13 Locations to Photograph in Northern Colorado

Tour Description

This tour is designed to guide any aspiring or professional photographer across the heritage area to spots that capture the natural beauty, culture and heritage of the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area that spans from Bellvue to Greeley, Colorado.

This is not a comprehensive list; there are many, many locations throughout the heritage area that showcase the natural beauty, culture, and heritage of the region.

Before you head out to take your photos, be sure to check out the Capture the Cache art and photography competition! The contest runs from March to May, with no entry fee and new categories every year. You’ll never know when a photo you’ve snapped will be a fit!

Poudre River Canyon

Gateway Natural Area

Gateway Natural Area (formerly Gateway Mountain Park) is the site of the city’s old water filtration plant, where the North Fork of the Poudre River joins the main Poudre River. Visitors enjoy it because its tucked away from the noise of Highway 14 and Gateway is only 15 miles from Fort Collins. Admission: $8 per vehicle. Free passes available for checkout at Poudre River Library District and Wellington Public Library.

Howling Cow Café

Located on Morning Fresh Dairy Farm, the Howling Cow Café has an outdoor patio, walking paths, and lots of country green space. They have delicious espresso drinks, sweet treats, bagel sandwiches, and more. Sample all the Morning Fresh milk products. Morning Fresh Dairy is a fifth-generation dairy farm owned and operated by the Graves Family. Find the café hours online.

Ten Bears Winery

Since 2007, Ten Bears Winery in Laporte where they grow their own gapes and specialize in 100% Colorado vinifera and hybrid varietals. Using grapes from Colorado’s Western Slope they made their first Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, and with Washington grapes they made their first Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. The beautiful vineyard nestled into the Foothills is picturesque. If they don’t look open, call for service at (970)-566-4043. Check hours.

Fort Collins

Lee Martinez Park and The Farm

The Lee Martinez Park, located at 600 N Sherwood Street, is a great community park close to the Poudre River. The Poudre River Trail passes through the park with recreators from bikers to walkers. Adjacent to the park is the family-friendly Farm at Lee Martinez Park which provides hands-on family fun with educational and interactive experiences like farm animals, hayrides, pony rides and farm equipment. There is a fee to experience the Farm.

Poudre River Whitewater Park

Located just north of Old Town, this public park was opened in 2019 after extensive work was done to bring the river back to a more natural state, improve the river floodplain, connect the river to downtown and provide safe access to the river for recreators. Here, kayakers, tubers and kids of all ages can enjoy the Poudre River. Click here to learn about the current depth and flow at the Whitewater Park. And read these safety tips before floating the river.

Old Town Fort Collins

In Old Town Fort Collins, located downtown, there are many events, architecture and artwork to experience. Every season offers something new. In winter, twinkling holiday lights light up the streets. In spring, the flowers and colors begin to pop. In summer, there’s flowers galore, patios around every corner, and lots of live music. In autumn, the fall colors emerge, and everyone is out and about enjoying the lingering warmth.

Arapaho Bend Natural Area

Arapaho Bend is scenic entryway into Fort Collins with natural and cultural features. It’s a popular fishing spot and often visited by equestrians. You may hear some of the over 80 species of birds. Experience the ruins of the historic Strauss Cabin, one of the earliest log cabins in the area. There is a hum of traffic from the adjacent I-25 interstate, but the site provides opportunities for impressive views of the mountains and glimpse into Fort Collins’ past.

Windsor

Windsor Lake

Take a walk around the Windsor Lake Trail which surrounds the perimeter of the lake. The trail is 2.25 miles around. During a typical season, the lake is open to many recreation activities including boat rentals, a dog park, dishing and a swim beach.

River Bluffs Open Space

River Bluffs Open Space is a small but spectacular open space. The Poudre River is its signature feature and provides one half mile of pools and riffles for ducks, other waterfowl, wading birds, and anglers. Raptors such as red-tailed hawks and great horned owls also call River Bluffs home. The Poudre River Trail at River Bluffs Open Space connects to 21 beautiful miles of trail running southeast through wildlife areas and parks. All non-motorized activities including walking, biking and inline skating are allowed at River Bluffs Open Space.

Eastman Park

There is a river-mile dedicated to recreators, and a 25-acre nature experience featuring wetland mitigation along the Poudre River, walking trails, a boardwalk, and a natural-themed playground.

Greeley

Island Grove Regional Park

Trees planted as far back as 1869, spacious lawns, and a range of faculties that border the Poudre River have earned Island Grove Regional Park a reputation as one of the most picturesque and versatile event complexes in the nation. Located on 15 acres, there is plenty of space for all ages to play.

Rover Run Dog Park

Located on F street Greeley, this park has a parking area that also allows access to the Poudre Trail for cyclists and pedestrians. The park has one large 3-acre, grassy fenced area where dogs of all sizes can mingle. The park is open during daylight hours. The City of Greeley requests that you follow the rules of the dog park and properly dispose of your pup’s waste.

Arroyos del Sol Natural Area

This land not only doubles the city’s acreage of open space, but it also continues the City’s steady pursuit of community vitality through local conservation and equitable access to nature. Initially dubbed the Shurview property, the site was renamed Arroyos del Sol by the community in 2024. The acquisition of nearly 1,000 acres represents one of the last large parcels of land suited for open space in western Greeley. The property includes over a third of a mile of shoreline and bluffs that overlook the Cache la Poudre River and gives outstanding views of the Rocky Mountains and the northern front range. It will provide expanded outdoor recreation opportunities for the City of Greeley and the northern Colorado region and serve as an important habitat for the area’s wildlife.