Top 15 Mountain Biking Trails Close to Fort Collins, Colorado
Fort Collins is one of the best cycling cities in Colorado, and the mountain biking trails close to Fort Collins are world-class. From flowy singletrack in the foothills to technical climbs with panoramic views, Northern Colorado offers trails for every skill level. Here are the top 15 for anyone living in Fort Collins.
Table of Contents
Trail Quick Reference — All 15 Trails
| # | Trail | Area | Length | Difficulty | Dogs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Southridge Trail | Horsetooth Mountain | 4.0 mi | Moderate | Leash |
| 2 | Towers Road | Horsetooth Mountain | 3.3 mi (one-way) | Hard | Leash |
| 3 | Spring Creek Trail | Horsetooth Mountain | 6.2 mi | Moderate | Leash |
| 4 | South Valley Loop | Lory State Park | 3.7 mi | Easy | Leash |
| 5 | Timber Trail | Lory State Park | 3.0 mi | Moderate | Leash |
| 6 | Howard Trail | Lory State Park | 2.0 mi | Hard | Leash |
| 7 | West Ridge Trail | Lory State Park | 3.2 mi | Hard | Leash |
| 8 | Maxwell Natural Area | Foothills Trail | 2.1 mi | Moderate | Leash |
| 9 | Reservoir Ridge Trail | Foothills Trail | 3.1 mi | Hard | Leash |
| 10 | North Loop (Foothills) | Foothills Trail | 6.8 mi | Mod–Hard | Leash |
| 11 | Soapstone Prairie Loops | Soapstone Prairie | 5–12 mi | Moderate | Leash |
| 12 | Bobcat Ridge — Ginny Trail | Bobcat Ridge | 4.5 mi | Moderate | Leash |
| 13 | Bobcat Ridge — Valley Loop | Bobcat Ridge | 4.0 mi | Easy | Leash |
| 14 | Coyote Ridge Trail | Coyote Ridge | 3.5 mi | Easy–Mod | Leash |
| 15 | Blue Sky Trail | Blue Sky | 5.8 mi (one-way) | Moderate | Leash |
Horsetooth Mountain Open Space
Horsetooth is one of Fort Collins’ most famous parks and has some of the best mountain biking trails in the city. This is a must-see for locals since it has great vistas of Horsetooth Reservoir and miles of rough singletrack.
1. The Southridge Trail
- Length: About 4.0 Miles
- Level of difficulty: Moderate
- Trailhead: Horsetooth Mountain Trailhead, 6550 W County Rd 38E, Fort Collins, CO
- Yes, dogs are allowed, but they must be on a leash.
People love Southridge because of its characteristic foothills terrain, which includes rolling hills, rocky ledges, and views that go on for miles. The track goes up steadily from the start and has a lot of fun technical parts that intermediate riders will like. It connects to a number of different routes, so it’s great for larger circles.
2. The Road to Towers
- Length: about 3.3 miles (one way)
- Hardness: Hard
- Trailhead: Soderberg Trailhead, 3900 Shoreline Dr., Fort Collins, CO
- Yes, dogs are allowed, but they must be on a leash.
Towers Road is a long, steep climb that gives bikers great views from the top. Even though it’s a road, the steepness makes it a popular training route for expert riders. You can take other paths, like Herrington and Spring Creek, from the top.
3. The Foothills’ Spring Creek Trail
- Length: About 6.2 Miles
- Moderate level of difficulty
- Trailhead: The Horsetooth Mountain Trailhead
- Yes, dogs are allowed, but they must be on a leash.
This lovely trail goes through meadows, woodlands with lots of shelter, and rocky foothills. Spring Creek is a fun and beautiful trail with a lot of creek crossings and changes in elevation. It’s great for riders that want a moderate challenge.
→ Related: Kayaking and Paddle Boarding at Horsetooth Reservoir
Lory State Park Trails
Lory State Park is just north of Horsetooth Reservoir and has great technical riding and beautiful Colorado landscape. Mountain bikers who are contemplating about moving to Fort Collins should definitely ride here because of the rocky terrain and wide-open views.
