For mountain bikers, the best trails aren't always about how far you have to drive to find them. Sometimes, they're about finding a new place to ride close to home. 

That’s exactly what’s taking shape at Arroyos del Sol Natural Area, Greeley’s newest natural area and a nearly 1,000-acre expanse of prairies, bluffs and arroyos between Greeley and Windsor. 

The landscape is already something to see, with dramatic bluffs, sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains and the Cache la Poudre River valley. Soon, it will also offer new ways to experience that landscape on two wheels. 
 

A New Place to Ride 

Arroyos del Sol is being planned as a destination for outdoor recreation, with a trail system designed to work with the property's unique landscape. 

For mountain bikers, that means singletrack-style riding opportunities across varied terrain, including challenging paths designed for riders of different skill levels. The plan also includes bike skills areas where riders can practice and build confidence. 

Instead of simply passing through the landscape, cyclists will be able to experience the natural area's rolling terrain, prairie views and dramatic bluffs from the saddle. 

And because the property is so large, there's plenty of room for the trail system to become something special. 

The current plan calls for multi-use trails, mountain biking trails for all skill levels and bike skills areas, creating opportunities for both experienced riders and people who are newer to mountain biking. The trail design has also been informed by experts, including the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), to help balance recreation with conservation. 

Ride With a View 

One of the things that will make riding at Arroyos del Sol different is the landscape. 

The property includes bluffs rising more than 100 feet above the Poudre River valley, along with open prairie and steep-sided arroyos. Those features create a landscape that's both scenic and distinctive. 

Picture pedaling up a bluff, catching your breath and looking out across the valley toward the mountains. 

Then it's back on the trail. 

It's the kind of riding experience that combines the physical challenge of the trail with the payoff of a wide-open Colorado view. 
 

A Trail System Built With Purpose 

Arroyos del Sol isn't being designed as a traditional park. It's a natural area, which means recreation has to work alongside the wildlife and habitat that already exist here. 

More than 91 animal species and one rare plant species have been identified on the property. White-tailed deer, bald eagles, coyotes and numerous bird species call this landscape home. 

That makes thoughtful trail design especially important. 

The City's plan was shaped through community surveys, tours and focus groups, with input from wildlife, natural resource and trail design experts. The goal is to create places for people to hike, ride and gather while protecting important habitat. 

For mountain bikers, that means the trails won't simply be drawn onto a map. They'll be designed to fit the land. 

More Than a Place to Bike 

While mountain biking is one of the exciting pieces of the plan, there's much more to Arroyos del Sol. 

The planned Hilltop Hub will provide a gathering space with picnic areas, play zones and exhibits about local history. The site will also include shade pavilions, restrooms and trails designed to provide access for a range of visitors. 

The result will be a place where you can spend an afternoon riding, take a hike with the family, stop for a picnic or simply find a quiet spot to take in the view. 

A Natural Area Protected for the Future 
 

The story of Arroyos del Sol starts with conservation. 

Trust for Public Land purchased the property in 2022 to protect it from development as Greeley and Northern Colorado continue to grow. On February 28, 2025, the City of Greeley closed on the property and protected it with a conservation easement. Colorado Open Lands will safeguard that easement permanently. 

At 978 acres, the property also doubles Greeley's public natural-area acreage, creating more opportunities for residents and visitors to experience nature close to the city. 

It's a pretty big addition to Greeley's outdoor landscape. 

And it's one that will only get better as the vision becomes reality. 
 

What's Next for Arroyos del Sol? 

The natural area is being developed in phases, with trails, parking, shade pavilions and restrooms among the first planned improvements. Future phases will add additional amenities while continuing to prioritize conservation. 

That means the Arroyos del Sol you visit in the future may look very different from the landscape you see today. 

For mountain bikers, that's something worth watching. 

A new trail destination is taking shape on Greeley's west side, bringing new terrain, new views and new opportunities to ride without heading far from home. 

Arroyos del Sol is still taking shape, but the vision is already clear: protect the landscape, make room for recreation and give people a new way to experience Greeley's great outdoors.