Top Fort Collins Outdoor Fun: Trails, Parks & More

Fort Collins, Colorado, is very much a place where the outdoor life isn’t just something people talk about, but it is seriously a real, everyday experience. That’s why I love it here! With so much sunshine and views that just will not quit, the city serves as the perfect jumping-off point for all sorts of outdoor escapades. So whether you’re that real seasoned hiker, a chilled-out picnicker, or really anything that’s in between, Fort Collins has a little slice of outside happiness for everyone.

Horsetooth Reservoir: Water, Rocks, and Views for Days

Horsetooth Reservoir, I think, is practically famous around these parts. That six-and-a-half-mile-long reservoir is that one stop where everyone seems to go, mostly due to the fact it has every outdoor thing anyone could want. Fishing is certainly big here. You might try to snag a trout or two and grill it up right on the spot. Boating is popular as well! Many people enjoy having that chance to zip around on the water or just kick back and paddle around those quiet coves, is that what it’s all about. Then, that’s without even mentioning the rock climbing!

For those of you not familiar with the local scenery, Horsetooth Rock is really very the big rock formation looming over the water, like your neighborhood celebrity, you know? So climbing up there, it’s almost a tradition to some, giving you some absolutely bananas views of the entire area. If climbing seems like a lot, the hiking trails around Horsetooth, just so too happen to be world-class. There are shorter trails that are very kind of easygoing, and others that challenge you, so is that it truly doesn’t matter what sort of shape you’re in; there’s a trail with your name on it. The Quarry Ridge Trail seems very highly suggested, a moderate loop offering beautiful panoramas. But the Arthur Roy Royds Trail, so it has steep sections but rewards with crazy views, is pretty good as well. Read our full review: Horsetooth Reservoir Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Horsetooth Reservoir).

The Gardens on Spring Creek: A Relaxing Escape

For something on the less physically intense side, the Gardens on Spring Creek could be very nice, the community botanical garden where beauty just very clearly comes to life. So you wander through these themed gardens, so that it’s quite an experience. There are paths just very covered with flowers, spots that show off our local plants, and peaceful little nooks just very perfect for sitting still and reflecting, is that kind of an experience that makes you love places. The Butterfly House seems particularly magical to many people I know. Watching those butterflies flutter around seems very cool. It’s also super educational for the kids, which is what many families are searching for these days! So is that all those themed gardens, so like your Cactus and Succulent Garden, seem to offer a sense of delight. It’s not huge, but it offers those serene moments when you’re trying to de-stress a bit. Read our full review: The Gardens on Spring Creek Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (The Gardens on Spring Creek).

Poudre River Trail: Walk, Bike, and Enjoy the River

The Poudre River Trail just sort of follows the Cache La Poudre River, giving you 21 miles of paved trail to get out on. Many love this for just long walks or bike rides. Some people want to see what’s happening along the river! The trail goes through different habitats. Sometimes you’ll be in that grassy spot, other times that really shady cottonwood area, or you’ll hit very popular parks such as Legacy Park and Island Grove Park. The wildlife views? Crazy! So too it seems that lots of birds call the Poudre home. Keep an eye out and you might see an eagle soaring overhead, is what I’m trying to say. Plus, just for those people looking to stay active while taking in Colorado’s beauty, the Poudre River Trail gives a lot! I am sure that those convenient access points throughout Fort Collins sort of allows both short trips or that full-day trek. That connectivity really sets it apart in a way.

I know there are folks who sometimes question whether you could call this spot “immersive”, but I think, really, is that if you start out near town, and travel away from it in nature, so then you may just see what all it has to offer. Plus, sections have soft surface options for horseback riding as well. With spots to access the trail all along the Poudre, very much that part between Greeley and Windsor has places for recreation and exploring nature, so that it’s a real treat. Read our full review: Poudre River Trail Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Poudre River Trail).

Lory State Park: A Bit of Everything

You know, a short drive out of Fort Collins brings you to Lory State Park, is that where the foothills seriously start showing off? This park truly packs in a ton of diverse terrain, very well from those open meadows to seriously intense mountain trails. It’s super popular with hikers and mountain bikers who just so too happen to love a bit of a challenge, right? That well-known Arthur’s Rock Trail, so like a stair stepper for your legs, has pretty darn amazing panoramic views at the peak. However, that East Valley Trail is not too intense for those less experienced. If you like seeing more then just your own two feet, this could be something worth considering.

As well, camping is something to consider. Lory State Park makes those spots for setting up camp right out where that landscape gets you really feeling things. This part of the park lets many campers spend their nights underneath the stars, not far from those well used hiking trails. The trails connect you with biking opportunities, as well. As a final point, but very important point, is that some trails welcome horses to go along, and all types of wildlife roam in different spots around here. So is that you might well keep an eye on everything going on near the paths you roam. Read our full review: Lory State Park Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Lory State Park).

Old Town Square: Urban Outdoor Fun

Let’s bring it back into the heart of Fort Collins with Old Town Square. It’s an interesting, little mix, what do you know. But even with it being that outdoor urban area, it just very clearly deserves a shout-out for all it has to offer. You wander through the square to often catch live music, local art fairs, and tons of events. During the summer, there seems like there’s always some kind of festival or show to enjoy. Now during winter it just so happens to be all lit up with holiday lights, is that which adds a magical sparkle to everything.

Restaurants that have patios provide great chances to sit and watch other things unfold in real time, not on a phone or TV! People often gather here too! You should be aware! As a place so filled with both tourists and locals, Old Town is a real example of all kinds of outside gatherings. And, to make things feel that real hometown atmosphere, the well kept historical buildings help make everything have an interesting charm. Those small details let everyone experience Fort Collins just very differently. All this has value to certain sorts of explorers. Read our full review: Old Town Square Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Old Town Square).