4. The South Valley Loop
- Length: about 3.7 miles
- Level of difficulty: Easy
- The start of the trail is at the entrance to Lory State Park, which is at 708 Lodgepole Dr. in Bellvue, CO.
- Yes, dogs are allowed, but they must be on a leash.
Beginners will love the South Valley Loop. It has easy climbs, wide-open meadows, and breathtaking vistas of the foothills, making it a ride that is easy for everyone.
5. The Timber Trail
- Length: About 3.0 Miles
- Moderate difficulty
- Trailhead: Lory State Park’s Well Gulch Trailhead
- Yes, dogs are allowed, but they must be on a leash.
Timber Trail is a great singletrack climb that goes through forests and rocks. It’s a terrific choice for cyclists who want to get better at climbing and try out different types of terrain without having to go on a long ride.
6. The Howard Trail
- Length: About 2.0 Miles
- How hard: Hard
- Arthur’s Rock Trailhead is the start of the trail.
- Yes, dogs are allowed, but they must be on a leash.
Howard Trail is steep, tricky, and full of rocky elements, making it a great place for experienced riders who want a challenge. There are tight switchbacks, rock gardens, and some of the best vistas in the park along the trail.
7. Trail on West Ridge
- Length: About 3.2 miles
- Hardness: Hard
- Arthur’s Rock Trailhead is the start of the trail.
- Yes, dogs are allowed, but they must be on a leash.
West Ridge stretches along the top of Lory State Park’s spine and has great views over the reservoir. Advanced riders prefer this route since it has rough terrain and lots of tricky aspects.
→ Related: Top 3 Favorite Hikes in Northern Colorado
The Foothills Trail System
The Foothills Trail system runs along the east side of Horsetooth Reservoir. It connects a number of popular sites and has a mix of climbs, quick descents, and amazing views of the lake.
8. Maxwell Natural Area
- Length: About 2.1 miles
- Level of difficulty: Moderate
- Maxwell Parking Lot is the starting point for the trail. It is located at 3504 County Rd 42C in Fort Collins, CO.
- Yes, dogs are allowed, but they must be on a leash.
Maxwell is one of the most popular mountain biking trails in Fort Collins. It has a gradual climb up to the famous A-to-Z path and great views of the city. Riders like how the trails are both easy and hard.
9. Trail to Reservoir Ridge
- Length: About 3.1 miles
- Hardness: Hard
- Trailhead: Reservoir Ridge Trailhead, 1425 N Overland Trail, Fort Collins, CO
- Yes, dogs are allowed, but they must be on a leash.
From start to finish, Reservoir Ridge has rough and challenging riding. It’s a wonderful track for cyclists who want to push themselves because it has tight curves and jagged rock formations.
10. North Loop Sections of the Foothills Trail
- Length: About 6.8 miles
- Level of difficulty: Moderate to Hard
- Trailhead: There are a several ways to get there: Maxwell, Pineridge, and Reservoir Ridge.
- Yes, dogs are allowed, but they must be on a leash.
The Foothills Trail goes through many natural settings and has everything from nice singletrack to rocky ridgelines. It’s a great choice for riders who want to spend more time outside on a variety of terrain with steady variations in elevation.
→ Related: Best Nature Trails and Natural Areas in Fort Collins
Soapstone Prairie, Bobcat Ridge, Coyote Ridge, and Blue Sky
Soapstone Prairie is the place to go in Northern Colorado for riders who seek a more secluded, wide-open experience. This location, which lies north of Fort Collins and near the Wyoming border, has a high-plains feel and trails that move quickly.
11. Loop of Mahogany
- Length: About 4.2 Miles
- How hard: Easy
- The trailhead is at 1312 County Rd 15 in Wellington, CO.
- Dogs are not allowed because this is a protected wildlife habitat.
Mahogany Loop is easy to get to and good for beginners. The trail is smooth and goes across rolling prairie. This is a great track for leisurely riding because of the wide-open views and quiet surroundings.
