Equestrian tours: Bring your mount for a ride through the shortgrass prairie with spectacular views of Cheyenne Ridge and the Big Hole. Plan on 5 hours of riding a 15-mile loop in the southwest portion of the natural area. Participants must provide transportation for themselves and their mounts to the entrance of Soapstone Prairie.

The tour schedule is available at http://www.fcgov.com/naturalareas/soapstone.php.

To register for a tour call 970-416-2815 or email naturalareas@fcgov.com.

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