One of Loveland’s most-popular and largest natural areas draws many each week. At over 160 acres, River’s Edge Natural Area is one of Colorado’s best places to hike, fish, bike, etc., without a fee.
How Long Has River’s Edge Natural Area Been Open in Loveland?
River’s Edge Natural Area opened in 2013; it’s located in a very easy-to-get-to location, just east of the major intersection of Taft Avenue and First Street. It has 163 acres for pedestrian use, fishing access, bicycling, leashed dog-walking, and wildlife viewing; including five ponds.
Why Did Loveland Close the Parking Area for River’s Edge?
In early May of 2026, the City of Loveland sent out a release about how the main entrance road and parking lot for River’s Edge Natural Area was closed “until further notice” due to safety issues. Having not cited what the safety problem was, I was too intrigued to not find out, so I called Loveland Parks & Rec.
I was informed that the City of Loveland was asked to release water from Ryan’s Gulch at full capacity for irrigation purposes, which is allowed, as irrigation gets priority. That water travels northeast to the Big Thompson River, though River’s Edge.
At one point it goes under the entrance road into the area via a culvert. It turns out, that the culvert has a breech in it; that breech makes it unsafe for cars to use the road to get to parking. The parking lot is OK, it’s getting there that is the problem.
Loveland Natural Area Has Same Name as 1980s Movie
When they announced the name of the new natural area I was skeptical, as it has the same name as a good, but unsettling 1986 film, “River’s Edge.” It’s clear I’m the only one who had reservations, as the natural area has become a “go-to” for thousands of locals. I often see many cars parked for the area when I drive by.
River’s Edge Natural Area is still open, with parking available in the secondary lot at 970 W 1st St, at Centennial Park across 1st St, and at the Thompson R2J building on S Taft Ave. Walk-in/bike-in access is available via the Recreation Trail and from Railroad Ave and Carlisle Ave…