Last Updated on January 11, 2024 by foxintheforest
Fort Collins often gets overshadowed by its foothills neighbors of Denver and Boulder, but this town has tons to offer, including some incredible outdoor spaces. While the trails in FoCo (as the locals call it) might not be as famous as those in nearby Rocky Mountain National Park, you’ll find plenty of fantastic Fort Collins hikes.
If you’re looking for recommendations on the top hikes in Fort Collins from a local, I’ve got you covered. I’ve called Colorado home for almost 15 years and have hiked a ton in Fort Collins. As a local hiking pro, I can help you explore the best Fort Collins hikes like a local, not a tourist.
About this Guide to Fort Collins Hikes
Inside this local guide to the best hikes near Fort Collins, you’ll find expert advice about:
- Location of Fort Collins plus a map
- Why Fort Collins is good for hiking
- The top Fort Collins hikes, broken down by difficulty
- What to do in Fort Collins after hiking
- Additional Colorado hiking resources
Where is Fort Collins?
Fort Collins is straight north of Denver, about an hour to an hour and a half away depending on traffic on I-25.
It’s a great area to explore if you’re visiting Colorado and staying in the Front Range.
While Fort Collins is a town in the foothills, the mountains are just a short 35-mile drive away in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Is Fort Collins Good for Hiking?
Fort Collins is awesome for hiking in Colorado, with more than 80 hiking trails in Fort Collins.
You’ll find a variety of trails for a quick jaunt, and then you can head to downtown Fort Collins for plenty of fun things to do in Colorado after hiking.
Local Tip: If you’re coming to Colorado to hike, then you’ll certainly want to check out other areas other than Fort Collins.
What makes FoCo great is that it has fewer crowds than other Front Range areas, but it lacks dramatic, tall mountains!
The Best Easy Fort Collins Hikes
Enjoy these short and gentle hikes near Fort Collins through some of the local natural areas.
1. Red Fox Meadows Natural Area
If you just need a quick hit of fresh air, the loop through Red Fox Meadows Natural Area is a nice way to stretch your legs.
It borders a neighborhood, so you won’t exactly feel like you’re in the wilderness, but it’s a lovely walk for families and your four-legged friends.
Distance: 1.7-mile loop
Elevation Gain: 39 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Time: 30 mins
Dog Friendly: Yes, on-leash
2. Devil’s Backbone Nature Trail
Devil’s Backbone Nature Trail is definitely one of the best easy Fort Collins hikes thanks to views of the unique namesake rock formation.
The hike connects Fort Collins to Loveland through Devil’s Backbone Open Space.
Distance: 4.3 miles out & back
Elevation Gain: 564 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Time: 2 hours
Dog Friendly: Yes, on-leash
3. Dixon Reservoir Loop
Meander through Pineridge Natural Area on the Dixon Reservoir Loop. This Fort Collins hike takes you around the reservoir through grassland, and you can continue on connecting trails if you want a longer hike.
Distance: 2.1-mile loop
Elevation Gain: 108 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Time: 45 mins
Dog Friendly: Yes, on-leash
4. Overlook Trail via Foothills Trail
Take the Overlook Trail via Foothills Trail to hike up to the iconic “A” painted on a hill in the Maxwell Natural Area.
This hike is popular, so don’t expect to be alone, and it has no shade, so avoid it during the summer heat.
Local Tip: The “A” stands for “Aggies,” the original mascot of Colorado State University.
Distance: 4.3 miles out & back
Elevation Gain: 593 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Time: 1.5-2 hours
Dog Friendly: Yes, on-leash
5. Coyote Ridge Trail
This hike through the prairie land of Coyote Ridge Natural Area takes you up to a rocky ridge with wide open views at the top. You might encounter deer, prairie dogs, and other wildlife on this trail.
Local Tip: This area is home to lots of rattlesnakes which are commonly spotted on the trail, so keep an eye out and watch your step.
Distance: 4.1 miles out & back
Elevation Gain: 564 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Time: 1.5-2 hours
Dog Friendly: No
The Best Moderate Hikes in Fort Collins
Fort Collins is a mecca for moderate hikes through the varied local landscape of prairie land, rock formations, and water features.
6. Horsetooth Falls Loop
Head to one of the many beautiful waterfalls in Colorado on the Horsetooth Falls Loop.
This trail will take you through the grassy plains as you hike up to the gorgeous Horsetooth Falls, and you’ll also get a view of Horsetooth Reservoir at the top.
Local Tip: Daily entrance permits for Horsetooth Mountain Open Space are $10/vehicle.
