Around town, numerous parks and natural areas offer a front-row seat to the dazzling display of autumn’s vibrant hues. In this blog post, we’ll take you on a virtual tour of some of the best trails for experiencing the magic of fall foliage in Greeley, Colorado.
1. Signature Bluffs Natural Area
The trailhead is located on 71st Avenue, half a mile south of O Street
The 86-acre natural area on the Cache la Poudre River has cottonwood stands, grassy meadows, and cattails. Meander on the paved trail or try fishing as you soak in the colors of warm yellow leaves of Cottonwood trees. Better yet, take family portraits by the big red barn and send them as your holiday card. The yellow changing leaves make a beautiful backdrop.
- Paved trail
- Fishing
- Walking/Jogging/Biking
- Restrooms
2. Glenmere Park
14th Avenue and 19th Street
Glenmere Park offers a little bit of everything: playground, shaded gazebo and picnic area, duck pond, art sculptures, and big, beautiful trees. Green Ash, Kentucky Coffee tree, and Linden trees burst with yellow and gold leaves. Most yellow and orange-ish trees will be Crabapples and Honey Locust.
The park’s well-maintained, mature trees put on a spectacular show of fall colors, and the playground nearby provides an excellent way for kids to expend some energy.
3. University of Northern Colorado Campus
501 20th Street
Just a hop, skip, and a jump over from Glenmere Park is the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) campus. When we asked Sarah Boyd, UNC landscape and transportation manager, where we can see fall colors on campus, she said, “There’s a tool for that.” The tree trail is an interactive map displaying the UNC campus and the trees’ locations. Warm, golden-colored Honey Locusts and rust-colored Cottonwood trees punctuate the college campus.
4. Island Grove Regional Park
501 North 14th Avenue
Golden yellow leaves are beautiful, but a burgundy red is even more striking. Island Grove Regional Park has Pear trees punctuating its perimeter that make for some eye-catching rosy leaves.
Island Grove got its name from the original stand of Cottonwood trees that grew along the Cache la Poudre River as far back as the late 1800s. Thanks to the Cottonwoods and Pears, you can expect to see yellow leaves with bursts of red here and there.
Funded by a grant from Poudre Heritage Alliance, be sure to check out the kiosk sign at Island Grove trailhead for the Poudre River Trail to learn about the plants and animals you might spot while in the area.
The multi-use park and sports complex has picnic areas and an inclusive, farm-themed playground called Aven’s Village. The playground is a local favorite for young Greeley residents!
- Walking/Jogging/Biking
- Picnic Area
- Restrooms
- Playground
5. Poudre Ponds
North 35th Avenue, between F Street and O Street
Go fishing and enjoy the dappled sunlight and golden trees while waiting for a bite on your line. Paddleboards, kayaks, and small non-motorized boats are also allowed on the pond. It’s a great way to enjoy colors reflecting off the water. Psst – the pond will be stocked with rainbow trout at the beginning of October. You can also walk the 1.7-mile loop around the pond, or catch the nearest Poudre River Trail entrance right by the parking lot.
- Walking/Jogging/Biking
- Fishing
- Paddleboard/kayak
- No Swimming
- Restrooms
Where are your favorite leaf-peepin’ places around Greeley? Share Your Story and follow the “Greeley, A Story Best Lived In” campaign on Facebook for all things related to our beloved city.
