Colorado · Hiking
Hiking in Fort Collins, Colorado
Fort Collins sits right where the Colorado Front Range starts to mean business, and the hiking here reflects that transition. You can walk flat prairie trails one morning and gain real elevation on the foothills the next, all within city limits or a short drive.
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Fort Collins sits right where the Colorado Front Range starts to mean business, and the hiking here reflects that transition. You can walk flat prairie trails one morning and gain real elevation on the foothills the next, all within city limits or a short drive. The trail network is genuinely extensive — 91 active listings in and around the city — and it skews accessible. The Foothills Trail is the backbone of the system, running along the western edge of town with multiple access points and connector options like the Blue Sky Connector Trail. For easier outings, the South Valley Loop, Wilcox Trail, and Foothills Trail (Maxwell Loop) are all rated easy and work well for families or visitors who want to move without grinding. The Cathy Fromme Prairie Trail and Shoreline Trail are good flat options when afternoon thunderstorms push you away from higher ground. If you want more of a workout, the Ridge Trail, Ridge to Ridge Trail, and Quarry Ridge South add elevation and exposure. Trailheads are generally well-signed and most have parking, though popular spots along the Foothills corridor fill up fast on weekend mornings between May and October.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time of year to hike in Fort Collins?
Late April through early June and September through October are the sweet spots. Summer hiking is doable but afternoon thunderstorms roll in fast from the west, typically between 1 and 3 p.m., so start early and plan to be off exposed ridge trails by noon. Winter is mild enough for the lower prairie and valley trails like the Cathy Fromme Prairie Trail and South Valley Loop, though the foothills trails can be icy from December through March.
What is the best time of day to hit the Foothills Trail and avoid crowds?
Weekday mornings before 9 a.m. are your best bet. On weekends from May through September, the Foothills Trail parking areas along Horsetooth Road and near the Maxwell Access Road fill up by 8 a.m. If you arrive mid-morning on a Saturday, expect to park farther away and share the trail with a lot of people and dogs.
Do I need a permit or pass to hike these trails?
Most trails within Fort Collins city open space, including the Foothills Trail, Cathy Fromme Prairie Trail, and English Ranch walking trail, are free to access with no permit required. Some trailheads have parking fees or time limits, so check posted signage when you arrive. Trails that connect into Larimer County open space may have different rules, so confirm before you go if you are planning a longer connector route.
What gear do I actually need for a day hike here?
For easy trails like the Swan Johnson Trail, Wilcox Trail, or South Valley Loop, trail runners or sturdy sneakers are fine and a daypack with water is enough. On the foothills and ridge trails, bring at least two liters of water per person since there is no reliable water on trail, wear sun protection, and carry a light rain layer for afternoon storms. Trekking poles are not necessary but help on the rockier sections of the Ridge to Ridge Trail.
Are dogs allowed on these trails?
Dogs are allowed on most Fort Collins open space trails but must be on a leash no longer than six feet. The Foothills Trail and Cathy Fromme Prairie Trail both see heavy dog traffic, so expect it. Clean-up bags are required and bag dispensers are usually available at main trailheads, though they run out on busy weekends.
