Natural Areas and Trails
Greeley’s natural areas and trails connect the community to nature.
Explore the Outdoors
Mowing and Vegetation Management
An inter-departmental team of City staff created the Clean, Safe, and Beautiful Standards, which guide vegetation maintenance for non-irrigated city properties. Natural Areas and Trails follow the standards as outlined below.
During the growing season, a 3-4 ft swath is mowed on both sides of the trail to a height of 6 inches and maintained at no more than 12 inches. This trailside mow is completed on both paved and soft surface trails. This helps with visibility and avoids vegetation on the trail surface. Single-track trails are not mowed.
Native vegetation within the interior of natural areas is typically left standing at its natural height unless management actions (i.e., weed management) dictate otherwise. If you encounter an area that needs attention, please contact the team.
A community connected to nature.
Collaboratively conserve, restore and steward significant ecological, agricultural and community-shaping lands. Equitably connect the community to nature through trails and inclusive nature-based experiences.
Natural areas and parks are both important quality-of-life amenities that serve different functions. Here’s how to tell if you’re looking at a park or a natural area:
Parks
- Are irrigated
- Have playground structures
- Are mowed frequently to allow for sports and other activities
- Are primarily designed for people to recreate and play
Natural Areas
- Are not irrigated
- Are generally not mowed, except for trail sides and other special cases (see Natural Areas and Trails Maintenance)
- Balance human recreation with providing habitat for wildlife
- No motorized vehicles are allowed on trails, except maintenance and emergency vehicles.
- Class 1 and 2 electric bikes and mobility devices are permitted on trails.
- Keep bikes under control and at a safe speed.
- Keep right on the trail, except to pass other trail users.
- Give an audible signal when passing.
- Dogs must be leashed at all times and waste picked up.
- Be respectful of residential neighborhoods and fellow trail users.
- Place trash and pet waste in designated bins.
- Do not harass wildlife.
View the full list of rules and regulations when visiting natural areas and trails in Greeley.
Trails Master Plan Update
Greeley is growing, and with it, the need for more attention to our trails. The Trails Master Plan Update, adopted in 2025, identifies the top priorities for trail construction and future trail connections.
Get Outdoors Greeley Plan
Adopted in 2021, the Get Outdoors Greeley Strategic Plan provides a 5-year strategic framework for natural areas, open lands, and trails throughout Greeley. The plan lays out goals, objectives, and a work plan for future acquisition, restoration, long-term stewardship, capital projects, and sustainable funding of priority conservation areas and visitor infrastructure.
Connect with us
Contact Us
Natural Areas and Trails Office
321 N 16th Avenue
Greeley, CO 80631
Office Hours
Monday - Friday
7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.