Cool Things To Do In Fort Collins – An Adventurer’S Guide To Trails
You’ve probably heard that Fort Collins is the craft beer capital of Colorado. While that’s true, it often overshadows the city’s real treasure: its incredible, rugged backyard. Many visitors stick to Old Town, completely missing the world-class hiking, paddling, and camping that lies just minutes from the city limits.
This guide promises to change that. We’re going to skip the typical tourist traps and show you how to experience the best of this Front Range hub like a seasoned outdoor pro. This is more than just a list; it’s a practical plan for adventure.
We’ll break down the must-do hikes for every skill level, detail how to safely enjoy the Cache la Poudre River, and provide a complete cool things to do in fort collins guide for finding the perfect campsite—from full-service RV spots to secluded, off-grid locations.
Master the Trails: Hiking In and Around Fort Collins
The foothills west of Fort Collins are a hiker’s paradise, offering a network of trails that range from gentle afternoon strolls to demanding summit climbs. Preparation is key here; the high-desert environment is beautiful but unforgiving. Understanding how to cool things to do in fort collins starts with respecting the terrain.
For the Beginner Hiker: The Horsetooth Falls Trail
If you’re new to the area or just want a rewarding hike without a grueling ascent, Horsetooth Falls is your best bet. This 2.2-mile round-trip trail is located within Horsetooth Mountain Open Space and offers a fantastic introduction to the local landscape.
The path winds through meadows and pine forests before descending into a canyon where the falls await. It’s a great spot for a family outing or a solo trip to get your bearings. Be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes, like the Merrell Moab 3, as the trail can be rocky in sections. Always carry at least one liter of water per person.
For a Challenging Climb: The Horsetooth Rock Trail
This is the iconic Fort Collins hike. The 5-mile round-trip trail to the summit of Horsetooth Rock is a local rite of passage, offering panoramic views of the city, the plains to the east, and the snow-capped peaks of the Rockies to the west.
This is a more strenuous effort with significant elevation gain. Start early, especially in summer, to avoid the intense afternoon sun and the frequent thunderstorms that can roll in quickly. The final push to the summit involves a fun but challenging rock scramble that requires confidence and shoes with good grip. The payoff is absolutely worth the burn.
Lory State Park: A Quieter Alternative
Just north of Horsetooth, Lory State Park provides a slightly less crowded but equally beautiful hiking experience. With over 26 miles of trails, you can easily find solitude here.
The Arthur’s Rock Trail is a highlight—a 3.4-mile round trip that leads to a stunning granite overlook. It’s a steady climb but offers a fantastic workout and incredible views without the same level of foot traffic as its famous neighbor. This is one of our favorite cool things to do in fort collins tips for escaping the crowds.
Hit the Water: Paddling and Fishing the Cache la Poudre River
The Cache la Poudre is Colorado’s only designated “Wild and Scenic” river, and it flows right through the heart of Fort Collins. From thrilling whitewater rapids in the upper canyon to gentle floats through town, the Poudre offers aquatic adventures for every comfort level.
Gentle Floats and Kayaking Through Town
On a hot summer day, there’s nothing better than floating the Poudre. Several sections through town are perfect for inner tubes, stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), and recreational kayaks. You can rent gear from local outfitters if you don’t have your own.
Safety is paramount. Always wear a PFD (Personal Flotation Device), even if the water looks calm. Check the river’s flow rate online—measured in cubic feet per second (CFS)—before you go. High CFS can create dangerous conditions. One of the most common problems with cool things to do in fort collins is underestimating the power of the river.
Whitewater Adventures for the Experienced
The upper Poudre Canyon is a renowned destination for whitewater kayaking and rafting. With Class III-IV rapids, this section is for experienced paddlers only. If you’re not an expert but crave the thrill, book a trip with a reputable local guide company. They provide all the gear and expertise to navigate the rapids safely.
Fly Fishing Hotspots
The Poudre River is a fly fisher’s dream, teeming with brown and rainbow trout. The canyon sections offer countless pull-offs and access points. Stop by a local fly shop in town to get the latest fishing report, find out which flies are working, and pick up your Colorado fishing license. This is a perfect way to connect with the river’s wild spirit.
