Outdoor Enthusiast Itinerary

Fort Collins always rates high on lists of towns that are populated by fit residents with excellent access to outdoor recreation. All around Fort Collins you’ll find bicyclists, hikers, climbers, and every other type of outdoor enthusiast. It is a yearlong indulgence and the Choice City has so many options that it’s nearly impossible to get bored with all the recreational opportunities. Come get fit, have fun and enjoy the great outdoors in Fort Collins!

Day 1

Breakfast at Vern's Place

Homestyle food served up in a family-friendly atmosphere since 1946. Known for its world famous cinnamon roll, Vern's Place is that authentic down-home, family-style type of place.

• 4120 Co Rd 54G, LaPorte CO
• (970) 482-5511
• vernsplace.com

May-August, Enjoy a Guided Rafting Trip

Whitewater rafting down the Cache la Poudre River, Colorado’s only designated “Wild & Scenic” River, is one of the most exhilarating experiences of a lifetime. The Poudre (Pooh-Der), as the locals refer to it, runs through the heart of Fort Collins, making the “Choice City” a river runner’s haven. The rafting season begins as early as May 15. Be sure to book your rafting trip early because spots fill up fast. If you plan to stay a few days be sure to book your stay here.

Local rafting companies: Mountain Whitewater, A Wanderlust Adventure, Rocky Mountain Adventures, A-1 Wildwater Inc.

Lunch at Scrumpy's Hard Cider Bar

Scrumpy's is a local cidery with a passion for fantastic hard cider and incredibly creative sandwiches.

• 215 N College Ave
• (970) 682-1944
• scrumpys.net

Dinner at DC Oakes Brewhouse and Eatery

DC Oakes is a place to come together, share good company, good vibes, and celebrate through hand-crafted beer and great food.

• 3581 E Harmony Rd #110
• 970-286-2076
• www.dcoakesbrewhouse.com

After Dinner Drinks at The Forge Publick House

The Forge is tucked away in Old Town Fort Collins, this cozy bar offers a great environment to relax and sip on some brews.

• 255 Old Firehouse Alley
• (970) 682-2578
• theforgepub.com

Day 2

Breakfast at Ginger and Baker

Grab a handmade pastry or cup of coffee to go, browse through the market, or enjoy a delicious pastry inside or out on the dog-friendly patio.

• 359 Linden Street
• Fort Collins, CO
• (970)-223-7437 
• gingerandbaker.com/

Lower Dadd Gulch Trail Hike

Located in the Poudre Canyon off Highway 14 this trail winds up Lower Dadd Gulch 3.5 miles to Salt Cabin Rd. You’ll find yourself making about 15 stream crosses while taking in the beautiful views that are seen throughout the hike. Dadd Gulch has an elevation gain of about 1,429 feet and the trail is heavily wooded.

Enjoy a Hot Meal at Austin's American Grill

With two great Fort Collin’s locations—one in the heart of Old Town and another on Harmony Road, they'll have you wondering why mom’s food never tasted so good and when you can come back for more. Savory roasts and chicken cooked over an open flame in the front-of-the-house rotisserie. All-natural buffalo seasoned to perfection. Cornbread baked in iron skillets and drizzled with honey and butter. Signature cocktails sweetened with fresh-squeezed fruit juice. Plus, decadent desserts are made fresh daily, giving you an excuse to stop in for a slice that reminds you of home. So grab a friend and make plans to meet at the red umbrellas. 

Have a Biking Adventure

• Bike along the Poudre River Trail
• Rent a bike from Recycled Cycles, Gearage, or Pedego Electric Bikes

Take a Guided Bike Tour:

Beer and Bike Tours, take a guided bike ride through some of Fort Collins most scenic areas and end the day at a local brewery. beerandbiketours.com

Front Range Ride Guides, custom tailored mountain bike tours of Colorado, with an emphasis on the beautiful Front Range: Areas include Boulder, Denver and Fort Collins. frontrangerideguides.com

Pedego Electric Bikes Spring Creek & Poudre River Tour, you'll cruise along scenic Spring Creek and the Poudre River, roll through historic Old Town, and pass by the CSU campus. The tour starts and ends at our shop, where there is plenty of parking to leave your vehicle. This is a great way to see the city! pedegoelectricbikes.com

Dinner at Jax Fish House

Jax is serving up the freshest, most sustainable seafood alongside the highest quality, farm-fresh local produce.

• 123 N College Ave
• 970-682-2275
• https://www.jaxfishhouse.com/fort-collins/

After Dinner Drinks at Ace Gillett's 

Step away from one world and descend underground into another at this incredible speakeasy that serves up killer cocktails and delicious tapas.

• 239 S College Ave
• 970-449-4797
• acegilletts.com