CSU Environmental Learning Center

 I really wanted to get out and check out some fall colors and so I opted to head down into Colorado for a couple of hikes that I'm hoping might feature colorful foliage. My first stop for the day was the Colorado State University Environmental Learning Center. The ELC is right along the Cache la Poudre and so I thought there must be some colorful cottonwood trees to enjoy. 

The hike starts by crossing a suspension bridge.

Sure enough, fall colors were evident right off the bat. 

I made my way down to the Poudre River where there is a diversion structure and some signage that explains how the structure was altered to restore some of the river's flow through the area. 

From the river the trail heads along an earthen berm,

and then through a meadow fringed with colorful trees.

I took a spur trail back down to the banks of the river.

Then I made my way along trails that sometimes passed through wooded areas,

while at other times passed through fields. 

It was a short but interesting hike right in the city. I hadn't previously been to the ELC as they don't allow dogs and I often have Rosie with me when I explore Fort Collins.