Poudre River Trail

The Poudre River Trail’s trail head starts in west Windsor and goes all the way into Greeley. The 21 mile paved trail goes through a combination of urban most rural areas such as along river banks, bluffs, fields and farmland. The trail head as I said starts in West Windsor, just east of the Ptarmigan country Club’s Golf Course. The trail is not far from a Fort Collins bike trail also called the Poudre Trail which ends at the Habitat Learning Center. It is planned that the two trails were to connect yet this has not happened either through inept planning on a cities part, uncooperative private land owners, easement issues or a combination of these or other factors.
I highly recommend this trail! I have said it is paved all the way to Greeley from west Windsor. It goes through some nice neighborhoods and parks in the southeast part of Windsor then goes to open space, farmland, and river banks. I suggest going here in the spring, summer or fall!
Since it is 21 miles one way you may want to spend the night in Greeley or Windsor, depending which way you are going. If you are an avid biker then you could probably go both ways without any problem at all but if you are like me I just had to get a room! When you go to Greeley from Windsor you are mostly going downhill which means it is more of a workout if you have to bike back to Windsor because it is uphill.
I was being overzealous and thought I could go back that night but after going one way I was too exhausted to go back and decided against it. That was not the only reason why. I have said this is mostly a rural trail therefore there are considerable factors to consider if you going back on this trail at night. Here are a few things that could be potential «hazards» but really are just things you should be aware of when going on this trail. I’m not trying to dissuade you from biking on this trail by any means at all! Here are a few things to think about if you do choose to bike at night on this trail. There is a construction zone between Windsor and Greeley where the paved trail ends and there are concrete dividers that you walk in between to get to the other side of the trail. You don’t want to hit those at night! Much of this trail goes through private property so that means no trespassing and keep your dog on a leash at all times because as some signs indicate, some property owners may shoot your dogs if they get on their land. There are hunters that hunt through the rural parts of the trail in the Fall so expect to hear gun shots. In fact I would advise wearing bright colored clothing in the Fall so you are not confused with wild game. Most hunters probably know where the bike trail is but don’t make that assumption too much! Some areas of the trail, closer to Greeley go through a pasture. I came across some mother cows with their calves. They seemed tame for the most part but one mother got a little snorty and protective but did not charge. Most times they won’t. Just stay away from the calves and let them see you and be on your way and you should be free of incident but do you really want to run into them in the dark. Someone might get a little ringy and someone might get ringed! There are also cattle guards that you have to cross. They have screens set up so you can have your bike go over it safely. It is very important if you don’t go on the screen to hold onto your handlebars tight! You are in for a real wreck if one of your tires goes through the cattle guard. I have seen this for myself! A friend of mine got her head split open at a birthday party for not hanging onto the handlebars tight enough and so the party had to get canceled so she could get stitches. Also on the path there is an abrupt end and kind of a drop off of the paved trail for a railroad crossing. The trail resumes right after but if you are not paying attention you could be in for a real jolt, especially at night. Something else to be aware of when biking and especially at night. There is a narrowing of the trail in west Greeley for a small section where you go past some small river bluffs. there is also Poison Ivy that grows here as well. There are signs indicating this and they have it cut back so you won’t touch it but you could very easily miss the signs at night. Finally the trail is not maintained in the winter so that is something to consider as well.
These things are not to be deterrents to going on this trail, just things to be aware of. It is a gorgeous trail and worthy to go on for anyone who wants to take a leisurely bike ride through city and open space! Enjoy!