These are a few of crittersitterpets.com's favorite hikes in the Fort Collins area.  As with any wilderness travel - BE PREPARED!  Carry plenty of water and be on the look out for rattlesnakes, ticks, flash floods, and changing weather conditions. Bad weather may appear suddenly and summer may transform into winter in minutes! 

Arthur’s Rock Trail 

Arthur's Rock Trail is one of the premier hikes in Lory State Park. The trail reaches the summit of Arthur’s rock at an elevation of 6,780 feet offering hikers breathtaking views of the sandstone hogbacks that run the length of the park, spectacular views of Horsetooth Reservoir, and Colorado’s Front Range.

Total distance: 3.4 miles
Degree of difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Elevation gain: 1,180 feet
Directions:  from Fort Collins, take Hwy. 287 north through LaPorte.  At the Bellvue exit, take (C.R. 52E) turn left, drive one mile to C.R. 23N.  Turn left and go 1.4 miles to C.R. 25G.  Turn right and go 1.6 miles to the park entrance.

   Greyrock National Recreation Trail

This trail rises steadily from Poudre Canyon to the summit of Greyrock Mountain (7613') with great views of the Front Range peaks and the plains to the east. The adjoining Greyrock Meadow Loop adds 2.3 miles to the hike and offers viewpoints into the canyon.

Total distance: 6.0 miles
Degree of difficulty: Difficult
Elevation gain: 2,040 feet
Directions:  Take Highway 14 west from Fort Collins approximately 18 miles.  Trailhead parking is on the south side of the highway, the trail is on the north side of the highway.

 Pawnee Buttes Trail

The Pawnee Buttes are approximately 30 miles northeast of the Crow Valley Recreation Area and Briggsdale. An easy one and a half-mile trail is open year round and provides an opportunity to view the Buttes up close.  The Buttes stand approximately 300 feet above the surrounding prairie. Take a hat, sunscreen lotion and water. Temperatures topping one hundred degrees can be encountered in July and August.

Total distance: 1.5 miles to the west butte
Degree of difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: minimal
Directions:  From Fort Collins follow Highway 14 east traveling through Ault and Briggsdale.  About 14 miles east of Briggsdale, make a left onto Rd 105 and follow to Rd 104.  Make a right on Rd 104 and follow to Rd 111.  Make a left on Rd 111 and follow to the Pawnee Buttes Parking Area about 5 miles ahead.  There are a few signs but it is best to have a Colorado road map with county roads listed as well.

  Devil's Backbone Open Space

The Devil's Backbone Open Space provides abundant opportunities on a seven-mile trail for outdoor recreation including hiking, running, horseback riding, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, observing nature, as well as enjoying close up inspection of the rock outcrop and long vistas of the area. The Devil's Backbone is one of the most impressive and visible geologic landmarks in Larimer County, as well as an important cultural feature with a rich and colorful history.

Total distance: 7.0 miles
Degree of difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Elevation gain: 300 feet
Directions:  From Fort Collins follow Highway 287 south  to the intersection with Highway 34.  Take Highway 34 west to Hidden Valley Drive (old water tank west of Loveland). Look for signs on the side of the road for turnoff.  Trailhead is in the northeast part of the parking lot.

 Horsetooth Falls Trail

Located in Horsetooth Mountain Park just west of Fort Collins.  The falls carry a fair amount of water during the height of the spring runoff but can dry up completely during the summer.  Most of the hike is in the open with no shade to be found.

Total distance: 2.25 miles
Degree of difficulty: Easy 
Elevation gain: 400 feet
Directions:  From Fort Collins follow Harmony Road west. Harmony Road becomes CR38E at Taft Hill Road.  Continue west 5 miles around Horsetooth Reservoir to entrance on right.  NOTE:  $6 daily entrance fee or annual Larimer County Parks Pass is required!