Distance: 2.9 mile loop
Elevation Gain: 580 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated Time: 1.5 hours
Dog Friendly: Yes, on-leash
7. Horsetooth Rock Trail
Another awesome hike in Horsetooth Mountain Open Space is the Horsetooth Rock Trail. This fairly steep trail is a good leg workout that rewards you with incredible views from the top of Horsetooth Mountain.
And when you see the views of Fort Collins, Horsetooth Reservoir, and Longs Peak from up there, you’ll understand why Horsetooth Rock Trail is one of the most popular Fort Collins hikes!
Local Tip: Daily entrance permits for Horsetooth Mountain Open Space are $10/vehicle.
Distance: 5 miles out & back
Elevation Gain: 1,440 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated Time: 2-2.5 hours
Dog Friendly: Yes, on-leash
8. Arthur’s Rock Trail
Explore Lory State Park on Arthur’s Rock Trail which winds uphill to an open grassy meadow and continues through the forest.
The trail gets rocky at the top and provides excellent views out over the Fort Collins area.
Local Tip: Daily park passes for Lory State Park are $10/vehicle.
Distance: 3.2 miles out & back
Elevation Gain: 1,099 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated Time: 2 hours
Dog Friendly: Yes, on-leash
9. Reservoir Ridge Trail
Reservoir Ridge Trail is a nice loop that provides plenty of good views as it encircles the ridge.
It’s a really great dog-friendly hike in Colorado, but be sure to keep your dog on a leash (and watch out for rattlesnakes).
Local Tip: This trail gets really muddy in the spring and is sometimes closed for muddy conditions.
Distance: 5.8 mile loop
Elevation Gain: 656 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated Time: 2.5 hours
Dog Friendly: Yes, on-leash
10. Molly Moon Trail to Molly Lake
Enjoy a wonderful lake hike in Colorado on the Molly Moon Trail to Molly Lake in the Cache la Poudre Wilderness.
The meadows this trail runs through explode with color during wildflower season, making it one of the top wildflower hikes in Colorado, too.
Distance: 7.9 miles out & back
Elevation Gain: 813 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated Time: 3 hours
Dog Friendly: Yes, on-leash
11. Lower Dadd Gulch Trail
The Lower Dadd Gulch Trail heads along a creek (be prepared for lots of crossings) through ponderosa pines and aspen groves to amazing panoramic views at the top of the moderate incline.
When the aspens turn gold, it is a hidden gem among the fall hikes in Colorado.
Distance: 7.0 miles out & back
Elevation Gain: 1,482 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated Time: 3.5 hours
Dog Friendly: Yes
The Best Challenging Hikes Near Fort Collins
While you won’t find many strenuous Fort Collins hikes, this one is certainly one of the best hikes in Colorado.
12. Greyrock Trail
Greyrock Trail is an excellent adventure in Roosevelt National Forest.
Hike to the summit of Greyrock Mountain through forests of aspen and alpine meadows, then soak in the breathtaking mountain views from the top.
Distance: 7.2 mile loop
Elevation Gain: 2,417 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Estimated Time: 4-5 hours
Dog Friendly: Yes, on-leash
Things to Do in Fort Collins After Hiking
After hitting the trail on one of these Fort Collins hikes, here are some other things to do while you’re in the area:
- Cheers to your hike at one of Fort Collins’s more famous breweries, New Belgium or Odell, or one of the smaller local spots like Snowbank or Horse & Dragon.
- Stroll around charming Old Town and enjoy the public art, open plazas, and welcoming parks and maybe some live music along the river at The Mishawaka.
- Fill up from your hiking hunger at one of the many eateries at The Exchange or indulge in a locavore menu at Little on Mountain.
- Take one of the best scenic drives in Colorado along the Cache la Poudre-North Park Scenic Byway – and be on the lookout for bighorn sheep along the river!
What to Pack
What to wear:
- Sunshirt
- Noncotton socks
- Hiking footwear with good traction that you are comfortable wearing all day.
- Non-cotton shorts for hiking
- Or non-cotton, pants for hiking. Convertible pants are great too!
- Non-cotton shirt for hiking
What to pack:
- Electrolyte powder – optional but nice to have!
- A water bladder capable of carrying at least 2 liters of water.
- Camera
- Camera clip to strap to your back
- Beanie
- Glove liners
- Fleece layer
- Puffy layer
- Hiking poles (optional)
- A toilet kit: shovel, WAG Bag (if you plan to travel above treeline), hand sanitizer, TP/baby wipes, a small plastic baggy to pack out TP and sanitary items
- Pee funnel – optional
- Hiking day pack. I love the REI Flash 22 for an affordable day pack.
- Water and snacks for the car – it’s always nice to have a treat at the end!
- Sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses
- First Aid Kit
- Pee rag – optional.
- Headlamp
- GPS navigation
- emergency communication device
- Wind/rain layer
- Pocket knife
