Easy, Dog Friendly Hike: Arapahoe Bend Natural Area

Beginner/Starter hike. We will do the 2.0 mile loop first. For those who want to keep on going we will do the smaller 1.2 mile loop for a combined total of 3.2 miles. It doesn't get any flatter than this.

Parking is free at the trailhead.

Dogs on leashes are most welcome.

Great for a quick escape from the city life, take in views of the foothills reflecting across the water while walking along the ponds’ edges. Watch for over 80 species of birds that use the site and many smaller mammals that frequent the area including turtles catching some sun along the shore.  Users can also take a short trip to the historic Strauss Cabin which can be accessed by crossing the bridge on the north end of the natural area.

This 3.2 mile route combines two loops that can be completed together or separately. The first loop circles Little and Big Bass Ponds (1.2 miles). The second loop is 2 miles and goes around Rigden Reservoir, for a total of 3.2 miles.