Top 5 Fort Collins Car Tours: Your Guide to the Best Rides
Fort Collins, Colorado, it’s almost like a slice of the Centennial State that really does offer something for just about anyone, with craft breweries, outdoor spaces, plus a super appealing downtown. Maybe you fancy seeing it all from the comfort of your car? The good news is that lots of scenic drives are practically begging to be explored, and really are giving you some wonderful views as well as bits of history, too. So, it’s almost like grabbing your keys and seeing where the road will take you! In fact, if road trips are just up your alley, it’s worth knowing what choices Fort Collins hands you.
1. Cache la Poudre River Canyon Scenic Byway
The Cache la Poudre-North Park Byway, usually, is what you want to go for if scenery that’s rugged and river views are more your thing, since this beauty follows along the Cache la Poudre River, that’s the only Colorado river that’s been given the ‘National Wild and Scenic River’ title. Along this route, it seems that you will catch dramatic rock formations, plus verdant forests, and who knows, you might even get to peep some wildlife peeking in and around the river. Too, there is stuff that suits anyone who is a fan of the outdoors, such as fishing spots and spaces where you could stop off for some hiking!
Also, consider stopping by the Mishawaka Amphitheatre. Famously named “The Mish,” this spot is one of Colorado’s coolest music venues! Usually, the outdoor venue books cool artists of all kinds, and you can even grab some grub while you’re there. Seemingly, its a way of turning a scenic drive to an eventful adventure. Usually, with the combination of music, food and the natural world, you’ll find yourself loving a drive that’s already amazing. Remember to look online to get gig and visitor times sorted, which will surely mean that you’re on time when you visit.
2. Lory State Park and Horsetooth Reservoir Loop
Now, if you prefer trips that do involve a close up shot with water, the drive past Lory State Park and Horsetooth Reservoir will really be one to see. Beginning in Fort Collins, this loop often involves cruising into the park and up to the reservoir, where some really quite amazing views await you of the foothills, with water views also on the menu too, obviously. Is that what people go for? You sure can explore Lory State Park itself if you were after some trails for walks of various kinds plus difficulties. That’s too perfect for anyone hoping to get some snaps or maybe see the wildlife Colorado hands out, you know? And while you’re driving along the reservoir, find one or two of the places to see or stop and do just that so you have some very picture-perfect shots!
There really are activities for all sorts round this loop: maybe boat trips and fishing out on Horsetooth Reservoir, or some rock climbs, that do tend to give the climbers that nice, little thrill. It’s pretty much worth bringing gear along just in case so you aren’t going to feel like you’re left out!
3. Red Feather Lakes Scenic Byway
Consider escaping onto the Red Feather Lakes Scenic Byway, just for a change, and discover this really beautiful spot within the Northern Colorado Rocky Mountains, and enjoy a view of vast woods together with some reflective lakes. So that travelers are actually in total nature for a couple hours or possibly a bit longer, this byway provides peace with attractive scenes everywhere.
Around Red Feather Lakes are also some spots to stop at – from the charming town that shares that name to different outdoor sites. Often, the byway is ideal for any of you just keen to try a calmer tempo to your Fort Collins trip! You could consider stopping by the little shops over at Red Feather Lakes; sometimes, you’ll just spot a gift just ripe for grabbing.
4. Peak to Peak Scenic Byway (Extended Day Trip)
Consider Peak to Peak Scenic Byway to get your fill of an extra-special outing. Typically, while it’s some way from Fort Collins itself – you could consider this as the trip for your whole day to give a backdrop with that lovely sight to it. What exactly would Peak to Peak be; simply, it’s Colorado’s longest scenic byway that takes motorists past mountains plus old mining towns; very beautiful!
The towns like Estes Park near Rocky Mountain National Park, also Nederland home to the Carousel of Happiness and the distinctive scenery, plus many overlooks too. I mean, what can beat some high altitude landscape plus historic charm to fill you right up? So it feels almost like, get planning now!
5. Poudre Canyon Fall Colors Tour
Make plans to discover a very different Cache la Poudre River beauty with a drive there to enjoy fall colors. With its aspen together with cottonwood colors changing at some point within September until October; typically the Poudre Canyon bursts alive with hues which might vary through that gold up to reddish orange. The drive really does afford photographers a rich delight together with individuals too. What I recommend, if you are after picture opportunities, is to bring the camera.
If a leisurely road trip is actually the very reason you are reading all of this – pull into the Cache la Poudre River’s pull-offs plus enjoy the panoramic, pretty autumn sceneries. And in order to up all your autumn adventures get yourself ready too; grab a knitted hat and a steaming drink and that would do wonders to any sightseeing trips! You’re totally wrapped in nature.