Jump to: Vision Plan for Trails | Trail Agent Program | Completed Trail Projects
Overland Mountain Bike Association helps advocate for and secure favorable policies, facilities, and investments in public trails as well as youth mountain biking and other group activities.
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Current Trail Projects:
Roaring Creek
Agency/Trail System: US Forest Service 
Status: Phase 1 – first 2.3 miles – COMPLETED – Re-opening October 28, 2023
Phase 2 – restore/realign the upper 3.8 miles once funding is secured.
Mileage: 5.1 miles
Targeted Ability Level: Advanced
Project Description: The existing Roaring Creek Trail suffered major impacts from the Cameron Peak Fire in 2020. This trail has seen little use historically from mountain bikes due to the very steep & rocky nature of the first 1.5 miles. We plan to change that with multiple new rerouted sections. The impacts from the fire are allowing us to create a much better trail suited for mountain bikes and modern-day multi-use. Work will be completed with a mix of volunteers, youth corps groups and a contracted professional builder.
See project videos and photos here!
Horsetooth Management Plan Update
Agency/Trail System: Horsetooth Mountain Open Space – Larimer County
Status: PROPOSED – Pending
Estimated Mileage as Proposed: TBD
Targeted Ability Level: Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced
****UPDATE****: See OMBA’s comments on the proposed actions from Larimer County here!!!
See & comment on Larimer County’s proposed actions here
Project Description: Larimer County is updating the management plan for Horsetooth Mountain Open Space in 2021 and will be considering changes to the current trail system. OMBA is one of multiple stakeholders involved in this process. We’ve submitted several proposal ideas to help improve the experience for mountain bikers and other trail users. Proposal ideas range from detailed suggestions on specific trails to cenceptual corridors and policies. Larimer County anticipates the planning process to be completed in the Fall of 2021. There will be several opportunities for public input which we will share as soon as able. The timeline for any changes approved during the planning process are TBD.
OMBA’s HTMOS Town Hall Meeting: View the recorded meeting here
Quarry Ridge (aka Jay’s Trail)
Agency/Trail System: Lory State Park
Status: PHASE 1 – COMPLETE, alternate lines to continue being developed;
PHASE 2 – APPROVED 2021;
PHASE 3 & 4 – PENDING 2022-2023
Mileage: Phase 1 – 1.2; Phase 2 – 0.8; Phase 3 – 0.6; Phase 4 – 0.6
Targeted Ability Level: Intermediate to Advanced, MTB-optimized
Project Description: The Quarry Ridge area will feature multiple 0.5-1.0 mile trail segments linked together for multiple routing options. All will be optimized for mountain bikes with numerous alt line options being built in the future. All trails take advantage of natural rock features, rolling terrain, and spectacular ridgeline views of Horsetooth Reservoir, the Lory valley, Arthur’s Rock, and the plains to the east. This will be a superb addition to the Lory State Park trail system. Special thanks go out to Kari Holden and her family for helping make this happen!
Continued Alt Line Development
Agency/Trail System: Lory State Park
Status: IN PROGRESS
Targeted Ability Level: Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced
Project Description:
South Bay to Inlet Bay Trail Project
Agency/Trail System: Larimer County & Fort Collins Natural Areas
Status: APPROVED
Timeline: Construction to begin 2023?
Estimated Mileage as Proposed: 1 ½ – 3 miles
Targeted Ability Level: Intermediate, foot and bike only
Project Description: This trail would provide a much-needed trail connection from Fort Collins to Horsetooth Reservoir and Horsetooth Mountain Open Space. The approved segment will provide a natural-surface trail connection from South Bay to Inlet Bay at Horsetooth Reservoir as well as a scenic shoreline loop around and over the peninsula. This trail would provide outstanding views of the Horsetooth Mountain area as well as the reservoir. The terrain would include unique rock formations, forested canopy, open grassland meadows and steep hillsides.
The proposed segment connecting Pineridge to South Bay would be an incredibly scenic shoreline trail between CR 38E and the reservoir, featuring a 300’ section of boardwalk bridge traversing a steep slope down to the lake’s edge. Incredibly unique rock formations would be encountered along this route.
Willow Bend Natural Area
Agency/Trail System: City of Loveland
Status: APPROVED – currently in fundraising stage
Timeline: TBD
Estimated Mileage as Proposed: 40 acre project site, 1.5-3 miles.
Targeted Ability Level: All skill levels
Project Description: TBD – pending concept design plan.
Cathy Fromme to Coyote Ridge Trail Project
Agency/Trail System: Fort Collins Natural Areas & Larimer County Solid Waste
Status: Proposed in 2017 – awaiting decision through Fort Collins Natural Areas Fossil Creek Management Plan update.
