CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC until construction is complete.

5608 W Hwy 34 
Loveland, CO  80537 

Wild Natural Area is a 25-acre property along the Big Thompson River in west Loveland. The property is currently under development to provide public access and is anticipated to open in late 2024. 

The new Wild Natural Area will offer passive recreation amenities, including a trailhead with standard and ADA parking spaces, a bike rack, information kiosk with site map, ADA-accessible portalet unit, and a 0.5-mile soft-surface hiking/biking trail.  Vehicle access to the property will be made possible with the addition of a new traffic signal at Hwy 34 and Glade Road.

Allowed uses on the site will include river fishing (north side of the Big Thompson only), leashed dogs, wildlife/bird watching, and a trail connection to the neighboring property, Sweetheart Winery. No alcohol is permitted on Wild Natural Area.  

The Big Thompson River corridor will offer numerous opportunities for educational and recreational connections to Wild Natural Area's beautiful and diverse ecosystem. 

Wild Natural Area was purchased in 2009 using Loveland's share of dedicated funding from the Larimer County Open Lands Sales Tax. In 2013, the Big Thompson flood caused the river to change course through this reach, decimating much of the riverside vegetation and depositing silt, sand, woody material and debris throughout the property. A partnership project with Big Thompson Watershed Coalition and neighboring landowners utilized grant funding to rehabilitate the natural area and recontour the river channel to a meandering and more sustainable course. Native habitat has been restored along the river corridor and throughout the site, providing habitat for elk, deer, black bear and other mammals, songbirds, raptors, and waterfowl, and amphibians and reptiles. 

Loveland's Open Lands and Trails are funded through the Larimer County Open Lands Sales Tax, Capital Expansion Fees from new development, grants and partnerships. The Open Lands & Trails Division does not receive funding from the City's General Fund.