2538 E.1st Street
Loveland, CO  80537 

 MAP & INFORMATION

Willow Bend Natural Area, the Boise to Willow Bend Trail, and Willow Bend Park and Universal Access Playground are the culmination of a 10-year visioning, engaging, and planning effort to provide a first of its kind project in Loveland that combines a park and natural area facility, along with a 1.1-mile segment of the East Big Thompson Trail.

The new Willow Bend Natural Area includes outdoor recreation amenities such as an accessible fishing dock and 3 ponds, an environmental education amphitheater, and a trailhead serving both the soft-surface trail network along with a new section of the paved East Big Thompson Trail, connecting Willow Bend to Boise Ave. and Old St Louis Natural Area. The 153-acre natural area consists of wildlife habitat along the Big Thompson River corridor, four ponds, and diverse wetland habitats. Willow Bend offers numerous ways to connect with nature and explore a beautiful and diverse ecosystem.

The trailhead includes ADA and standard parking spaces and an ADA-accessible vault restroom. The ADA-accessible pier provides fishing access to Willow Bend Pond, southeast of the trailhead. Two other ponds offer fishing opportunities, west of the trailhead. The natural area is also accessible via the new Boise to Willow Bend segment of the East Big Thompson Trail.  

Fishing is permitted at Willow Bend Pond, Kingfisher Pond, and Turtle Pond, which are stocked by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), offering bluegill, largemouth bass, and catfish. Fishing is regulated by CPW and statewide regulations apply. Anglers age 16 and older are required to have a Colorado fishing license. 

Click here to learn more about the history of Willow Bend and the public engagement process.

Loveland's Open Lands and Trails are funded through Capital Expansion Fees from new development, the Larimer County Open Lands Sales Tax, and Conservation Trust dollars (lottery dollars). Open Lands & Trails does not receive funding from the City's General Fund.

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