12. Loop of the Pronghorn
- Length: About 8.0 miles
- Moderate difficulty
- Main Soapstone Trailhead is the trailhead.
- Dogs are not allowed.
The Pronghorn Loop is a lengthy route with modest climbs and lots of fast, smooth descents. Look for animals, big open spaces, and some of the quietest riding in the area.
Red Mountain Open Space
North of Fort Collins, Red Mountain features classic red rock formations, narrow canyons, and desert-style singletrack. This area is especially popular in spring and fall.
13. Big Hole Wash
- Length: ~ 6.0 Miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trailhead: Red Mountain Trailhead – 9999 East County Rd 21, Livermore, CO
- Dogs are not allowed.
Big Hole Wash is a scenic route that guides riders through sandstone canyons and riparian corridors. It’s a great option for intermediate riders wanting a mix of speed and technical sections.
14. Cheyenne Rim Trail
- Length: ~ 3.5 Miles (Colorado side)
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Trailhead: Red Mountain Trailhead
- Dogs are not allowed.
Cheyenne Rim takes riders along the Colorado–Wyoming border with sweeping views of the plains and mountains. Technical sections and exposed ridgelines make it a very rewarding ride for intermediate and advanced riders.
Blue Sky Trail
15. Blue Sky Trail
- Length: ~ 5.6 Miles (one way)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trailhead: Blue Sky Trailhead – 5250 S County Rd 21, Loveland, CO
- Dogs are not allowed.
Blue Sky is one of the most beloved trails in Northern Colorado. Known for its smooth sandstone rock features, flowy singletrack, and beautiful canyon views, this is the perfect trail for an all-day ride. It also links with Devil’s Backbone in Loveland and Indian Summer in Fort Collins, offering endless loop options.
Why Mountain Biking Is Part of Fort Collins Living
Fort Collins is regularly ranked as one of the most bike-friendly cities in the U.S. — and the mountain biking scene is a huge reason why. With trails starting just minutes from most neighborhoods, 300+ days of sunshine extending the riding season, and a passionate local cycling community, it’s no surprise that many people moving to Fort Collins cite biking as a major lifestyle draw.
Whether you’re into casual trail rides or technical singletrack challenges, Fort Collins delivers.
→ Related: What’s It Like Living in Fort Collins Colorado?
→ Related: Best Craft Breweries in Fort Collins (the perfect post-ride reward)
→ Related: Map of Fort Collins Neighborhoods (West FC is closest to trailheads)
For a complete overview of relocating, visit our Moving to Fort Collins, Colorado — The Complete Relocation Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mountain Biking in Fort Collins
Is Fort Collins good for mountain biking?
Yes. Fort Collins has hundreds of miles of singletrack trails through foothills, reservoirs, and natural areas — with trails for every skill level from beginner to expert. It’s considered one of Colorado’s top mountain biking cities.
What is the best mountain biking trail in Fort Collins?
It depends on your skill level. Southridge Trail and Maxwell Natural Area are popular moderate options. Howard Trail and Reservoir Ridge are favorites for advanced riders. South Valley Loop at Lory is great for beginners.
Can you mountain bike year-round in Fort Collins?
Nearly. Most trails are rideable from March through November. Some south-facing trails remain clear during winter. Conditions vary by weather — muddy trails should be avoided to prevent damage.
Are dogs allowed on Fort Collins mountain biking trails?
Dogs are allowed on most trails but must be on-leash. Horsetooth Mountain, Lory State Park, Maxwell, Bobcat Ridge, and the Foothills Trail all allow leashed dogs.
Where are the closest mountain biking trails to Fort Collins?
Maxwell Natural Area, Reservoir Ridge, and Horsetooth Mountain Open Space are all within 10–20 minutes of central Fort Collins. Lory State Park is about 15–20 minutes northwest.
Is Fort Collins a bike-friendly city?
Very. Fort Collins has over 285 miles of biking and walking trails, dedicated bike lanes throughout the city, and a strong cycling culture. It’s consistently ranked as one of the most bike-friendly cities in the U.S.
~ By The Levi Group Brokered by Real ~
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