The best MTB trails in Lory State Park
5.0
(6)
831
riders
43
rides
Mountain biking in Lory State Park offers an extensive and varied trail system nestled in the foothills west of Fort Collins, Colorado. The park spans 2,591 acres, characterized by unique rock outcroppings, dramatic sandstone hogbacks, expansive grassy meadows, and serene ponderosa pine forests. Its trails traverse varied terrain, from rolling valleys to mountainous slopes, and connect with the adjacent Horsetooth Mountain Open Space for an even larger network.
Best mountain bike trails in Lory State Park
- The most popular mountain bike trail is East Valley Trail & South Valley Trail loop, a 9.8 miles (15.7 km) trail that takes 1 hour 23 minutes to complete. This moderate route offers views of Horsetooth Reservoir.
- Another top favourite among local mountain bikers is East Valley Trail loop from Westgate, a moderate 8.5 miles (13.6 km) path. This route traverses varied park landscapes including meadows and forested sections.
- Local mountain bikers also love the Arthur's Rock Trailhead – South Valley Loop loop from Lory State Park, an 8.0 miles (12.8 km) trail leading through open valleys and offering scenic vistas, often completed in about 1 hour 6 minutes.
- Mountain biking in Lory State Park is defined by diverse terrain including rock outcroppings, sandstone hogbacks, and ponderosa pine forests. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy loops to more challenging ascents.
- The routes in Lory State Park are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 5.0 stars from 7 reviews. More than 900 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore Lory State Park's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 25, 2026
5.0
(2)
65
riders
15.7km
01:23
180m
180m
Mountain bike the East Valley Trail & South Valley Trail loop in Lory State Park for a moderate 9.8-mile ride with scenic views.
25
riders
12.8km
01:06
140m
140m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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21
riders
7.28km
00:38
70m
70m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.
17
riders
39.2km
03:38
560m
550m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
30
riders
18.6km
02:04
550m
550m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
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Tips from the Community
The East Valley Trail runs parallel to the main road through a beautiful open meadow. You get fantastic views of the striking red cliffs that separate the meadow from the shores of Horsetooth Reservoir, but there are several short spur trails along the East Valley Trail that will take you down to various inlets. This trail is relatively flat and accessible and is also open to hikers and horses.
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The Indian Summer Trail is a short, fun loop off of the main Blue Sky Trail. Most ride this loop clockwise, ascending a few hundred feet of low-grade switchbacks before reaching a flowy descent.
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The Blue Sky Trail is a generally casual, super fun trail along a ridge, just south of Horsetooth Reservoir. This long trail runs north-south from Horsetooth Reservoir, through Rim Rock Open Space to the Devil's Backbone Open Space. This section of trail begins at the trailhead near Horsetooth and ends where the Indian Summer Loop begins. There is a set of steps in this section of trail that most walk, but advanced riders looking to challenge themselves might be able to find a line down. Other than this short obstacle, this section of the Blue Sky Trail doesn't have any very steep grades; it is flowy and fun with lots linkups with other trails available.
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The Arthurs Rock Trailhead is located at the very end of Lodgepole Drive. There is a large parking area, trail information, and vault toilets. From this trailhead you can access popular trails like the Arthurs Rock Trail, the South Valley Loop, and the Overlook Trail. This lot can fill up quickly, especially on beautiful weekends in the spring, summer, and fall so be sure to arrive early and try to carpool with a hiking buddy!
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The Arthurs Rock Trailhead is located at the very end of Lodgepole Drive. There is a large parking area, trail information, and vault toilets. From this trailhead you can access popular trails like the Arthurs Rock Trail, the South Valley Loop, and the Overlook Trail. This lot can fill up quickly, especially on beautiful weekends in the spring, summer, and fall so be sure to arrive early and try to carpool with a hiking buddy!
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The South Valley Loop is an incredibly popular hiking and mountain biking trail on the southern end of Lory State park. This half of the loop is on the reservoir side and generally flat with rolling hills through a meadow. You get great views of the hills where Arthur's Rock can be found across the valley from striking red cliffs closer to the water.
