Hiking & Trails

For anyone who loves Fort Collins hiking trails, this city is something close to paradise. With the foothills rising right at the city’s western edge and the Rocky Mountains just beyond, residents have access to an extraordinary range of trails, from gentle paved paths to challenging summit climbs, without ever having to travel far. World-class trails make moving to Fort Collins, Colorado easy to love.

The Best Fort Collins Hiking Trails

Iconic Local Hikes

The most famous hike in Fort Collins is the Horsetooth Rock Trail, a roughly 6.5-mile round-trip climb to the distinctive rock formation that gives Horsetooth Reservoir its name. The summit rewards hikers with sweeping panoramic views of the city, the reservoir, and the plains stretching east.

Arthur’s Rock in Lory State Park is another local favorite, a moderate climb through grassland and forest to a rocky overlook. For a gentler experience, the trails at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area and Coyote Ridge Natural Area offer beautiful foothills scenery with options for all abilities.

Paved & Urban Trails

Fort Collins is laced with paved trails perfect for walking, jogging, and casual hiking. The Poudre River Trail and the Spring Creek Trail form the backbone of a connected network spanning more than 40 miles of paved pathway through the city, linking parks, neighborhoods, and natural areas.

Mountain Trails

For those seeking bigger adventures, the Poudre Canyon and nearby Roosevelt National Forest offer endless mountain trails, and Rocky Mountain National Park’s alpine hiking is just 90 minutes away.

Whether you want a quick lunchtime walk or an all-day summit push, Fort Collins has a trail waiting. World-class trails are one more reason people fall in love when relocating to Fort Collins.

Fort Collins at a Glance

• The Horsetooth Rock Trail near Fort Collins is approximately 6.5 miles round trip and climbs to an elevation of 7,255 feet.
• Fort Collins maintains more than 40 miles of paved recreational trails within the city, including the Poudre River Trail and Spring Creek Trail.
• Lory State Park offers over 30 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
• Arthur’s Rock Trail in Lory State Park is a 3.4-mile round-trip hike with approximately 1,100 feet of elevation gain.