Greeley's Newest Natural Area - Arroyos del Sol

Greeley's newest natural area is officially named Arroyos del Sol. City Council approved the name at their November 19 meeting, following extensive community engagement and thoughtful deliberation of established naming policies.

Since the project kick-off in 2022, 86 names were submitted via Speak Up Greeley, social media and in-person events. After carefully considering the property's landscape and community submissions, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board selected Arroyos del Sol.

Why Arroyos del Sol?

"Arroyos del Sol" means "sun stream" in Spanish. An "arroyo" refers to deep, steep-sided channels created by fast-flowing water during heavy rain. This name highlights the area's prominent natural features, including steep arroyos and bluffs that rise over 100 feet above the Poudre River valley. The arroyos provide a unique wildlife habitat that is not found anywhere else in the area.

What’s Next for Arroyos del Sol?

Arroyos del Sol doubles the amount of protected natural land in Greeley and promises to be a favorite spot for outdoor adventures. The city will share the site's development plan in early 2025, paving the way for exciting recreational opportunities in northern Colorado.

When: October 5 | 9 a.m. - noon

Where: Greeley's Newest Natural Area, Missile Site Park (10611 CO-257 Spur)

What to expect: Pack up the family and join us for a morning of nature play, fresh air, and community gathering at Greeley's newest natural area.

9 a.m. First 100 people to arrive will get a FREE food item

10 a.m. "My Great Adventure with Nana," read by the book illustrator Armando Silva

10:30 a.m. Guided walk/jog on the trails

11 a.m. Nature Scavenger Hunt (turn in your worksheet to be entered to win a prize)

Enjoy offerings from High Plains Mobile Library, Greeley Recreation Play on the Way, Aunt Helen's Coffee, Angry Hippie Taco Truck, wildlife talks, stickers, and ice cream.

"Today is finally here. Today! Today! Today!" The first sentence of the new book, My Great Adventure with Nana, sums up the excitement for this storybook project. The book tells the story of a little girl experiencing the wonders and senses of adventure of a natural area right here in Greeley. Join the adventure and listen for the birds, the crunch of footsteps on the dirt trails and the green and golden expanse of Greeley's newest natural area. Beautifully and vibrantly illustrated by local artist Armando Silva, the book's message is to plan an adventure and help children appreciate the natural world around them.

The Storybook Project

This is the third installment of books for the City of Greeley's collection on Unite for Literacy. This project was made possible by The Trust for Public Land, Great Outdoors Colorado and support from Weld Community Foundation's Littler Youth Fund and High Plains Library District. The book is available in English and Spanish. It will be available (until supplies last) during the Day of Adventure event on October 5, 9 a.m. - noon at Greeley's newest natural area (10611 CO-257 Spur).

Where to Find the Book

Greeley's newest natural area was closed for the Winter season to provide wildlife respite from the cold and harsh weather. Deer, turkeys, and coyotes are some of the property's wildlife active during winter. Giving them space to rest allows them to use their energy reserves to stay warm and find food and shelter. The trails on the property get muddy from melted snow and become impassable by foot or bike until they dry out in the spring.

The natural area is open for walking, running, biking and bird watching. There is parking at the trailhead and a portable restroom on site. Please bring drinking water as there is no fountain or drinking water source at the trailhead.

Currently, dogs are not allowed on the property until further research can be conducted on the safety of your pet and the ecosystem in this area. Colorado is notorious for wet spring snow, so there is a good chance the trails will close due to muddy conditions. Always check COTREX (trails.colorado.gov) for updated trail closure information. 📍 Trailhead parking at Missile Site Park, 10611 CO-257 Spur, Greeley, CO 80634

See below for Spanish. Ver abajo en español.

During a recent Inside Greeley segment, we gave an update on Greeley’s newest natural area and the community outreach we’ve been doing, especially with local youth. Both Greeley Central and Greeley West high school students have shared their insight, time and talent in support of this new natural area. Watch the video and catch up on what’s been happening.

Wait! There’s more. We are re-naming the nearly 1,000 acre property, currently known as Shurview. You have until June 30 to suggest a name for the natural area using the “Ideas” tab above. We’ll announce the winning name when it has been decided and gone through each stage of our naming policy process.

You’ve been talking and we’ve been listening! We wanted to pause and share what we’ve heard so far. The image shows some of the input we received on this project.

Many of you said “keep it natural,” meaning we should conserve native plants and leave space for wildlife. Most people are also very excited about being able to recreate at the new natural area, either by mountain biking, walking or bird watching. A lot of folks envision a future connection to the Poudre River Trail.

Over and over, you told us how important it is to make sure this space is accessible and inclusive for everyone. This could include wheelchair accessible trails, representing and honoring Greeley’s international community and shaded places for families to gather. What are your ideas for making this new natural inclusive and accessible? Share your ideas under the ‘Hopes’ tab!