Happy trails—ambles to rambles

You could spend a lifetime getting to know the trails in and around Fort Collins. For hiking, trails are rated as Easy, Moderate or Difficult. These rankings typically are related to how much elevation you gain and lose and how technically difficult the trail is. While enjoying the backcountry, remember to leave only footprints and take only memories and photos so that those who follow after you can have the pristine experience that makes these mountains the beautiful refuge that they are.

GREYROCK SUMMIT

Cache la Poudre Canyon Hwy 14. Park at main parking lot. Popular trail with switchbacks to an exciting finish up Grey Rock. To make a loop, take the Grey Rock Meadows trail one direction. Trailhead is 18 miles/30 minutes from downtown.

HORSETOOTH FALLS AND HORSETOOTH ROCK

Horsetooth Mountain Open Space. Park at main parking lot. Pass a waterfall through woods and meadows on your way to the top of the iconic Horsetooth Rock. Trailhead is 12 miles/25 minutes from downtown.

COYOTE RIDGE TO RIMROCK OPEN SPACE

Coyote Ridge Natural Area. Foothills meets the plains. Gorgeous views to the west from the top of the trail. No dogs on this trail. Trailhead is 9.5 miles/20 minutes from downtown.

TOWHEE LOOP

Soapstone Prairie Natural Area. Park at the north parking lot. Hikers-only trail. Great views with mule deer and a variety of birds.This trail has an easy/moderate rating. Trailhead is 29 miles/50 minutes from downtown.

Well Gulch Nature

Charles A. Lory State Park. Park at Eltuck Group Picnic Area. A little something for everyone on this self-guided tour through several ecosystems with information along the way. Trailhead is 12 miles/25 minutes from downtown.

Pond And River Meander

Riverbend Ponds Natural Area. Park at any of three trailheads. Flat trails with loop options. More than 200 species of birds feed, nest and migrate through this area. Trailhead is 3.5 miles/10 minutes from downtown.