Butterfly Woods & Cache La Poudre Out-and-Back (Fort Collins, CO): A Gentle Riverside Stroll
Stroller-Friendly
New-Walker-Friendly
Kid-Friendly
Dog-Friendly
Mixed Sun/Shade
Out-and-Back
Discover a peaceful riverside escape at Lions Open Space and Butterfly Woods Natural Area in Laporte, CO near Fort Collins, CO. This gentle out-and-back trail offers soothing sounds of the Cache La Poudre River and a unique experience crossing a charming, rustic wooden bridge - perfect for a relaxing outing with your little one in a stroller or a new walker exploring the path.
Detailed Trail Description:
Starting from the Lions Open Space Trailhead, the wide, paved path gently meanders alongside the tranquil Cache La Poudre River. You'll enjoy the calming sounds of the river flowing nearby.
There are a couple of spots to get closer to the water: two narrow footpaths through tall grass and trees lead directly down to the river, or you can access the water's edge by the road bridge, which offers a gentle, sloping entry – a safer option for little ones who want to interact with the water using sticks, stones, or just splashing!
As you approach the section where the road bridges over, be aware of two blind corners and a small, gradual incline. Continuing on, the highlight of this route is a distinctive, rustic wooden and metal bridge. This charming bridge is perfect for watching the water below or even capturing some memorable photos, but note there are two more blind spots on the bridge itself, midway and near the end, just before entering the quiet expanse of Butterfly Woods Natural Area.
Beyond the bridge, the trail continues before reaching its turn-around point. Just before you turn back, keep an eye out for a stone seat off to the right (northwest), offering a perfect shaded spot for a snack break.
February Afternoon, by Sierra Wilde
Accessibility Notes:
Kid-Friendly Notes: The flat, wide paved path is excellent for new walkers gaining confidence and perfect for strollers. The gentle river access and bridge offer fun, memorable landmarks and interaction opportunities.
Dog-Friendly Notes: Dogs are welcome on-leash, with plenty of river access for a quick drink.
Trail Traffic:
Generally Light during winter and Moderate during peak season.
This trail is heavily by runners and cyclists since it’s part of the Poudre trail, a 12.3 mile long trail that runs from Watson Fish Hatchery in Bellvue, CO to the CSU Environmental Learning Center in Fort Collins, CO.
Planning Your Trip:
Trailhead Location: Lions Open Space Trailhead
Parking: Packed dirt/gravel parking lot available at the trailhead, ~20 spots
Facilities: Restrooms and picnic area are available north of the parking lot, there is a park bench and dumpsters located at Butterfly Woods Natural Area
Cost for Entry/Parking: Free
Timed Entry/Reservations: Not required
Nearby Cafes: Me Oh My! Coffee and Pie, LaPorte Pizza, La Campechana Mexican Food, Vern’s Place, and Howling Cow Cafe
Sharing the bridge with bikes, by Sierra Wilde
Important Considerations:
The Noisy Bridge: While charming and great for photos, the rustic wooden bridge can be quite noisy as boards shift, especially when bikes ride over it. This sound can be a bit scary for young children, so be prepared to offer reassurance.
Heavy Bike Traffic: This trail is part of the popular Cache La Poudre Trail, which means you'll encounter heavy bike traffic, including ebikes and escooters.
Blind Turns & Approaching Riders: Be aware of several blind turns (two near the road bridge and two on the rustic bridge) where riders may approach quickly. Many cyclists and scooter riders do not use bells or their voices to warn of their approach.
Keep Littles Close: For safety, keep young children close to you and on their side of the trail.
Vibrant Colors & Voice Commands: Dress children in vibrant colors to make them more visible to approaching riders. It's also helpful if your children are good at voice commands like "to the right" or "get over" to help them navigate quickly.
Riverside Safety: The trail runs close to the Cache La Poudre River in sections. Always supervise children closely, especially new walkers, to ensure they stay on the main path and away from the water's edge.
Sun Exposure: While there are shaded sections, parts of the trail are open, particularly near the river and Butterfly Woods Natural Area. Wear sun protective clothing, hats, sunglasses, and bring sunscreen and plenty of water, especially on sunny days.
Trail Etiquette: This is a multi-use trail. Be mindful of cyclists and other walkers. Keep dogs on a leash and pack out all trash, including pet waste.
Ready to enjoy a calm outing along the river? Share your outing with us using #GetOutdoorsTogether
