Description
Phantom Canyon Preserve features one of Colorado’s last remaining roadless canyons, a rim-to-rim sanctuary encompassing four miles of the North Fork of the Cache la Poudre River.
More than 100 bird species have been spotted in the grassy uplands, along the river’s edge and soaring above the canyon walls. Varied topography, slope and soil conditions combine to create a habitat for more than 200 plant species.
Early summer visitors or volunteers who participate in guided tours can experience two treats: the colorful, melodious migration of neotropical songbirds and the remarkably colorful display of native wildflowers.
Why The Nature Conservancy Selected This Site
TNC protected this preserve in 1987 primarily because this extensive foothills ecosystem supports the Larimer aletes (Aletes humilis), a rare member of the parsley family. The plant’s distribution is limited to Larimer and Boulder counties in Colorado, with the most occurrences here at the preserve. Other native plants include:
- Bells twinpod
- Needle-and-thread grass
- One-sided penstemon
The preserve provides habitat for many wildlife species, including black bear, mountain lion, bobcat, which can all be found on the Colorado species of special concern list, and the Preble’s meadow jumping mouse, which is federally threatened.
Bald eagles use the canyon in the winter months. Golden eagles, prairie falcons and redtail hawks nest high along the canyon walls.
