🏞️ Lory State Park: Where Fort Collins Goes to Unplug

Hey FoCo!

If you’re craving a nature fix without a long drive, Lory State Park delivers in spades. Just minutes from the city, this scenic escape is packed with wildflower-lined trails, wildlife spotting, and wide-open foothill views. Whether you’re into mountain biking, trail running, or a casual hike with a killer lookout, Lory’s got the path for you.

Located between Horsetooth Reservoir and the foothills, this park is one of our favorite things to do in Fort Collins year-round. Plus, it’s close enough to fit into a spontaneous afternoon outing or a full-blown weekend adventure.

🌲 Into the Wild: Parks & Trails Worth Exploring in Fort Collins

Fort Collins isn’t just a college town—it’s a nature lover’s paradise. With over 966 acres of developed parks, 45+ miles of paved trails, and easy access to state parks and national forests, this place is built for outdoor adventure.

Whether you’re after a leisurely lakeside walk, a challenging hike, or a scenic spot for birdwatching, there’s something for everyone. Here’s your guide to getting outside this week:

🏞️ Lory State Park

Right next to Horsetooth Reservoir, Lory State Park is packed with trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and even backcountry camping.

• Arthur’s Rock Trail – Quick but scenic, this 1.7-mile trek is the park’s most popular. Enjoy epic views of Horsetooth and Fort Collins from the top.

• Timber Trail – At 3.7 miles, it’s a moderate challenge and leads past six backcountry campsites and a peaceful picnic area.

• Well Gulch Nature Trail – A 1.5-mile self-guided tour through wildflowers and wetlands—perfect for budding naturalists.

• Shoreline Trail – A mellow 1-mile trail leading to Horsetooth Reservoir’s edge. Great for launching a paddleboard or kayak.

• Kimmons Trail – A gentle 1.1-mile path with postcard-worthy views of the plains and reservoir.

🌄 Beyond Lory: More Spots to Explore

• Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests – With over 650,000 acres nearby, this is your launchpad for camping, hiking, and Colorado’s only Wild & Scenic River.

• Fort Collins Natural Areas – Nearly 50 protected sites cover 36,000+ acres, each with its own unique charm. Great for a midday walk or birdwatching break.

• Pawnee National Grasslands – A one-of-a-kind prairie landscape east of town, perfect for wildlife viewing and home to Colorado’s state bird, the Lark Bunting.

🐦 Birding & Wildlife Watching Tips

Fort Collins is home to nearly 500 bird species and plenty of wildlife. Grab your binoculars, explore a natural area, or cruise up Poudre Canyon for moose, elk, and bighorn sheep sightings. Just remember—watch from a distance. These animals are wild, and that’s how we want to keep it.

👟 Plan ahead: Check the COTREX app for trail conditions, closures, and live updates before heading out.

🌲 Fort Collins Nature Trivia!

🗓 What’s Happenin’ in Fort Collins: Event Listings

🌤 Fort Collins Weather Outlook

Wednesday, March 26 – ☀️ Sunny | High: 77°F | Low: 43°F | Wind: S 8 mph | 1% chance of rain

Thursday, March 27 – 🌤 Mostly Sunny | High: 79°F | Low: 46°F | Wind: WSW 10 mph | 2% chance of rain

Friday, March 28 – ⛅ Mostly Cloudy | High: 76°F | Low: 44°F | Wind: WSW 10 mph | 17% chance of rain

Saturday, March 29 – ⛈️ PM Thunderstorms | High: 60°F | Low: 33°F | Wind: SSE 11 mph | 84% chance of rain

💡 Weather Tip: Thursday’s looking like a patio-perfect day, but keep your rain jacket handy for Saturday—those afternoon storms might crash the weekend fun!

🏔 That’s a Wrap!

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