Back To Previous PageWe don’t know about you, but spring has us ready to explore; a trail ride followed by a little R&R with a cold beer from a nearby brewery sounds like an ideal combination. Set your sights on Fort Collins, a bike-friendly haven that brews the best (we might be biased) craft beer in the state. Here are some can’t miss bike-and-brew pairings:
1. Fossil Creek Trail and Purpose Brewing and Cellars
The Fossil Creek Trail, located in the Cathy Fromme Prairie Natural Area, is a paved, well-maintained trail that runs 2.4 miles one-way. Great for beginner bikers, be sure to look for wildflowers popping up as the weather warms. Next, point your tires toward Purpose Brewing and Cellars for a truly unique offering, like beer brewed with smoked tea from Happy Lucky’s Teahouse or fiery Carolina Reaper peppers.
2. Horsetooth Mountain Open Space and Funkwerks
The scenic 2,711-acre Horsetooth Mountain Open Space (consisting of Culver, Soderberg, and Hughey Open Spaces) features 29 miles of hiking/biking/horseback riding trails ranging in elevation. Pair this bike ride with the Funkwerks kriek, a barrel-aged dark sour ale with dark cherries, which lands at a 7.5% ABV.
3. Spring Creek Trail and Intersect Brewing
Road bikers love the nearly 7-mile Spring Creek Trail that connects the east and west sides of Fort Collins. It extends from West Drake Road to the confluence of Spring Creek and the Poudre River where it joins the Poudre Trail. Stop in at family-owned Intersect Brewing for a “Perfect Day” pilsner (they also have hard seltzer and kombucha for non-beer lovers).
4. Lory State Park and Odell Brewing
Lory State Park has a plethora of trails that range in difficulty but they all offer beautiful views. Mountain bikers shouldn’t skip The Corral Center Mountain Bike Park, Colorado’s first official state-sponsored dirt/pump track, which offers a comprehensive skills area. Pair this adventure with a stop into iconic FoCo brewery Odell Brewing Co for a classic easy street wheat, an unfiltered American-style wheat beer.
5. Red Mountain Open Space and Horse & Dragon
Red Mountain Open Space is a 15,000-acre open space located 25 miles north of Fort Collins. Adjacent to Soapstone Prairie Open Space, it offers bikers endless opportunities for exploration. Horse & Dragon is a Fort Collins’ local favorite. Sip the popular Sad Panda, an American-style coffee stout, or the Fire Captain Irisih Red Ale.
6. Country Club Loop and New Belgium Brewing Company
Fort Collins is gravel biking nirvana, and the Country Club Loop is an easy, close-to-town 13-mile ride that meanders past pretty ponds on some fun, twisty dirt roads. Visit Gravel Graceland for more info. Grab a six-pack curbside from New Belgium Brewing Company (order in advance here).
Hire a Guide:
If you would like a little guidance on your first biking adventure, Fort Collins-based Front Range Ride Guides can help and Beer and Bike Tours has rental options available as well.
If you really just want to bike for beers, the classic go-to brewery route via the Poudre Trail hits two of the city’s most notable breweries: New Belgium Brewing and Odell Brewing Co, and not too far are out are also Snowbank Brewing, Horse and Dragon Brewing, Funkwerks, and a relative Fort Collins newcomer Sweet Water Brewing.
B&B + B&B
Want to make it a double B&B kind of weekend? After a day spent biking followed by a cold beer, spend the night at one of the city’s charming boutique lodging options, like the Edwards House. This historic B&B is just steps from Old Town, features upscale guest rooms, a gourmet breakfast, and even complimentary bike rentals.