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Dixon Cove is one of many narrow coves and inlets along the eastern side of Lory State Park. You can walk down to the water and cool off on hot summer days in Horsetooth Resivior. You also get nice views of Arthur's Rock and the unique red ridge line in the park.
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The East Valley Trail runs parallel to the main road through a beautiful open meadow. You get fantastic views of the striking red cliffs that separate the meadow from the shores of Horsetooth Reservoir, but there are several short spur trails along the East Valley Trail that will take you down to various inlets. This trail is relatively flat and accessible and is also open to horses and mountain bikers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many mountain bike trails are available in Lory State Park?
Lory State Park offers nearly 50 mountain bike routes within its boundaries. When connected with the adjacent Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, the trail network expands to an impressive 60 miles, providing a wide variety of riding experiences.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the mountain bike trails in Lory State Park?
The trails in Lory State Park traverse diverse terrain, from rolling valleys and expansive grassy meadows to mountainous slopes with unique rock outcroppings, dramatic sandstone hogbacks, and serene ponderosa pine forests. You'll find a mix of singletrack, climbs, and exhilarating descents, with many paths maintaining a moderate grade.
Are there mountain bike trails suitable for beginners in Lory State Park?
Yes, Lory State Park has trails suitable for various skill levels, including easier options. For example, the Arthur's Rock Trailhead – South Valley Loop is rated as easy and leads through open valleys, offering scenic vistas.
What are some notable landmarks or scenic viewpoints accessible from the mountain bike trails?
Many trails offer panoramic vistas. You can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, the plains, and Horsetooth Reservoir. Trails like East Valley and South Valley provide picturesque glimpses of the reservoir. For a prominent landmark, Arthur's Rock offers spectacular views from its summit, and the Arthur's Rock Trailhead is a starting point for exploring the area.
Is there a dedicated area for mountain biking skills practice in Lory State Park?
Yes, Lory State Park features the Corral Center Mountain Bike Park. This dedicated facility includes dirt jumps, a pump track, and a skills area, perfect for practicing and refining your mountain biking techniques.
Are there any waterfalls along the mountain bike trails in Lory State Park?
Yes, Lory State Park is home to Soldier Canyon Falls, a charming waterfall nestled within a small canyon. It's accessible via a short trail and is also recognized as an excellent spot for birdwatching. You can find it marked as Waterfall on komoot.
What do other mountain bikers enjoy most about Lory State Park?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from 7 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, from rolling valleys to mountainous slopes, and the variety of trails that cater to different ability levels. Many also appreciate the scenic views of Horsetooth Reservoir and the surrounding landscapes.
What are the parking and entrance fee requirements for Lory State Park?
There is a day-use parking fee for vehicles entering Lory State Park. However, individuals entering the park on bicycles are generally exempt from this fee. For the most current information on fees and any permit requirements, it's advisable to check the official Lory State Park website or contact them directly.
Can I find circular mountain bike routes in Lory State Park?
Yes, Lory State Park offers several excellent circular mountain bike routes. For instance, the East Valley Trail & South Valley Trail loop is a popular moderate option, and the East Valley Trail loop from Westgate also provides a great loop experience through varied park landscapes.
What is the best time of year to go mountain biking in Lory State Park?
Lory State Park offers enjoyable mountain biking conditions across multiple seasons. Spring and fall generally provide pleasant temperatures. Summer brings abundant wildflowers, particularly along trails like Well Gulch, but can be warmer. Winter riding is possible, though conditions may vary with snow and ice, so checking local weather and trail reports is recommended.
Are there opportunities to see wildlife while mountain biking in Lory State Park?
Lory State Park is known for its rich biodiversity and spectacular mixture of habitats, making it a great place for wildlife viewing. You might encounter various bird species, especially as it's a stop on the Northeastern Colorado Birding Trail, as well as diverse insects and other wildlife supported by its varied ecosystems.
Are there any longer, more challenging mountain bike routes for experienced riders?
Yes, Lory State Park has routes that cater to more experienced riders. For example, the East Valley Trail loop from Lory State Park is rated as difficult, featuring significant elevation gain and covering over 15 km. The park's network includes 33 difficult routes in total.
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