Boise to Willow Bend Trail Segment

Boise to Willow Bend Trail Segment 

The Boise to Willow Bend Trail, a segment of the East Big Thompson Trail and an expansion to the City of Loveland trail system, opened in June 2025.  The Boise to Willow Bend segment spans about a mile and connects Old St. Louis Natural Area to Willow Bend Natural Area and Willow Bend Neighborhood Park. The trail provides outstanding views and exceptional opportunities to see wildlife along the Big Thompson River corridor. The trail consists of a paved hard-surface path along the river and past several ponds and wetlands. The route will eventually continue east and connect to the Town of Johnstown via the CDOT-built underpass at the I-25 Big Thompson River bridge.

To maintain a balance between public use of open spaces and the conservation of wildlife habitat, the City of Loveland is dedicated to protecting natural resources and offering passive leisure where appropriate. This trail project safeguards over 130 acres of natural area in a riparian corridor from development while supporting the aims of connecting the City’s existing Recreation Trail System to neighboring communities and providing safe, non-motorized transportation options and access. This project will continue to have a focus on protecting natural resources. The City engaged an environmental consultant early in the planning processes to help identify and delineate wetlands, determine potential impacts, provide migratory bird and raptor surveys, perform a Threatened and Endangered Species assessment, and more. The City works with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to assure that all construction activities are timed and completed to meet environmental regulations and best practices. The Boise to Willow Bend Trail segment has been thoughtfully planned to protect the great wildlife habitat and the delicate riparian corridor, all while offering the citizens of the City a public benefit. 

Funding for the Boise to Willow Bend Trail project came from State and Federal grants totaling $2,332,020 to help cover the cost of construction. The balance of funding was provided by Loveland’s share of Colorado Lottery dollars from the Conservation Trust Fund and the city’s Trails Capital Expansion Fees.

Plans for connectivity, amenities, and programming were produced as a result of guided field tours, public meetings, workshops, and surveys. The Willow Bend projects also garnered considerable community support. In 2020 and 2021, the City expanded on those intentions by reaching out to advisory commissions. The North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization (NFRMPO), the Loveland Youth Gardeners, the Boys and Girls Club of Larimer County, and the City have collaborated closely on a project that is supported by transportation leaders, plans, and policies and has regional significance.

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