1135 Rossum Drive (west) + 1140 Rossum Drive (east)

MAP & REGULATIONS

Open 6:00A - 10:30P daily.  

Oxbow Natural Area consists of two sites along the west Big Thompson River, separated by Rossum Drive. Oxbow West (12 acres) contains the “oxbow,” a U-shaped bend in the meandering river, with open meadows resulting from frequent flooding, while Oxbow East (8 acres) offers the shade of cottonwood trees and other native vegetation along the river corridor.  

In 2022, new parking, access, trail connections, a vault restroom, and safety and stormwater improvements were completed, made possible by a Resilient Communities grant from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO). 

The two Oxbow properties were purchased in 2015 and 2016 to conserve the natural features, provide public access, and allow for flood mitigation. The natural area offers more than 0.5 mile of soft-surface trails, providing opportunities for fishing, wildlife viewing, picnicking, and access to the city's 21-mile paved recreation trail system. Other nearby soft-surface trails to explore include Hidden Hogback Trail and Mariana Butte summit trails, which are  accessible from Rossum Drive, south of Oxbow East Natural Area. 

Leashed dogs are welcome, owners must pick up and remove pet waste; doggie bags and trash cans are provided. On-street parking is available on Rossum Drive, including spaces for ADA access.  

A public naming process in 2015 resulted in more than 130 name suggestions for 4 new natural areas at the time.  The Open Lands Advisory Commission selected the name "Oxbow Natural Area" based on the site's location along the river's oxbow bend. 

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