Date Hiked: May 22, 2022

Distance: 1.8 mi (RT)

Elevation Gain: 425 ft

Elevation Min/Max: 5,365 to 5,785 ft

Trailhead Lat/Long: 40.70139, -105.24234

Managing Agency: City of Fort Collins

Fee: Yes

DESCRIPTION:

From Fort Collins, head north out of town on Hwy 287. Turn left (west) onto CO Hwy 14 into Poudre Canyon. Gateway Natural Area is about 5 miles from the CO Hwy 14 turn off at a bend in the Poudre River.

HIKE DESCRIPTION:

Located at the eastern point of the Cache La Poudre Canyon, Gateway Natural Park is one of the first hiking options in the canyon. The park is wedged into a side canyon and built around the North Fork of the Cache La Poudre River. There are 3 hikes in this park including the hike to Seaman Reservoir, the Overlook Trail, and the Black Powder Trail. The Black Powder Trail is short but sweet. The hike climbs a steep canyon to the rim, follows a ridge, and returns. The views along the way are spectacular both looking down on Seaman Reservoir, and looking up the Cache La Poudre Canyon.

The trail starts at the bridge across the Poudre River and follows a road for a few minutes to the Black Powder Trailhead. From here, the trail climbs up a switchback and joins with the Viewpoint Trail. This short trail is a must-do add-on to this hike. The trail skirts the narrow cliffside to a nice viewpoint…look out for cactus growing out from the cliff.

Rejoin the Black Powder Trail and continue climbing up a gully to the ridge that serves as the canyon rim. Once of the ridge, the 360 degree views open up in all directions. Hike along the ridge until you reach the start of the loop. Head either way, the views are great on both sides of the loop. The best views of the hike are to be found at the western tip of the loop where the Poudre Canyon is seen in all its splendor. The views on the return hike mostly feature Seaman Reservoir and are spectacular. Climb back down the gully to the Poudre River and the bridge to the parking area.

Gateway Natural Area is a beautiful park and there many ways to enjoy it. Since this is a hiking site I’ll go on the record as saying the best way to enjoy this park, is to hike the Black Powder Trail you won’e be disappointed.