Campo Esperanza Natural Area

A wood sign painted in white Spanish text stands in the dirt with sunflowers and turquoise painted rocks

 

There are approximately two miles of soft-surface trails for pedestrians and leashed dogs to enjoy. Several nature play features provide areas for children to climb and play and a giant slide that is fun for all ages. Benches and shade structures give visitors a break from the summer sun. Enjoy the bilingual art installations sprinkled throughout the natural area.

The historic #3 Ditch surrounds the property. Access to the ditch is prohibited as the water is deep and fast-moving. Swimming and fishing are not allowed. Closure and alert information can be found on COTREX

Hours: Open 365 days from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset

Directions: Located near the intersection of Balsam Ave and E 24th St with entrances on Balsam Ave, 24th St and 21st St and from Discovery Bay Pool parking lot

Parking: Parking lot at Discovery Bay Pool, on-street parking on Balsam Ave and 21st St. 

Feature and Amenities:

  • Trash can
  • Shelter
  • Portable restroom
  • Benches and seating
  • Public art
  • No drinking water

Allowed Activities:

  • Walking
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Leashed dog
  • Bicycling on flat trails only

Dogs must be leashed at all times in Greeley’s natural areas and on trails. This is for the safety of your dog, other trail users and wildlife.

Prohibited Activities:

  • Fires
  • Camping
  • Hunting
  • Bicycling on hill trails
  • Horse ride
  • Motorized vehicles
  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Wading

Difficulty: Mixture of paved and soft surface trails. Most trails are flat, but there is a short climb to the top of the hill via steps or a soft surface trail.

Restoration Efforts: This natural area has been undergoing significant work since 2021. After several rounds of seeding and planting, the project is now in a plant establishment phase. Establishing native plant communities takes multiple years. Trails are treated with herbicide annually to prevent vegetation from growing on the trail surface. City staff continue to monitor and manage this natural area.