Did you know that I am a Colorado dog? I was born in Denver, Colorado, September of 2008. Hi Grandma Beth! Can I really be that old? I don’t feel it – never better! Anyway, when the temperatures here in Phoenix rise, I often find myself wishing Colorado was a little closer. Don’t get me wrong – I love living here in Phoenix. I just have a little extra spring in my step when it is cooler. Can you relate? Thankfully, we can get in our cars and drive up to Colorado without too much trouble (post COVID-19 I suppose). Should you head that way this summer, here is a super beautiful and easy hike I highly recommend.
It’s called the Riverbend Ponds Natural Area and is located at: 1745 Hoffman Mill Road
Fort Collins, CO 80524 Fort Collins is about an hour north of Denver, should you fly into DIA. We lived in Loveland, Colorado, at the time, so it was only about 20 minutes. The Riverbend Ponds Natura Area is a wetland with a stretch of the Poudre River. It has several ponds and boardwalks. It’s a popular fishing spot as the Colorado Division of Wildlife stocks it with bass, crappie, and catfish. I have yet to hear a catfish meow, but I will keep searching!
This lush area is a reprieve for dogs and humans alike. On any given day, you will see a wide variety of birds and ducks. I know many of my kind are mighty hunters, but we need to leave the birds alone. This is their habitat. Humans – keep your dogs on leash at all times. By the way, it is free!
What is lacks in size, it makes up for in views. The Riverbend Ponds Natural Area has about three miles of trails and boardwalks if you come from the Cherly Street entrance. There is a learning center if you are interested in learning about the wetlands, but I don’t believe dogs are allowed inside. Boo.
This is a place to slow down, pause, and watch nature. You’ll seek Meeker’s and Long’s Peak in the 
background, and you never know what might be lurking in those waters! I certainly kept a keen eye out. This definitely has high marks on the Kuma scale! Combine it with lunch in Fort Collins and walking around town, and you have the makings of a fabulous day. Stay healthy!
My mom, Lorraine Bossé-Smith is kind enough to help me share my Great Adventures, big and small. My mom is a motivational speaker, corporate trainer, business consultant, executive coach, behavioral-wellness expert, and author of nine published books. More importantly, she’s the best doggy mom ever!
Enjoy my blog at https://www.lorrainebosse-smith.com/category/kuma/kumas-great-adventures/
and be sure to follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kumathedog/ and Instagram: kumaitothedog
Get outside! You never know what you’ll discover, and our paths just might cross. Happy tails!
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