Outdoor Adventures

IMPORTANT: Fort Collins is surrounded by seemingly countless outdoor recreation adventures waiting to be explored.  Please always adhere to Leave No Trace Principles so generations to come can enjoy the same experience. 

The first step to take before embarking on any outdoor adventure in Colorado is to be prepared. For trail conditions and messages about areas across the state, visit  https://trails.colorado.gov/ or download the COTREX app. 

Fort Collins continues to rate highly on lists of towns that offer exceptional outdoor adventures and access to excellent recreational facilities. A quick glance at locals enjoying the city’s 50 parks, 280-plus miles of trails, including paved and unpaved walking and biking trails, and you’ll want to walk or ride in their shoes for a day.

Fort Collins is also home to four recreation centers and swimming pools, three public golf courses, a racquet sport complex, two sheets of ice for organized hockey games as well as free skating, a skateboard park, and off-leash dog parks.

And let's not forget all of the camping, hiking, fishing, rafting, stand up paddling and kayaking options. Fort Collins is full of outdoor adventures for every type of person. These activities can all range from easy to difficult depending on what type of adventure you are looking for.

Not to mention, Fort Collins is also full of more leisurely-centered activities like birdwatching, horseback riding, golfing and hot air balloon rides. There truly is something for everyone to enjoy.

During the winter season visitors can enjoy outdoor adventures such as snowshoeing, fat biking and cross country skiing. And, if you are looking for a fun way to explore the scenic byways of the Cache la Poudre River Canyon and Peak to Peak Highway, Majestic Mountains Scenic Rides is a fantastic option.

When it comes to wildlife watching bring your binoculars and enjoy seeing abundant winged and four-legged creatures. For myriad birds and big fauna—moose, elk, big horn sheep, and deer—cruise up the Cache la Poudre Canyon. Explore Laramie River Road or pop over to the other side of Cameron Pass and visit the State Park Moose Visitor Center. And never forget, these are wild animals—not pets, not zoo critters—so don’t approach or feed them and always view from a distance and use caution. Wild animals are unpredictable and can be dangerous. It’s stressful for them and could get you injured.