Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, Protected prairie and conservation area in Larimer County, Colorado, United States

Soapstone Prairie Natural Area is a 28-square-mile (73 km2) park and conservation area in northeastern Larimer County, Colorado. It protects shortgrass prairie, and the Lindenmeier site, a Folsom campsite with an averaged radiocarbon date of 10,660±60 B.P., lies within its boundaries.

The Lindenmeier archaeological site within the area reveals human presence from more than 12,000 years ago through tools from the Folsom culture. These discoveries show a long history of people living and working across this prairie landscape.

The Lindenmeier site, a Folsom campsite dated to about 8,710 BC, was named after the Lindenmeier Ranch that previously occupied the land. It was declared a National Historic Landmark on January 20, 1961. Bison from the herd are sent to Native American tribes in Wisconsin, New Mexico, Montana, South Dakota and Minnesota for cultural endeavors and food sovereignty.

Soapstone Prairie Natural Area is a day-use area; visitors should carry water and sun protection because shade is scarce on the shortgrass prairie. Trails are shared by hikers, horseback riders and cyclists, and access is from designated trailheads. Weather can change quickly, and the site is open from dawn to dusk.

The area shelters a genetically pure bison herd that can be seen from observation points along the Cheyenne Rim Trail. These massive grazing animals remain a rare sight in today's landscape and draw visitors from across the region.