Site-seeing, Hikes, and Other Stuff
Hike the Horsetooth Icon nearby
A close, great hike with a fun mini-rock climb at the end and panoramic views of our city and to the mountains
Climb The Fort Collins Icon! I hiked this on Thanksgiving day 1986, before the big feast, and a few months later I moved here. I couldn’t stop thinking about the smell of the fresh snow melting from the night before, and how the warm sunshine ☀️ made my winter coat peel off. The brave and the crazy 🤗 go up on the full moon and howl. Always reward yourself for reaching the top with empanadas —and plenty of water. I hike this in the fall/spring and winter Bit hot in summer unless early or night 🌝.
20 minute drive To trailhead
Put “Horsetooth Mountain open space trailhead” in maps or “Horsetooth rock trail” in g maps. Pay larimer county $10 for parking (restroom and drinking water at base) .
Allow a whole morning or afternoon. 2 1/2 - 3 1/2 hours average hike time, plus drive and linger time.
33 recommandé par les habitants
Horsetooth Mountain
Climb The Fort Collins Icon! I hiked this on Thanksgiving day 1986, before the big feast, and a few months later I moved here. I couldn’t stop thinking about the smell of the fresh snow melting from the night before, and how the warm sunshine ☀️ made my winter coat peel off. The brave and the crazy 🤗 go up on the full moon and howl. Always reward yourself for reaching the top with empanadas —and plenty of water. I hike this in the fall/spring and winter Bit hot in summer unless early or night 🌝.
20 minute drive To trailhead
Put “Horsetooth Mountain open space trailhead” in maps or “Horsetooth rock trail” in g maps. Pay larimer county $10 for parking (restroom and drinking water at base) .
Allow a whole morning or afternoon. 2 1/2 - 3 1/2 hours average hike time, plus drive and linger time.
Other Hikes I ❤️ Love!
About a 25 minute drive. My FAVORITE spring/early summer hike because it crosses a snow-melt creek about 100 times! Wear your water sandals and/or hike barefoot for part of it to enjoy the cool water! Dogs and kids LOVE!!
Was fire damaged in 2013 finally open again!
.The trail meanders up Young Gulch and Prairie Gulch, crossing the stream many times. The climb is very gradual and scenic with a variety of scapes: shrubs, juniper, ponderosa pine and Douglas fir along the hillside.
After passing through a large meadow, the trail ascends for about another mile to end at the edge of private property overlooking the Stove Prairie Road.
Young Gulch trailhead accommodates approximately 12 vehicles.
DIRECTIONS:
About a 25 minute drive. Travel 11 miles northwest of Fort Collins on U.S. Highway 287 to Colorado Highway 14. Turn left on CO 14, and travel 13 miles up the Poudre Canyon. At mile marker 109, just past the Ansel Watrous Campground, slow down and watch for a Young Gulch sign on the left and a short dirt road leading to the parking lot and trailhead. (Easy to miss).
Stop for breakfast at Verns in Laporte. (Famous cinnamon rolls).
Or a coffee drink at Morning Fresh Dairy’s cafe “The Howling Cow”.
Slightly different routes
Or a beer and French fries after the hike at the “Mishawaka” bar/amphitheater on the river, go 10 minutes further up the canyon, on the right.
Young Gulch Trailhead
12745 Poudre Canyon RdAbout a 25 minute drive. My FAVORITE spring/early summer hike because it crosses a snow-melt creek about 100 times! Wear your water sandals and/or hike barefoot for part of it to enjoy the cool water! Dogs and kids LOVE!!
Was fire damaged in 2013 finally open again!
.The trail meanders up Young Gulch and Prairie Gulch, crossing the stream many times. The climb is very gradual and scenic with a variety of scapes: shrubs, juniper, ponderosa pine and Douglas fir along the hillside.
After passing through a large meadow, the trail ascends for about another mile to end at the edge of private property overlooking the Stove Prairie Road.
Young Gulch trailhead accommodates approximately 12 vehicles.
DIRECTIONS:
About a 25 minute drive. Travel 11 miles northwest of Fort Collins on U.S. Highway 287 to Colorado Highway 14. Turn left on CO 14, and travel 13 miles up the Poudre Canyon. At mile marker 109, just past the Ansel Watrous Campground, slow down and watch for a Young Gulch sign on the left and a short dirt road leading to the parking lot and trailhead. (Easy to miss).
Stop for breakfast at Verns in Laporte. (Famous cinnamon rolls).
Or a coffee drink at Morning Fresh Dairy’s cafe “The Howling Cow”.
Slightly different routes
Or a beer and French fries after the hike at the “Mishawaka” bar/amphitheater on the river, go 10 minutes further up the canyon, on the right.
Sightseeing You Can Walk To
Places to check-out, right here nearby. No driving necessary!
Plaza outdoors with a fountain, art, a stage, patios with bars n’ food plus shops. Historical buildings. A few blocks from the house.
