Born to explore

Play It Safe

Check road and trail conditions before heading out with the following apps.

Trail conditions—COTREX Road conditions—CDOT Colorado Road Conditions

Dress For Success

No matter what time of year, be prepared for abrupt changes in the weather. Sunshine can turn to afternoon rain and wind, or snow. Pack layers of clothing that you can put on and remove as needed. A rain shell is always a good idea as is a billed cap, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Drive Time

LESS THAN 2 HOURS

The Cache la Poudre

Canyon: Fort Collins to Cameron Pass

ONE HOUR Fort Collins to Red Feather Lakes

AROUND 4 HOURS

The whole loop: Fort Collins to Cameron Pass to Red Feather Lakes to Fort Collins

North Park

This is big-sky country with mountains all around. Come feel the space

Rand-Gould cutoff

Get off the pavement and hit the gravel through some beautiful country. Spectacular views. Moose.

Hot Sulphur Springs Resort and Spa

Breathe deeply, relax and move forward on your personal journey with a day at the hot springs.

The big scenic drive-around

Leave early. Drive time is six hours and you’re going to want to stop, stretch and look around…a lot! Drive up Hwy 34 west of Loveland into Rocky Mountain National Park then up and over Trail Ridge Road (open summer to early fall) to Granby. Head north on Hwy 125 to Walden and then turn east on Hwy 14 over Cameron Pass and down the Cache la Poudre Canyon. Can be done in reverse.

Horsetooth Reservoir

Can you say fun? Pick your flavor. At the lake, hang out at a beach or try a standup paddle board or kayak. Bike, hike or saddle up for a seemingly endless system of trails in the state, county and city parks that surround the reservoir.

Bringing your two wheels? Check out our gravel, mountain and road bicycle guides here:

Moose Visitors Center

Stop in for all things moose. Talk to a ranger, buy maps and souvenirs, and learn about moose and the history of the region.

Cache La Poudre River and Canyon

Wild and Scenic says it all. See our detailed map for this area.

Trail Ridge Road

With panoramic 360-degree views, TRR is the highest paved highway in the country. The road opens in early summer and closes in the fall.

Big Thompson Canyon

Gateway to the national park. Feel the drama build as you wind your way up this classic canyon.

Rocky Mountain National Park

The true Rocky Mountain high is just an hour uphill from Fort Collins. Discover elk, big horn sheep, spectacular peaks, quiet lakes, inviting trails, and more. Grand Lake Quaint, lakeside town on the less visited west side of Rocky Mountain National Park.

North Boat Ramp and Paddle Sports Area

Cliff-lined, speed-restricted cove designated for SUPs and kayaks.

Lory State Park

Something for everyone. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, horse-back riding, hunting, fishing, backpacking. Challenge: Summit Arthur’s Rock

Rotary Park

Bouldering hot spot and a scenic picnic area. Foothills Trail access, too.

Maxwell Natural Area Trailhead

Quick access to the trail system on the edge of town. Climb to Rotary Park for the best view.

Horsetooth Mountain

Open Space

Hiking & biking wonderland. Challenge: summit Horsetooth Rock.

Blue Sky Trail

A mountain bikers’ dream. Rollers through beautiful terrain.

Swim and SUP beach

Mountain views across the reservoir with SUP and kayak rentals.

Holiday Twin Drive-In Chill after your fun-filled day in a movie setting like no other.

Boat launch and beach history here in the New Old West. Outfit yourself in a new hat and boots for the world’s largest outdoor rodeo.

Main spot for launching power boats with a busy beach.

Discover Wyoming

Buffalo? Check. Old West sites? Check. World’s largest rodeo? Check. Head north on I-25 and stop at Terry Bison Ranch for a tour of the herd then head up to Cheyenne and get yourself a cowboy hat and boots. West from there is wild Wyoming country for picnicking and hiking. Explore the rolling foothills and the scenic peaks of the Snowy Range.

Peak-to-Peak Highway

Lily

Peaks Wilderness Stop for a picnic go for a hike among the dramatic peaks and mountain lakes.

Peak-to-Peak Highway

Follow this route from Estes Park south past Nederland into Clear Creek Canyon to Interstate 70.

Tour the highlights of the Front Range on this scenic drive extraordinaire. Head up Hwy 34 to the high peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park by Estes Park. Stop for a stroll around Lily Lake as you head south on Hwy 7 and then picnic at Brainard Lake in the Indian Peaks. On the return, visit Boulder and Loveland.

A day in Denver

Drive an hour south on I-25 and you can dip into some bigcity amenities such as an Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park, Denver Aquarium and Meow Wolf. Denver also fields a full roster of professional sports teams with fields and arenas right downtown. Plus, catch a band under the stars at the unparalleled Red Rocks Amphitheater.

Drive Time

Downtown Aquarium

Discover 500 species of animals, the interactive Stingray Reef touch tank, Aquarium Restaurant and more.

NorthBroadway

20THStreet

Elitch Gardens

Theme & Water Park

16th Street Mall Stroll down this mile-long pedestrian promenade of shops, restaurants and entertainment.

Denver Zoo

Connect with the wonders of nature and spark your curiosity. Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Empower Field at Mile

Get your thrills and cool down with two amusement parks in one right.

Meow Wolf Denver—

Convergence Station

Take a surreal walk through an art experience with many interactive rooms, bizarre sculptures & a story arc.

Colorado State Capitol

Take a tour of the capitol. Free guided tours include a climb up the dome.

Denver Art Museum

Dive into the 12 resident collections and special exhibits.

Red Rocks Amphitheater

See the stars at this spectacular outdoor venue.

United States Mint at Denver

Discover the treasures of this historic building where coins are minted.

Delve into the wonders of the world through the exhibitions, planetarium and lectures.

Denver Botanic Gardens— York Street

Encounter a wide range of gardens and collections on 24 acres displaying plants from all corners of the world.