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Hike Arthur's Rock in Lory State Park

Fort Collins, Colorado

4.8/5
based on 4 reviews

Details

Distance

3.7 miles

Elevation Gain

1150 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Josiah Roe

Epic views of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains from 6,780' along with wildflowers and forests overlooking Fort Collins, numerous hogsbacks, and the Horsetooth Reservoir. 

The climb to the summit of Arthur's Rock in Lory State Park provides relative isolation and solitude just 30 minutes from downtown Fort Collins along with great hiking, trail running, mountain biking, rock climbing, and horseback riding.

Arthur's Rock Trail is the most direct route to the summit, and can be reached by entering the park (Lory Park Road off North County Road 25G) and driving south on the main gravel road till it dead ends in a parking lot.

From there, follow the signs for Arthur's Rock trail all the way to the summit. Along the way you'll pass meadows, forests, and some epic views of Horsetooth Reservoir and downtown Fort Collins.

In winter the trail can be covered in snow, so plan accordingly. 

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Features

Photography
Mountain Biking
Running
Hiking
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Groups
Picnic Area
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Hike Arthur's Rock in Lory State Park Reviews

We live in Fort Collins and this is one of our favorite hikes that we typically do every Easter weekend. It's a great place to watch the sunrise and view the city of FoCo from a beautiful vantage point. Pro tip: Take your loved ones with you and pack a lunch. Then relax on top while you take it all in. Oh, and don't forget to stop at the ranger station on the way into Lorry State Park and pay your day use fee. It's a minimal cost and an easy way to give back to the park.

We went here in the winter on a foggy day and it was beautiful. The trail gives great views as you climb elevation!

If you can only do one hike while in Fort Collins I would do this one. The proximity to the town and the view from the top make this an awesome hike. You gain elevation quickly over a short distance but it is definitely worth the effort.

I was just going to go do this hike again to document it for The Outbound, looks like you beat me too it! If you are in the area you for sure have to do this hike, it is like Horsetooth rock with a lot less people! Great views of the city!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Horsetooth Reservoir North Foothills Trail

Hike to "The A" via the Foothills Trail

Mountain Bike Reservoir Ridge

Hike to Horsetooth Falls

Hike to Horsetooth Rock

Fat Tire Bike the Foothills Trail