Loveland's 7.65-mile Dakota-Skyline trails open Friday; dogs banned, e-bikes limited to one trail

Loveland's new 7.65-mile Dakota-Skyline Trail System in the Dakota Ridge and Skyline Natural Areas opens to the public at 6 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30.

Dogs are not allowed on the site, for the safety of wildlife and dogs. E-bikes are prohibited except on the Dakota Trail, in the northeast part of the property, the city said.

The soft-surface trail system is accessible from two public trailhead areas with parking and restrooms. The southern trailhead is at Highway 34 and Rossum Drive (4459 W. Highway 34). The northern trailhead is at 4284 W 43 rd Street.

The site is for day use only and will be open from dawn to dusk. Visitors are asked to return at a different time if all parking spaces are filled, and to hike or bike from surrounding neighborhoods, if possible.

Loveland's share of the Larimer County Open Space Tax paid for the $2.7 million construction of the trail system. No General Fund dollars are being spent on the project, the city said. The city bought the parcels that make up the Skyline and Dakota Ridge Natural Area between 2015 and 2026 with the same tax money.

The trail system extends across the Skyline and Dakota Ridge Natural Areas, a contiguous 418-acre expanse of conserved land in the foothills west of Loveland. The landscape includes upland meadows, shrublands, ponderosa pine woodlands and riparian drainages, with more than 400 feet of elevation change.

Construction of the trail system began in October 2025.

Kiosk signage at the trailheads provides maps and regulations. Project updates and information are at lovgov.org/dakota-skyline, and trail information is at Trails.Colorado.gov (COTREX).

The city plans future volunteer restoration projects and programs at the site. Volunteer and program opportunities can be found at Offero.CityofLoveland.org.