Your Basecamp Guide: Camping Near Fort Collins
Whether you’re in a fully-equipped RV or a simple backpacking tent, you’ll find the perfect place to set up camp near Fort Collins. Booking in advance is highly recommended, as spots fill up quickly, especially from May through September.
Established Campgrounds: Horsetooth Reservoir
For those who appreciate amenities, the campgrounds at Horsetooth Reservoir (like South Bay and Inlet Bay) are ideal. They offer RV hookups, restrooms, and easy access to boating and swimming. These sites are perfect for families and RV travelers. You’ll need to reserve your spot on the Larimer County website, often months in advance for peak season weekends.
Rustic & Remote: Poudre Canyon Camping
For a more rustic experience, head up the Poudre Canyon. Campgrounds like Ansel Watrous or Mountain Park are nestled among the pines along the river. These spots generally have vault toilets and water spigots but no hookups. Be prepared for no cell service and embrace the opportunity to disconnect. This is where you’ll find the true benefits of cool things to do in fort collins—peace and quiet.
Dispersed Camping 101
For the self-sufficient adventurer, the surrounding Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests offer ample dispersed camping opportunities. This means you can camp for free outside of designated campgrounds along many forest service roads. You must be entirely self-contained and strictly follow all Leave No Trace principles.
Use an app like The Dyrt or iOverlander to research potential areas. A high-clearance vehicle is often necessary. This is the ultimate way to find solitude, but it comes with great responsibility. Your cool things to do in fort collins care guide for these wild places is to leave them better than you found them.
Beyond the Trail: Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Fort Collins Adventures
Enjoying the outdoors is a privilege, and protecting these natural spaces is our collective responsibility. Fort Collins makes it easy to explore in a way that minimizes your impact. Embracing sustainable cool things to do in fort collins ensures these places remain beautiful for generations.
Bike the City Trails
Fort Collins is a Platinum-level Bicycle Friendly Community for a reason. An extensive network of paved trails, including the Poudre River Trail and the Spring Creek Trail, makes it easy to explore the entire city without a car. Rent a bike and spend a day cruising the trails—it’s a fun, healthy, and eco-friendly cool things to do in fort collins.
Practice Leave No Trace (LNT) Best Practices
The seven principles of Leave No Trace are the golden rules of outdoor ethics. For the Fort Collins area, these are especially critical:
- Pack It In, Pack It Out: This includes everything—food wrappers, toilet paper, and even fruit peels.
- Stay on the Trail: Cutting switchbacks or walking on fragile vegetation causes erosion and damages the ecosystem.
- Respect Wildlife: Observe animals from a distance. Never feed wildlife, as it harms their health and alters natural behaviors.
- Know Before You Go: Check for trail closures, wildlife advisories, and fire bans before you head out.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cool Things to Do in Fort Collins
What is the best time of year to visit Fort Collins for outdoor activities?
Late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) offer the best combination of pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer (July-August) is fantastic but can be hot, crowded, and prone to afternoon thunderstorms. Winter offers opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the higher elevations.
Do I need to worry about altitude sickness in Fort Collins?
Fort Collins sits at 5,000 feet, and the nearby trails quickly climb higher. While severe altitude sickness is uncommon here, visitors from sea level may feel its effects. The best prevention is to stay well-hydrated, avoid strenuous exercise on your first day, and listen to your body.
Are the trails and parks near Fort Collins dog-friendly?
Many trails in the area are dog-friendly, but rules vary. In Larimer County Open Spaces like Horsetooth, dogs must be on a leash at all times. In the National Forest, rules can be more relaxed, but it’s always best practice to keep your dog leashed for their safety and the protection of wildlife. Always pack out your dog’s waste.
How can I find out about current trail conditions or fire bans?
This is a crucial part of trip planning. For local parks, check the Larimer County Natural Resources website. For National Forest land, visit the official U.S. Forest Service website for the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests. These sites provide up-to-date information on closures, fire restrictions, and trail conditions.
Fort Collins is so much more than a college town with great beer. It’s a gateway to authentic outdoor adventure, a place where you can test your limits on a mountain trail in the morning and relax by a scenic river in the afternoon.
By preparing properly, respecting the environment, and choosing the right adventure for your skill level, you can unlock the wild heart of Northern Colorado. Now you have the knowledge and the plan. It’s time to get out there and explore.
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