Timeline: TBD
Estimated Mileage as Proposed: 3 ½
Targeted Ability Level: Beginner, multi-use
Project Description: This trail would provide a much-needed connection from the existing Fort Collins paved recreation trail system to the extensive natural-surface foothills trail system. It would allow direct trail access to Coyote Ridge Natural Area, Rim Rock Trail, Blue Sky Trail, Indian Summer Trail, Devil’s Backbone Open Space, Horsetooth Mountain Open Space and Lory State Park. The trail as proposed would intersect with the Fossil Creek Trail on the west side of Cathy Fromme Natural Area, travel south along this property’s western boundary, circle to the west of the Larimer County Landfill, terminating where it intersects with Coyote Ridge Trail.
Young Gulch Trail Project
Agency/Trail System: US Forest Service – Roosevelt National forest, Canyon Lakes Ranger District
Status: REOPENED December 2019 – Continuing work
Mileage: 5.1
Targeted Ability Level: Intermediate, multi-use
Project Description: Young Gulch Trail is a longtime Fort Collins favorite. This popular trail was damaged during the High Park Fire of 2012. It was repaired and re-opened for about 10 days before suffering major damage in the historic September 2013 flood event. With the cooperative efforts of multiple organizations and the local Canyon Lakes Ranger District, a plan was generated to completely redesign and rebuild the entire trail to greatly increase sustainability and the overall user experience. Over 90% of the trail is new tread. The new design pulls the trail up higher out of the gulch and away from the creek in many areas to greatly minimize damage from future flooding events, as well as allow better wildlife access to the riparian habitat. It also incorporates many newer trail features, such as rolling grade dips instead of traditional rock water bars, grade reversals, and in-sloped turns. The rock work on the new retaining walls is simply astounding! New log footbridges and water crossings continue to be installed in several areas by OMBA volunteers. All this creates a much-improved user experience, taking users to new views and experiences unavailable with the prior trail routing.
View our Young Gulch Trail Project and test ride videos.
Town of Berthoud Bike Park
Agency/Trail System: Town of Berthoud
Status: APPROVED – 2022
Estimated Size as Proposed: 20 Acres
Targeted Ability Level: all skill levels
Project Description: The Town of Berthoud Bike Park is still in the concept phase with the design/build process scheduled to begin in 2022. Exact features and layout is still to be determined.
Elkhorn Trail
Agency/Trail System: US Forest Service – Canyon Lakes Ranger District
Status: IN PROGRESS – 2022 Target
Mileage: 3.6
Targeted Ability Level: Intermediate, multi-use
Project Description: The Elkhorn Trail will be a new trail connecting the existing Elkhorn Creek Trailhead to the existing Granite Ridge Trail near the Molly Lake Trailhead. While this area is closed to bicycles from December 1-June 30, this is likely to be revisited soon. The new trail completes a missing gap to provide a new loop option for the area. With numerous large rock features, the potential for future optional riding features is also very high. This project is being led by Wildlands Restoration Volunteers.
Current Trail Agent Projects:
Hewlett Gulch Trail Project
Agency/Trail System: US Forest Service – Roosevelt National Forest, Canyon Lakes Ranger District
Status: IN PROGRESS – Trail Open
Timeline: Ongoing
Mileage: 7 miles
Targeted Ability Level: Intermediate, multi-use
Project Description: Construct log footbridges and improved bike fords on all stream crossings; construct reroute of upper lollypop gully crossing; reconstruct trail to address erosion where needed. In 2021 completed 12 log footbridges and ford improvements, and several trail reconstruction sections and numerous drainage structures.
Young Gulch Trail Project
Agency/Trail System: US Forest Service – Roosevelt National Forest, Canyon Lakes Ranger District
Status: REOPENED December 2019 – Continuing work
Mileage: 5.1
Targeted Ability Level: Intermediate, multi-use
Project Description: Construct log footbridges and improved bike fords on select stream crossings; continue trail tread, switchback and rock wall construction on incomplete sections. In 2021 completed 4 log footbridges and ford improvements, and reconstructed an incomplete off ramp on bridge 3.
Lower Dadd Gulch Trail Project
Agency/Trail System: US Forest Service – Roosevelt National Forest, Canyon Lakes Ranger District
Status: IN PROGRESS – Trail Open
Timeline: Ongoing
Mileage: 5 miles
Targeted Ability Level: Intermediate to Advanced, multi-use
Project Description: Construct log footbridges and improved bike fords on select stream crossings; reconstruct trail to address erosion where needed; reconstruct outdated or failed drainage structures; continue trail tread, switchback and rock wall construction on sections. In 2021 completed 4 log footbridges and ford improvements, reroute of trail and closure of rutted trail section, several trail reconstruction sections and numerous drainage structures.
