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Ft.Collins, Colorado
Ft. Collins is located 60 miles North of Denver,CO.
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| Lory State Park and Horsetooth
Mountain Park are the two hot spots in this area. Both are located
just west of town on Horsetooth Mountain. All types of terrain
and beauty lay here. Overlooking the Colorado plains and Ft.
Collins (above), the mountain offers riding for all ability
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Lory State Park
Side (Northwest side of Horsetooth Resevoir): Staying
low on the mountain will prove to be just as fun for
those less enthusiastic riders. On the Lory State Park
side it offers rolling terrain, at times very fast.
Most of the trails in the "Valley" are single-track
through grassy hillside and gullies. Easy enough for
all abilities.
For the more
energetic folk, on the Lory State Park side, the service
road climb to the "Radio Towers" will test
even the best. Ascending approximately 1800 feet in
less than 3 miles, this climb will make you glad you
brought your granny with you. If you are very strong
you should be able to complete the climb in about
30 minutes. If you are not, bring food and a good
attitude!
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The
fun doesn't stop here either. Several descents branch
off the main climb on the Lory State Park Side. All
technically challenging, fast, and very fun. The terrain
on the upper portion mountain is better suited for
experienced riders. The climb alone can make even
the most ambitious weekend warriors beg for mercy.
However, one does not have to climb all the way to
the top to experience great single-track. Even a 10
minute grunt up the service road can let you access
some fun stuff. You can vary you climb lengths from
5 to 30 minutes, the choice is yours. Trails like
Harrington, Mill Creek, and Spring Creek all are extremely
fun trails and they branch off of the climb.
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Horsetooth Mountain
Park side: On the Horsetooth Mountain Park side yet
another jewel of a climb waits for you. This climb,
though not quite as long, or as steep as the "Radio
Towers Climb", leaves directly from the parking
lot near the South end of the Resevoir. This climb leaves
you two options. You either go straight up the hill
or go straight home! This southern end of the area offers
very little in terms of easy
riding. The Lory State Park side to the North is much
better suited for the inexperienced riders due to the
rides that travel through the "Valley."
If you complete the "Tooth Climb,"
you will ascend all the way up to what gave this mountain
it's name. The "Horsetooth" that sits on
top of the mountain is a great destination. Once again
the reward of making it to the top takes you down
some textbook Colorado single-track. "Wathen
Trail" is an excellent choice off of the top
of the Horsetooth Mountain. Park climb. You can ride
different trails all day here. Definitely make a stop
if you are ever in this area.
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Lastly, since
Horsetooth Reservoir separates Ft. Collins from Horsetooth
mountain you can be sure of some magnificent views
when you look down towards town. Trails can also be
found all around the reservoir. If you decide to visit
the Ft. Collins area, don't forget to stop off in
old town and have some excellent food and a genuine
local Ft. Collins microbrew. The night life in "Ft.
FUN" is well worth it.
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