96 recommandé par les habitants
Place de la Vieille-Ville
199 Trimble CtPlaza outdoors with a fountain, art, a stage, patios with bars n’ food plus shops. Historical buildings. A few blocks from the house.
On warm days a great people gawking scene. 20-25 min walk. See shorts-bathers and bike stallers tempted to join other water-lured bodies including plenty o’ dogs. Maybe a kayaker will try to play here if the water is high enough (mid June). Just a few blocks away to the access point. Hundred of miles of connecting bike trails! To Access the trail go right on Peterson St from the house. Then right again on Mountain Avenue, cross over the bridge about a block and you’ll see the the trail. Go left on the trail (behind gigantic historical factory that is still operating called Ranch-way Feeds). Walk a few blocks along the river trail until you see the park. Or go the mapped route to see old town.
15 recommandé par les habitants
Poudre River Whitewater Park
201 E Vine DrOn warm days a great people gawking scene. 20-25 min walk. See shorts-bathers and bike stallers tempted to join other water-lured bodies including plenty o’ dogs. Maybe a kayaker will try to play here if the water is high enough (mid June). Just a few blocks away to the access point. Hundred of miles of connecting bike trails! To Access the trail go right on Peterson St from the house. Then right again on Mountain Avenue, cross over the bridge about a block and you’ll see the the trail. Go left on the trail (behind gigantic historical factory that is still operating called Ranch-way Feeds). Walk a few blocks along the river trail until you see the park. Or go the mapped route to see old town.
Checking out CSU? Twenty minute walk from the house. CSU’s historical Oval. From there take 15 minutes more walk to the CSU Annual Flower Garden.
The Oval
701 Oval DrChecking out CSU? Twenty minute walk from the house. CSU’s historical Oval. From there take 15 minutes more walk to the CSU Annual Flower Garden.
The brewery tours are SO much fun, and even non-beer lovers love the Mimosa beer! Plus they have great souvenirs unique to Fort Collins. Sign up early the day of, tours start at 2. An nice walk from the house along the river/bike trail or thru old town.
192 recommandé par les habitants
New Belgium Brewing
500 Linden StThe brewery tours are SO much fun, and even non-beer lovers love the Mimosa beer! Plus they have great souvenirs unique to Fort Collins. Sign up early the day of, tours start at 2. An nice walk from the house along the river/bike trail or thru old town.
Sightseeing Nearby
Let’s drive...she said —but not TOO far!
Home of NOOSA yogurt! 😋A lovely scenic 20 min drive to this long-standing locally owned dairy. (Or 1-2 hr bike ride! Via Poudre River Trail for that use gmaps and select the bike option from 400 E. Olive).
Stop for famous yogurt, homemade snacks and beverages at the HOWLING COW CAFE.
The dairy is on mouth of the Poudre Canyon/River so the cows make some seriously decadent milk. Locals can still get dairy deliveries in white milk boxes on their porch.
Take the scenic drive via the actual wagon trail that pioneers and Indians used, the “OVERLAND TRAIL”.
To drive the scenic route (about 20 minutes) head North and West from the house.
🔆 Remember! The mountains are a natural compass, they are WEST of Fort Collins! 🔆
Go “West” on Laporte Avenue about 3 miles;
Head North (right) on the old historical Overland Trail, go 2 miles, slow down, watch carefully on tleft as you will pass the circa 1800’s Water Works. Then watch closer another .2 miles, easy to miss West, or left at historical BINGHAM HILL ROAD/50E.
Stop at the top (about a mile up, go slow) at the little park on the left, to ooooh and ahhhh over views of the lush valley, continue another mile down.
Turn North (right) on N. Co Rd 23E. About a mile until it ends. This is historical Bellvue town center. Cute, huh! Blink.
Turn West (left) on Risk Canyon Rd/52E for a half mile.
Then North, or right on N Co Rd 25E for 1.4 miles.
Then East, or right on W Co Rd 54E look for the dairy cafe on the right.
Take the same route back but instead of heading back up Bingham Hill instead go 7miles South along deep Horsetooth Reservoir on 23E continuing the scenic drive with views of Fort Collins, the water and the Tooth.
You can drop right back into town at either of the two roads that go East, or left.
H
Or continue wrapping around the reservoir heading West towards the mountain park (see hike) and/or the next ‘lil town of Masonville. Eventually running into Nostalgic West Leather Store and Masonville Mercantile and Alpaca ranches.
Take the back way to through the Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch and on up to Estes Park, and Rocky Mountain National Park. (Or bike ride! Via Poudre River Trail)
Morning Fresh Dairy Farm
5821 W Co Rd 54EHome of NOOSA yogurt! 😋A lovely scenic 20 min drive to this long-standing locally owned dairy. (Or 1-2 hr bike ride! Via Poudre River Trail for that use gmaps and select the bike option from 400 E. Olive).
Stop for famous yogurt, homemade snacks and beverages at the HOWLING COW CAFE.
The dairy is on mouth of the Poudre Canyon/River so the cows make some seriously decadent milk. Locals can still get dairy deliveries in white milk boxes on their porch.
