The best MTB trails around Fort Collins

Fort Collins offers a wide selection of mountain biking routes. Our guide features 36 distinct mountain bike trails, catering to various skill levels and preferences. The region as a whole boasts over 127 miles of trail across its diverse natural areas.

Mountain biking in Fort Collins is defined by its stunning location at the base of the Rocky Mountain foothills, offering a blend of challenging climbs, technical descents, and flowy singletrack. Iconic landmarks like Horsetooth Reservoir and the Cache la Poudre River provide picturesque backdrops, while nearly 50 natural areas offer diverse terrain and wildlife viewing opportunities.

The mountain bike trails in Fort Collins are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Riders frequently praise the diverse terrain, the stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and Horsetooth Reservoir, and the well-maintained trail systems that connect various natural areas.

Yes, Fort Collins has several excellent options for beginners and families. Areas like Pineridge Natural Area offer accessible trails, and Lory State Park features the scenic Lory Valley trail, which is perfect for those new to mountain biking. Spring Canyon Park also provides a mountain bike skills park for practice.

Experienced riders will find plenty of challenges in Fort Collins. Horsetooth Mountain Park is a popular choice with 28 trails, known for long climbs and rocky, technical descents. The Dixon Reservoir – Ridgeline Trail loop from Mountain & Shields is a difficult 57.2 km route with significant elevation gain, and Hewlett Gulch offers an intermediate to advanced 8-mile loop with varied terrain and a challenging rock garden.

Absolutely. Many trails offer spectacular vistas. The Horsetooth Reservoir – Sunrise Beach loop from City Park provides expansive views of Horsetooth Reservoir and the surrounding foothills. Maxwell Natural Area also offers stunning views of Horsetooth Reservoir and Lory State Park. Additionally, the Rocky Mountain foothills provide a constant scenic backdrop for most rides.

Yes, many mountain bike trails in Fort Collins are designed as loops or can be combined to form loops. Examples include the Horsetooth Reservoir – Sunrise Beach loop from City Park and the Horsetooth Reservoir – Sunrise Beach loop from Saddle Ridge Natural Area. Hewlett Gulch also features an 8-mile lollipop loop.

Fort Collins is rich in natural areas. You can bike through Horsetooth Mountain Park, Lory State Park, Pineridge Natural Area, Maxwell Natural Area, Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, and Coyote Ridge Natural Area. Many of these areas are interconnected, allowing for longer, more varied rides. For more information on the region's natural areas, you can visit Visit Fort Collins.

Yes, several notable landmarks and attractions are accessible from or visible along the trails. You can spot the iconic Horsetooth Rock, explore the shores of Horsetooth Reservoir, or ride alongside sections of the Poudre Trail, which follows the Cache la Poudre River. The region's natural areas also offer opportunities for wildlife viewing.

The best time for mountain biking in Fort Collins is typically from spring through fall, when the weather is mild and trails are dry. Summer offers warm temperatures, while spring and fall provide cooler riding conditions and often vibrant scenery. Winter riding can be possible on lower elevation trails, but conditions can vary with snow and ice, so checking local trail reports is advisable.

Yes, Fort Collins offers options for longer rides. The Foothills Trail is a 26.2 km moderate route that connects several natural areas, providing varied terrain. You can also link areas like Pineridge, Maxwell, and Reservoir Ridge Natural Areas via the Foothills Trail for nearly 15 miles of continuous singletrack.

Pineridge Natural Area is easily accessible from Fort Collins and offers 7 miles of soft surface trails. The Poudre Corridor Singletrack is another excellent in-town option for a quick and enjoyable ride, perfect for an introduction to mountain biking without venturing far from the city.