Are you a cycling enthusiastic like me who is looking for the top mountain bike trails in Fort Collins?
After digging for few hours from the past 10 days, I have prepared this list of MTB trails that you will find in Fort Collins.
Whether you’re a beginner or intermediate or even an advanced riders, these parks mentioned here will have everything you need to know along with the actual distance and features.
The Top Mountain Bike Trails in Fort Collins
1. Blue Sky Trail
If you’re looking for MTB bike trails in the FORT COLLINS area, Blue Sky Trail is something you definetly don’t want to miss.
The trail is an easy to intermediate option of many mountain bikers. It’s actually located on the back side of Horsetooth near the Inlet bay.
The best part is it has links to other MTB trials such as Indian Summer, Rim Rock etc.
With around 10 Kilometers long point to point, the view you get from this trail is amazing.
Just to make it clear, it does have some challenging parts, which might be difficult for new riders but worry not. You can hike with your bike that section of the trail.
Blue Sky trail is arguably one of the best single track trails near Fort Collins. The park is attracting not only bikers but also trail runners and hikers because of the easy accessibility and additional link up to other trails.
Except heavy winter months, you can be sure the park would be busy and crowded on most days. But it still worth going there and have some fun with your bike.
Difficulty:
Easy to intermediate
Length :
Around 10 KM
Terrain:
Singletrack.
Fee:
Free.
2. Bobcat Ridge Trail
Our second favourite pick is Bobcat Ridge Trail which is located in the south of Fort Collins off of County Rd. 32C.
It’s a slightly bigger trails than blu sky with around 17 KM. & they not only offer biking but also hiking and running trails.
What I like about this trail is – the difficulty ranges from absolute beginner to advanced rider.
Since Fort Collins lays at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, the trail system offers a variety of biking options such as plains riding to climbing to technical downhill riding.
And the best part? You get all with the rad mountains in the background. How awesome is that?
You will get to choose various options like shorter trail, or easy rides or even much longer technical trails to ride.
Check out some of the trails along with the miles below:
Eden Valley Trail (Easy): 1.3 miles
Valley Loop Trail (Easy): 2.0 miles
DR Trail (Intermediate): 3.0 miles
Power Line Trail (Advanced): 2.0 miles
Ginny Trail (Advanced): 5.1 miles
If you’re a complete beginner, I would recommend you go with the 2nd option ( Valley Loop Trail ) as the trail is not difficult itself. & if you encounter beyond your capabilities, don’t worry. Walk with your bike.
Keep note that all the trails here in this area are single track. & many people come here in the weekend. So if you’re interested to ride alone, go there on week days.
Difficulty:
Easy to advanced
Length :
Around 17 KM
Terrain:
Singletrack, double-track, loose rocks, steep and rolling hills
Fee:
Free.
3. Foothills Trail
This single track trail provides really beautiful nature view while you ride along with your buddies.
The trail is perfect for beginner to intermediate riders with some smooth track with some challenging tough climbs on both ends.
Just a reminder that, a new swim beach along the shore line has added considerable foot traffic in the late afternoon time.
The main attraction of this park is the amazing view of the Horsetooth Reservoir.
Difficulty:
Easy to intermediate
Length :
Around 6 KM
Terrain:
Singletrack
Fee:
Free.
4. Lory State Park
With around 14 KM loop, this is one of the top mountain bike trails in fort Collins for some serious and experienced MTB lovers.
This trail is mainly for intermediate & advanced rider as it has some very technical spot and can be challenging for the beginners.
One of the things that I really like is – it’s well maintained and marked. & the view you get to see from the ridge is just mind blowing.
The trail goes up hill until it intersects with West ridge trail. You would find lots of sections with rocks and I must say, there’s a possibility of hurt your hands specially if you’re a complete beginner.
Also, keep in mind that, there’s a fee to enter.
Here’s my take away:
Are you an experienced rider? Just go west from the parking lot into the hills.
Beginner? Just starting out?
You can head south into the long valley below and explore that area.
Need a long ride?
you can connect with Horsetooth Mountain Park to the south.
Difficulty:
Intermediate to advance
Length :
Around 14 KM
Terrain:
Nearly all Singletrack
Fee:
There’s a Fee.
5. Hewlett Gulch Trail
This trail is for intermediate to advance riders who can keep the momentum going.
The park is actually the 1st bike friendly trail which is situated in the POUDRE CANYON with just 20 minutes drive from the edge of north Fort Collins.
Sadly, the trails has few rocky areas where a beginner might feel like “ I can’t do it “.
But for advance riders, you definitely don’t want to miss this opportunity.
Difficulty:
Intermediate to advance
Length :
Around 12 KM
Terrain:
Singletrack with creek crossings
Fee:
Free.
6. Ginny Trail
With around 15 KM lookp, Ginny trail is probably one of the most difficult MTB tails in FORT COLLINS.
If you’re not looking for a steady flow single track and want to explore what it takes to ride in a trail with lots of fun, technical route this trial is for you.
The top view is awesome with green scenario and lots of flower.
People who made this trail also did some pre-made features that will bound to test your skil..
Difficulty:
Difficult / advacne
Length :
Around 15 KM
Terrain:
Around 80% singletrack
Fee:
Free.
7. Herrington
With two sections, North and South, this is a single track trail that is around 2-3 miles mainly for intermediate to advance riders.
This trail offers some interesting singletrack alternatives for creating loops in HTMP.
Difficulty:
Intermediate / advacne
Length :
Around 2-3 KM
Terrain:
Mostly singletrack
Fee:
Free.
8. Horsetooth Mountain Park
With around 35 KM long loop, it is probably one of the longest mountain bike trails in FORT COLLINS.
Not suitable for beginners rather more gear towards intermediate and mostly.
The trial is few miles away from Downtown Fort Collins.
They also change a fee to park your car if you’re just into running or hiking.
Otherwise bring your bike and have fun in this super long MTB trail.
& one of the best things about the park is –
You get to enjoy endless variations based on direction and trail choice.
A map is must needed to find your way back to the trailhead.
Trails are well marked and have a solid mix of trails of varying difficulty.
Difficulty:
From beginners to advance.
Length :
Around 35 KM
Terrain:
Mostly singletrack
Fee:
Has a fee.
