Sheep Creek runs through this natural area and provides important habitat for all kinds of wildlife, including coyotes, songbirds, and the state amphibian, the Western Tiger Salamander.
The paved Sheep Draw Trail is accessible from the 71st Ave trailhead and is a popular walking and cycling trail that connects to the Poudre River Trail. The 0.5 mile, soft surface Firefly Trail is also accessible from the 71st Ave trailhead. The Firefly Trail is named for the native fireflies that are visible here on summer evenings. Closure and alert information can be found on COTREX.
Hours: Open 365 days, from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset
Directions: Trailhead on 71st Ave, between 10th St and 16th St
Parking: The dirt parking lot has 24 parking spaces and two ADA parking spaces
Features and Amenities:
- Trash can
- Portable restroom
- Picnic table
- Parking
- Benches and seating
- Interpretive signage
- No drinking water
Allowed Activities:
- Bicycling
- Walking
- Wildlife viewing
- Leashed dog
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:
- Fire
- camping
- Hunting
- Horse riding
- Motorized vehicles
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Wading
Difficulty: Mixture of paved and soft surface trails. Steeper grades from parking lot to the Sheep Draw Trail
Restoration Efforts: There are numerous invasive Russian Olive trees in this natural area. This species is a priority for removal along waterways and transportation corridors in Greeley’s natural areas. Trees are felled and the stumps treated with herbicide to prevent re-growth.
Wildlife: Check out the plants and animals that have been reported here, and contribute your own observations.