Best Hikes Near Fort Collins, Colorado
8 curated trails near Fort Collins — with stats, difficulty, parking info, and what to expect on the ground.
Emerald Lake Trail
A stunning alpine lake hike that passes Nymph Lake and Dream Lake before reaching the spectacular Emerald Lake. Perfect introduction to Rocky Mountain National Park's high country.
Chasm Lake
A challenging hike to a pristine alpine lake beneath the dramatic east face of Longs Peak. The lake sits in a spectacular cirque surrounded by towering granite walls.
Bear Lake Trail
An accessible paved loop around one of Rocky Mountain National Park's most popular lakes with stunning mountain reflections and wildlife viewing.
Lily Lake Trail
A flat, accessible boardwalk loop around a scenic lake with views of Longs Peak and the Continental Divide. Perfect for all abilities.
Sprague Lake Trail
A wheelchair-accessible trail to a pristine alpine lake with stunning reflections of the Continental Divide peaks and Hallett Peak.
Horsetooth Mountain Loop
The iconic Fort Collins hike to the toothy rock formation visible from town. The loop climbs through ponderosa forest to the summit, with views of the Reservoir, the Mummy Range, and on clear days, Longs Peak.
Greyrock Mountain Trail
A challenging climb up to the granite dome of Greyrock in the Cache la Poudre canyon. The final scramble to the summit lake rewards with one of the best views in northern Colorado.
Arthur's Rock via Lory State Park
Short steep climb to a granite outcrop overlooking Horsetooth Reservoir and the city. Good after-work hike for Fort Collins locals; one of the most consistent spring trails in the area.