Mt. Margaret Trail System Project
Agency/Trail System: US Forest Service – Roosevelt National Forest, Canyon Lakes Ranger District
Status: IN PROGRESS – Trail Open
Timeline: Ongoing
Mileage:
Targeted Ability Level: Beginner to Intermediate, multi-use
Project Description: Reconstruct trail to address erosion where needed; reconstruct outdated or failed drainage structures; add bike trestles to gated fence crossings for improved bike access. In 2021 completed 6 bike trestle installations and numerous drainage structures.
Lady Moon/Elkhorn Creek Trail System Project
Agency/Trail System: US Forest Service – Roosevelt National Forest, Canyon Lakes Ranger District
Status: IN PROGRESS – Trail Open seasonally
Timeline: Ongoing
Mileage:
Targeted Ability Level: Beginner to Intermediate, multi-use
Project Description: Provide support to Elkhorn Creek trail reconstruction; reconstruct trail to address erosion where needed; continue trail tread, switchback and rock wall construction on incomplete sections; add bike trestles to gated fence crossings for improved bike access. In 2021 completed several trail reconstruction sections and numerous drainage structures.
North Lone Pine Trail Project
Agency/Trail System: US Forest Service – Roosevelt National Forest, Canyon Lakes Ranger District
Status: IN PROGRESS – Trail Open after Cameron Peak fire closure
Timeline: Ongoing
Mileage: 5 miles
Targeted Ability Level: Intermediate to Advanced, multi-use
Project Description: Repair trail damage from Cameron Peak fire and fire break construction; reconstruct trail to address erosion where needed; continue trail tread, switchback and rock wall construction on sections. In 2021 completed major clearing of trail, reroute of trail to address damaged section, several trail reconstruction sections and drainage structures.
Donner Pass
Agency/Trail System: US Forest Service – Roosevelt National Forest, Canyon Lakes Ranger District
Status: Support – Trail Open after Cameron Peak fire closure
Timeline: Ongoing
Mileage:
Targeted Ability Level: Advanced, multi-use and moto
Project Description: Trail Agent Crews are providing support services for post-fire reconstruction efforts, including scouting and assessment, clearing and reroute mapping.
Swamp Creek
Agency/Trail System: US Forest Service – Roosevelt National Forest, Canyon Lakes Ranger District
Status: Support – Trail Open after Cameron Peak fire closure
Timeline: Ongoing
Mileage:
Targeted Ability Level: Advanced, multi-use and moto
Project Description: Trail Agent Crews are providing support services for post-fire reconstruction efforts, including scouting and assessment, clearing and reroute mapping.
Roaring Creek
Agency/Trail System: US Forest Service – Roosevelt National Forest, Canyon Lakes Ranger District
Status: IN PROGRESS – 2022 Target
Mileage: 5.1 miles
Targeted Ability Level: Advanced
Project Description: Trail Agent Crews are providing support services for post-fire reconstruction efforts, including scouting and assessment, clearing and reroute mapping.
The existing Roaring Creek Trail suffered major impacts from the Cameron Peak Fire in 2020. This trail has seen little use historically from mountain bikes due to the very steep & rocky nature of the first 1.5 miles. We plan to change that with multiple new rerouted sections. The impacts from the fire are allowing us to create a much better trail suited for mountain bikes and modern-day multi-use. Work will be completed with a mix of volunteers, youth corps groups and a contracted professional builder.
Completed Trail Projects:
Curt Gowdy – Gold Rush (3rd Gold Trail)
Agency/Trail System: Curt Gowdy State Park – Wyoming
Status: OPEN!
Timeline: Open Summer of 2022
Mileage: 1.02
Targeted Ability Level: Advanced/ Intermediate
Project Description: Curt Gowdy state park is a public recreation area covering 3,395 acres in Albany and Laramie counties in Wyoming. It is located on Wyoming Highway 210, halfway between Cheyenne and Laramie. There have been three very popular recent trail additions within the “Gold” series. The first built in 2018 Gold Watch, then Gold Standard Built in 2020, and now Gold Rush in 2022! All are designed to take advantage of Curt Gowdy’s large rolling Sherman batholith rock (Bikers often describe it as especially tacky rough granite rock).
The Gold Rush Trail is one of the few machine built trails in Curt Gowdy State Park. It flows through large rolling rock and wood structures into a few winding berms for just over one mile of trail. Many of the features require strong technical bike handling and this trail was built with advanced riders in mind.
Lory State Park MTB Skills Park
Agency/Trail System: Lory State Park
Status: OPEN!
Timeline: TBD
Estimated Mileage as Proposed: 70,000 sq ft – same as existing park footprint
Targeted Ability Level: all skill levels
Project Description: The bike skills park at Lory State Park has been around for many years. Recent years have seen significant degrading of existing features. A concept plan has been created for a complete redesign and rebuild of park features. The new concept design includes progressive jump and flow lines, a much-improved and enlarged skills area, new pump track, Tot Trak & Tot Skillz area and a new community gathering space.
