Top 5 Hiking Spots In Fort Collins
Times have been hard throughout this pandemic. Everyone is trying to find something, ANYTHING, to do at all. With all of the restaurants and bars closed how are you going to see your friends and family? The great outdoors of course! Hiking is one of the few activities allowed in these tough times. Luckily for Fort Collins residents though, there are plenty of trails to hang out and explore with your loved ones you have missed so much.
With sights such as Horsetooth Mountain/Reservoir and Lory State park only a 15 minute drive away the possibilities are endless. Here is just the tip of the iceberg for some of the best hiking spots in Fort collins Colorado
1) Horsetooth Falls and Horsetooth Rock Trail
Mileage: 6.4
Elevation Gain: 1,584 ft.
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Type: Loop
This trail is moderately challenging on the east side of the Horsetooth Reservoir. Your day starts in the parking lot where you have three options. You can either go on the Horsetooth Falls Trail, Horsetooth Rock Trail, or do the whole loop if your really up for a full day of hiking!
The Horsetooth Falls Trail has plenty of sights to see along the way as you descend into a valley getting closer and closer to the falls. Speaking of the falls they are just absolutely gorgeous and definitely worth seeing around spring and summertime when everything is thawed out.
The Horsetooth Rock Trail is slightly more challenging than the Falls trail but just as equally as stunning. As you get to see all of the fascinating Rock features along the way of the trail. Ending at the top of Horsetooth Rock where you can see for miles and miles.
Keep in mind there is a parking fee at the parking lot of 9 dollars and spots fill up fast. Dogs are also allowed on this trail so don’t forget to bring your furry friend along!
“Very good hike and a well maintained trail with great views along the way and at the top of the rock.” — Paul Beim Professional hiker for AllTrails
Find out more on AllTrails!
2) Coyote Ridge Trail
Mileage: 4.1
Elevation Gain: 564 Ft.
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Type: Out and Back
Experience the foothills meeting the plains at this beautiful site. The trail connects with Rimrock Open Space, Prairie Ridge Natural Area, and the Blue Sky Trail making Coyote Ridge Natural Area quite popular with recreationists. If you are new to hiking or just looking for a shorter easier hike Coyote trail is perfect. With minimal to no elevation gain and a well maintained trail, Coyote trail makes up for a great relaxing hike.
This trail is also one of the most popular trails to spot wildlife roaming around. Such as mule deer and coyotes, and sometimes mountain lions, bears and rattlesnakes. Add that with the wonderful views of the plains and the mountain range and you’ve got yourself one of Fort Collins premier destinations.
Once again there is a 9 dollar parking fee at the parking lot and unfortunately dogs are not allowed on this trail.
“Fun trail with spacious views! Great trail conditions.” — Ryan Olsen AllTrails Pro Hiker
Find out more on AllTrails!
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/coyote-ridge-trail
3) Horsetooth Mountain Trail
Mileage: 8.9
Elevation Gain: 1,998
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Type: Loop
If you are looking for a challenge then this trail might be for you. One of the longer trails on this list located near Horestooth Mountain this trail features plenty of sights to see. Including the Iconic A on the side of Horsetooth. Which is visible from the trail. As well as the stunning view from the top of the mountain of Horstooth Reservoir. This hike is recommended from March until October. As the winter months make this trail almost too muddy to trek.
Make sure to come prepared if you are thinking about going on this trail as it has a very steep elevation gain of almost 2,000 feet. But the view at the top makes it all worth it. This trail does not have paid parking and allows dogs on it as long as they are leashed.
This spot is also fantastic for mountain biking. As it is one of the most highly trafficked mountain biking trails in Fort Collins. If you are a thrill seeker this trail has all of terror you will need with steep hills, large rocks, and plenty of jumps for any daring biker.
“This was an incredible hike — definitely a challenge at some points. Not much shade so bring sunscreen, a hat, and a good attitude! — Cassidy Hermanowski Pro AllTrails Hiker
Find out more on AllTrails!
4) Poudre River Trail
Mileage: 9.4
Elevation Gain: 236 ft.
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Type: Point to Point
Experience serenity on the Poudre river trail. This trail follows the Cache La Poudre River. It is a wide paved path with gentle slopes, that is placed in a perfect spot away from the roads and the noise. This relaxing hike contains many sights to see as you meander along the river seeing plenty of flora and fona along the way.
This trail is also one of Fort Collins most popular fishing spots. As the Poudre river contains a vein of trout and bass within. For any eager fisherman looking to upgrade their best catch on the family wall. This is a great hike for anyone of all ages and great for a picnic as well.
There is free parking and dogs are allowed on the trail as long as their waste is disposed of and they are on a leash.
“A long trail you can get your thoughts lost on, the changing scenery makes it a constantly scenic walk and having the option to go see the river close up makes this a well rounded trip worth going back to.” — Jake Weiss AllTrails Pro Hiker
Find out more on AllTrails!
5) River Ponds Trail Loop
Mileage: 2.0
Elevation Gain: 9 ft.
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Type: Loop
River Ponds Trail offers a lot of diversity in what it can offer such as the Poudre river ponds and wet beds. Which naturally makes it another one of the best fishing spots in Fort Collins.The Colorado Division of Wildlife stocks the ponds with warm-water species. Which would be fish such as largemouth bass, crappie, and channel catfish.
Birdwatching is one of the premier attractions of this trail. River Pond has over 200 species of birds that come interchangeably throughout the year depending on their migration pattern. This includes green herons, a wide variety of ducks, American white pelicans, double-crested cormorants and other
This trail has free parking and is pet friendly
“This trail has become one of my favorites within Fort Collins. It has multiple ways to walk it, and some neat mini trails leading down by the river too. It is unique because of its boardwalk that goes right down the middle of one of the ponds, it isn’t something you get to see everyday. Easy, kid-friendly and pets welcome.” — Bobbijo Queen AllTrails Pro Hiker
Find out more on AllTrails!
The pandemic doesn’t mean all doom and gloom. Its an opportunity to explore the great outdoors right in the backyard of Fort Collins.With plenty of sights to see, fish to catch, and trails to bomb on your bike. Fort Collins hiking trails are sure to keep any pandemic explorer busy until we finally get out of this pandemic!