Take the scenic drive via the actual wagon trail that pioneers and Indians used, the “OVERLAND TRAIL”.
To drive the scenic route (about 20 minutes) head North and West from the house.
🔆 Remember! The mountains are a natural compass, they are WEST of Fort Collins! 🔆
Go “West” on Laporte Avenue about 3 miles;
Head North (right) on the old historical Overland Trail, go 2 miles, slow down, watch carefully on tleft as you will pass the circa 1800’s Water Works. Then watch closer another .2 miles, easy to miss West, or left at historical BINGHAM HILL ROAD/50E.
Stop at the top (about a mile up, go slow) at the little park on the left, to ooooh and ahhhh over views of the lush valley, continue another mile down.
Turn North (right) on N. Co Rd 23E. About a mile until it ends. This is historical Bellvue town center. Cute, huh! Blink.
Turn West (left) on Risk Canyon Rd/52E for a half mile.
Then North, or right on N Co Rd 25E for 1.4 miles.
Then East, or right on W Co Rd 54E look for the dairy cafe on the right.
Take the same route back but instead of heading back up Bingham Hill instead go 7miles South along deep Horsetooth Reservoir on 23E continuing the scenic drive with views of Fort Collins, the water and the Tooth.
You can drop right back into town at either of the two roads that go East, or left.
H
Or continue wrapping around the reservoir heading West towards the mountain park (see hike) and/or the next ‘lil town of Masonville. Eventually running into Nostalgic West Leather Store and Masonville Mercantile and Alpaca ranches.
Take the back way to through the Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch and on up to Estes Park, and Rocky Mountain National Park. (Or bike ride! Via Poudre River Trail)
Part of the Dairy Farm route or check it out via Horsetooth hike route.
250 recommandé par les habitants
Horsetooth Reservoir
Part of the Dairy Farm route or check it out via Horsetooth hike route.
Mountain Whitewater
1329 US-287Hike, Picnic and Travel Food
Stop in and pick some up! They are ready to go! Just make sure you get enough! Addictive...
Generous portions of authentic Mayan inspired fillings. A delicious, crust baked to perfection... each Empanada comes served with it's own little sauce, making it extra special.
Best hiking and picnic food to reward yourself with in the world!
My Empanadas
221 West Prospect RoadGenerous portions of authentic Mayan inspired fillings. A delicious, crust baked to perfection... each Empanada comes served with it's own little sauce, making it extra special.
Best hiking and picnic food to reward yourself with in the world!
Unique to Fort Collins
Long-time drive-in theatre survived (only around 300 left in the U.S!). On the edge of the foothills in town. During the pandemic they also started doing live-music shows.
32 recommandé par les habitants
Holiday Twin Drive-In Theater
2206 S Overland TrailLong-time drive-in theatre survived (only around 300 left in the U.S!). On the edge of the foothills in town. During the pandemic they also started doing live-music shows.
An eclectic movie theatre with beer taps. Has an outdoor theatre in the back too, in the summer.
50 recommandé par les habitants
The Lyric
1209 N College AveAn eclectic movie theatre with beer taps. Has an outdoor theatre in the back too, in the summer.
New Belgium Brewing
500 Linden StStuff to Buy
Cool stores nearby you will always find something different to buy!
Need a stuffed walrus, a tent, a paintball gun, hiking sandles, a bow, cowboy hat, homemade candy or ice cream maker or a latte whilst browsing? They got lots of stuff. Add on after add on rooms with cool temptations! Even an army surplus in the back A mile North of old town.
If you bike don’t take college Avenue.
12 recommandé par les habitants
JAX Fort Collins Outdoor Gear
1200 N College AveNeed a stuffed walrus, a tent, a paintball gun, hiking sandles, a bow, cowboy hat, homemade candy or ice cream maker or a latte whilst browsing? They got lots of stuff. Add on after add on rooms with cool temptations! Even an army surplus in the back A mile North of old town.
If you bike don’t take college Avenue.
CLOTHES or sunglasses? Need to grab something cooler or warmer to wear for cheap? Or want to wear flashy disco pants on a brewery tour? They have every color! You’ll surely find something here. The closest store to buy clothes and accessories 3 blocks.
Ragstock
228 S College AveCLOTHES or sunglasses? Need to grab something cooler or warmer to wear for cheap? Or want to wear flashy disco pants on a brewery tour? They have every color! You’ll surely find something here. The closest store to buy clothes and accessories 3 blocks.
Truly hang-over free lalcohol 😉and a souvenir from Fort Collins! Local farms provide organic grains and herbs . Pristine blibations! Not in old town but probably could get there without dying on a bike. Out in brewery & dispensary start-up land.
Old Town Distilling Co. Organic Spirits
513 N Link LnTruly hang-over free lalcohol 😉and a souvenir from Fort Collins! Local farms provide organic grains and herbs . Pristine blibations! Not in old town but probably could get there without dying on a bike. Out in brewery & dispensary start-up land.