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Great Rides Fort Collins - Horsetooth Reservoir Loop

33.7mi
1,561ft
11.1%
00:00
1,559ft
-11.4%

Start:
Warren Park
1061 Driftwood Dr
Fort Collins, CO 80525

Head east from the Warren Park, loop south, and jump on the Fossil Creek Trail for a few miles in the Cathy Fromme Prairie Natural Area before climbing toward Horsetooth Reservoir Overlook. It’s a mostly gradual grade, with some steep ramps to keep you on your toes. The highlight of this route is the seven-mile stretch just after you leave Cathy Fromme on the way to Bellvue. Shimmering reservoir and mountain views to your left, endless nature preserve with occasional glimpses of the city and plains to your right. Descend along Rist Canyon Road toward Laporte, then hop on the Poudre Trail for seven miles to cross the Cache la Poudre River (Colorado’s only nationally designated Wild and Scenic River) and make your way back into town.


Fort Collins, COPublic (9,025 views)Created Jan 3, 2019Updated Jun 2, 2023Copy of Classic Horsetooth Reservoir Loop3 reviews
Open gallery (3 photos)

Surfaces

  • Paved
    33.7 mi
    100%

Cuesheet

  • At the traffic circle, take the 1st exit onto Ziegler Rd
    1.9 mi
  • At the traffic circle, continue straight to stay on Ziegler Rd
    3.9 mi
  • Turn right onto East Trilby Road
    4.3 mi
  • Continue onto E Trilby Rd
    4.5 mi
  • At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit and stay on E Trilby Rd
    4.6 mi
1

Comments

Recommends
Rode on: May 27, 2024
Traits: Low_traffic, Safe, Scenic, Terrain
Activity: Road_ride
You might want to reverse this route if the wind is from the North.
Recommends
Rode on: Jun 20, 2023
Traits: Safe, Scenic
Activity: Road_ride
Beautiful scenery -especially once you get closer to the reservoir. Just a heads up- most of the climbing is in the middle 6 miles of the route, as you get closer to the reservoir. Very tough, steep and long hills!
Recommends
Rode on: May 9, 2023
Traits: Scenic, Safe, Low_traffic
Activity: Road_ride
I rode this route while visiting Ft Collins for the first time. While most of the route is on dedicated bike lanes, paths and quiet roads, there are some sections where you share the road with cars so you must be comfortable riding with traffic. It's a great way to experience Ft Collins by bike. The climbs up to and along Horsetooth Reservoir are very challenging, but the scenery is gorgeous and the descents exhilarating.
More Comments
Ele
Grade
33.7 miles · +1,561 ft / -1,559 ft
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