After more than a year of construction, Loveland’s Skyline and Dakota Ridge Natural Areas will open to the public Friday, October 30th, giving mountain bikers and hikers access to 7.65 miles of new trails in the foothills west of town.
The trail system spans two connected natural areas totaling 415 acres, with 3.93 miles of trails at Skyline and 3.72 miles at Dakota Ridge. The terrain ranges from open meadows and shrublands to ponderosa pine woodlands, with more than 400 feet of elevation change and views of the Front Range and eastern plains.
The City of Loveland hired Outdoor Recreation Designs, a Severance-based trail design and construction company, to lead the project. Working with city staff, the contractor developed a network intended to balance recreation with protection of the area’s wildlife habitat and sensitive natural resources.
Most of the system consists of natural-surface singletrack, with a mix of trail widths and surfaces designed to accommodate a range of abilities. Wider, aggregate-surfaced trails provide more accessible options, while the majority of the network offers traditional foothills riding. The system is expected to offer beginner and intermediate mountain biking opportunities.
The trails were envisioned as part of the area’s long-term management plan, developed with public input. The city began construction in fall 2025, with the project funded through Loveland’s share of the Larimer County Open Space tax and other designated trail funding.
The Skyline Trailhead is located near the intersection of U.S. Highway 34 and Rossum Drive, on the north side of Highway 34. The southern trailhead includes parking, a restroom and trailhead amenities.
The Dakota Ridge Trailhead is at the west end of West 43rd Street, at 4284 W. 43rd Street. The northern parking area provides access to Dakota Ridge and the connected trail network.
The two trailheads bookend the system, providing options for visitors approaching from different parts of Loveland. Riders should consult the official trail map to plan their route and confirm access details.
The new trails are not directly connected to Devil’s Backbone Open Space. A future connection to Prairie Ridge Natural Area could eventually create a larger regional trail network linking additional foothills riding destinations.
Rules, regs and map here.
More information on the trail system can be found here.
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