Fort Collins Day Trips: Your Top 5 Adventures

Fort Collins, Colorado, it’s almost a delightful town bursting with craft breweries and an outdoor spirit, that makes it an ideal spot to start all kinds of adventures. But, that you might want to venture past the city limits too. What’s so great? Well, there happens to be a whole bunch of great day trip options practically begging to be explored, so, if you are game for a bit of scenery, maybe a dash of history, or even a solid dose of mother nature, there’s probably something nearby to scratch your itch.

1. Rocky Mountain National Park: A Majestic Escape

Oh, Rocky Mountain National Park! It’s really an icon, a truly awe-inspiring playground that’s actually a short drive from Fort Collins. I mean, talk about an escape, right? The park, that spreads across a fairly huge swathe of the Rockies, really does have something for everyone, it seems. The star of the show? Arguably Trail Ridge Road, very one of the highest continuous paved roads in North America. Honestly, the views from up there? Truly, truly spectacular.

Now, I’ve visited the park more times than I can really count, and it never really gets old, that feeling of breathing in the crisp mountain air. Anyway, that drive across Trail Ridge Road, in that it tops out at over 12,000 feet, tends to feel almost like you’re on top of the literal globe. I swear, very the vistas of snow-capped peaks, the sprawling alpine tundra… it’s almost like something ripped straight from a postcard.

You are not much for driving? That’s also fine! So, too it’s almost like there are also loads of trails, that go from super easy, kind of meandering paths beside crystal-clear lakes, to more heart-pumping climbs, that reward you with breathtaking panoramas. The wildlife viewing can actually be awesome too. Now and then, that you can spot elk grazing in meadows, bighorn sheep scaling rocky slopes, plus, if you are very lucky, maybe even a moose hanging out near a stream. Remember to bring a camera, cause, truly, you’re probably going to want to capture it all!

2. Estes Park: Gateway to Adventure

Nestled right outside Rocky Mountain National Park sits Estes Park, too it’s a really cool town, really a destination in its own right, almost. Now, the drive from Fort Collins happens to be just pretty and scenic, so, that gets you into the mood for some mountain adventures. Very Estes Park actually feels almost like a quintessential mountain town, complete with charming shops, little galleries, very loads of restaurants.

Very the downtown area? So quaint! And that almost invites you to stroll around, that maybe popping into a shop selling local art, snagging a cone of ice cream, plus, it might be that simply soaking in the atmosphere. That’s a must-see, so, very the Stanley Hotel, that you might recognize because it’s a grand, kinda historic hotel said to be the inspiration for Stephen King’s “The Shining,” probably worth a look! Very the hotel offers tours, so, that can be kinda fun if you happen to be into spooky history. Plus, you could grab a drink at the bar, very much soak in the ambiance.

That you actually are the outdoorsy kind of person, too it’s almost there are a number of trailheads, very conveniently located near town. That means you could hike to a pretty waterfall, maybe explore some interesting rock formations. Very Estes Park tends to be basically a great basecamp for exploring the national park, plus, it is probably just a pretty spot to hang out, maybe just relaxing and unwinding a bit. The combo? Actually kinda hard to beat, at the end of the day!

3. Pawnee National Grassland: A Prairie Oasis

Want to trade your mountains, possibly for an interesting, different vibe? Well, you definitely should try a drive out to the Pawnee National Grassland. The drive’s definitely something, going kind of east from Fort Collins, because the landscape pretty steadily transforms. Pretty, eventually, very you find yourself in a sea of rolling prairie, it’s almost that stretches as far as, possibly, your peepers can see. I feel I can’t even explain this land properly without seeing it yourself!

Basically, the Grassland? So unlike the rocky, alpine views most people tend to connect to Colorado. Very Pawnee’s actually this big open space. It’s perfect, basically, to sort of just find some solitude. Or that it may be just admiring the big, wide-open sky, and of course that includes seeing birds. It’s awesome for spotting birds! Lots of birdwatchers almost think it’s kind of heaven.

Anyways, this is actually because the area is kinda home to, almost, all kinds of different birds including hawks and eagles and different kinds of grassland birds you actually almost never see elsewhere. You might just find the iconic Pawnee Buttes, they are like jutting formations. Of course, because there is plenty of opportunity here, you are not able to help, but snap pictures because there’s so much scenery! Of course that does kind of depend upon yourself.

4. Cache La Poudre River: Thrills and Relaxation

Right when summer starts going hot? The one river around Fort Collins? Has got to be Cache La Poudre. And very you can get on top of that refreshing river because this is very Colorado after all. And maybe all you really care about doing. I think the drive through the canyon? Kind of following the Poudre, that could make up a pleasant time too.

Actually, Cache La Poudre’s a known destination. And usually, for some rafting or kayaking adventure! Many local guides could probably kit you out plus point out where to go. Of course they’re very into taking tourists, so I think a trip could very well happen for yourself! Even, very very slow float, just chilling in a tube? Basically, just feels lovely!

Oh, and don’t forget. Lots and lots of good hiking spots along the Poudre Canyon Road. So that means taking short easy day trips. And there’s even spots just to pitch a camp and camp!

5. Lory State Park: Hiking and Views

Then, near Fort Collins, very not even far, there is also Lory State Park. Also, you should not miss out there because there’s good views, plus places to hike. Which all helps unwind after long days!

Arthur’s Rock happens to be. The super famed hike in this park! Basically, from up top, just a full, grand wide scene around Fort Collins sprawls to full effect. Anyway just going kinda slow, probably will still bring a fun day out. Also for a super short and easy route maybe, visit the Horsetooth Reservoir banks plus chill. You’re good to swim there.

This place here’s super ideal in case all you wanted tends to be trails for when your dogs hike along as well! Then camping happens to be possible here too; so a multi day excursion could always probably happen.