The dirt-jump and flow-style area will cover approximately 17,000 sq ft on the eastern half of the property. This area is to include 3-4 lines ranging from small to large features with integrated lines for user creativity and bail-outs. This area will emphasize more of a “flow-style” experience rather than pure “dirt-jump” style.
The skills area will cover approximately 20,000 sq ft on the western half of the property. The area will feature a series of intertwining lines of varying ability, ranging from beginner to expert to aid in skills progression. Features will be designed to mimic the rigors of local riding. Feature types will include rocks, boulders, balance, and turns for rhythm/flow. A “drop zone” will act as a filter and identifier for the intended ability for each line, with larger drops more the more difficult lines.
An approximately 3,500 sq ft medium-large pump track will be located on the northwest portion of the property. Approximately 3,000 sq ft is dedicated for the Tot Lot/Kid Zone on the north-central portion of the property and near the facility entrance.
This project will be a major addition to the mountain biking opportunities in Lory State Park. Allowing users to develop their skills on features of varying size and difficulty will ensure functionality remains high for many years. A separate project is also being done to completely renovate the existing Soldier Canyon Group Picnic Area. This is currently scheduled for completion in May 2018. These two facilities will combine to provide an outstanding venue for public events and recreational opportunities.
On the Rocks Trail Project
Agency/Trail System: Fort Collins Natural Areas – Bobcat Ridge Natural Area
Status: COMPLETED
Mileage: 1.0
Targeted Ability Level: Advanced – Expert
Project Description: On the Rocks will give visitors stunning views, unique experiences, and create a 1- to 1.5-mile loop on the west side of Bobcat Ridge. This advanced- and expert-level trail will take users over, through and around large unique rock surfaces and formations, creating a truly one-of-a-kind trail segment in Colorado’s Northern Front Range region. The area currently has approximately 12.5 miles of natural surface, multi-use trails open to mountain bikes. When complete, On the Rocks will have been rider-planned, rider-designed and rider-built.
Prairie Ridge Natural Area Trail Project
Agency/Trail System: City of Loveland – Prairie Ridge Natural Area
Status: COMPLETED
Timeline: 2019 to begin construction – 2020 for full completion
Estimated Mileage as Proposed: 2 – 2 ½ total miles as mapped
Targeted Ability Level: ADA-accessible in BLUE, Beginner-Intermediate in RED; multi-use
Project Description: Prairie Ridge Natural Area is part of a 3,500-acre community separator between Loveland and Fort Collins. The property is located northwest of N. Wilson Ave & 57th Street in Loveland, immediately south of the City of Fort Collins Coyote Ridge Natural Area. Prairie Ridge is currently undeveloped and does not allow public access. This will soon change with the proposed trail system. The property will feature a new parking and trailhead area, a 0.8-mile ADA-accessible trail going west from the new trailhead, and a 1.5-mile natural-surface multi-use trail going north-south along the hogback.
Future plans include potential connections to the existing Coyote Ridge Trail to the north. Long-term, the plan is to ultimately connect to the City of Loveland’s paved recreational trail system to the south. This would provide new loop-options suitable for all levels of trail users.
With full implementation of all proposed trails as shown, residents and visitors of both Loveland and Fort Collins will have not just additional trail opportunities to choose from, but will see MUCH IMPROVED access and connectivity to existing trails as well. The opportunities for multiple new loop/route options will be a major step in dispersing trail users, minimizing user conflicts and reducing strain on existing parking/trailhead areas. The remaining property at Prairie Ridge will continue as a working dryland wheat farm.
More info and to download the Trail Concept Map: Visit the City of Loveland’s official Prairie Ridge Natural Area page: www.cityofloveland.org/prairieridge or view our Prairie Ridge Natural Area Trail Project Page.
Hermit Park Open Space – Limber Pine & Moose Meadow Trail Project
Agency/Trail System: Larimer County Open Lands
Status: COMPLETE
Mileage: 9
Targeted Ability Level: Intermediate, multi-use
Project Description: This is a new trail system in Hermit Park Open Space near the popular tourist town of Estes Park. A total of 7 miles of new trail is to be constructed, generally paralleling the main access road through the property. It will include several connecting spur trails to existing campgrounds. It also connects directly into Homestead Meadows trail system on US Forest Service land, allowing additional connections to Lion Gulch, Pierson Park and beyond. This new trail system takes users on a delightful journey through varying landscapes featuring aspen groves, dense pine forests, unique rock formations and small open meadows. The exceptionally designed and built trail has many contour features, alternate features for more advanced users, and varying tread surface types.