Easy hikes and walks in Lory State Park
5.0
(51)
2,083
hikers
123
hikes
Easy hiking trails in Lory State Park traverse a diverse landscape in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, near Fort Collins, Colorado. The park features varied terrain, including rolling grasslands, forested areas, and steep hillsides with notable rock outcroppings. Hikers can experience views of Horsetooth Reservoir and access prominent formations like Arthur's Rock, which offers panoramic vistas. The area also includes diverse habitats, from lowland riparian zones to montane conifer forests.
Best easy hiking trails in Lory State Park
- The…
Last updated: April 26, 2026
5.0
(1)
12
hikers
4.16km
01:08
60m
60m
Hike the easy 2.6-mile South Valley Loop in Lory State Park, featuring meadows, forests, and views of Horsetooth Reservoir.
7
hikers
5.05km
01:30
160m
160m
Easy 3.1-mile loop in Lory State Park with varied terrain, scenic viewpoints of Horsetooth Reservoir, and a historic stone bench.
Sign up for free
5.0
(1)
26
hikers
2.95km
00:55
120m
120m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
6.19km
01:51
190m
190m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
12
hikers
4.05km
01:06
60m
60m
Hike the easy 2.5-mile Maxwell Loop in Fort Collins for diverse terrain, panoramic views of Horsetooth Reservoir, and wildlife spotting.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Sunrise Beach is a popular swimming spot on the northeastern side of Horsetooth Reservoir. There is a small sandy beach, picnic tables and pavilions, as well as a designated swimming area free of boats and paddle boards.
0
0
Overlooking the water and foothills from a high point Sunrise Picnic Area is a scenic spot on the northeastern side of Horsetooth Reservoir. There is a large parking lot, picnic tables, bathrooms, and walking access to Sunrise Beach (there is a road down to the beach and pavilions, but there is limited parking and best used for loading and unloading).
0
0
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!
0
0
Also known as Ridgeline Spine, this is a blue-level singletrack that connects Swim Beach to the top of Maxwell, offering better views than its shoreline counterpart. The views are in fact amazing in both directions.
0
0
Overlooking the water and foothills from a high point Sunrise Picnic Area is a scenic spot on the northeastern side of Horsetooth Reservoir. There is a large parking lot, picnic tables, bathrooms, and walking access to Sunrise Beach (there is a road down to the beach and pavilions, but there is limited parking and best used for loading and unloading).
0
0
Also known as Ridgeline Spine, this is a blue-level singletrack that connects Swim Beach to the top of Maxwell, offering better views than its shoreline counterpart. The views are in fact amazing in both directions.
0
0
The Ridgeline Trail, as the name indicates, traverses a long ridge next to the road on the northwestern side of Horsetooth Reservoir, connecting the Sunrise and Rotary Park Day Use Areas and Parking lots. As you hike along this long, relatively flat trail, you get fantastic, unobstructed views of the entire reservoir and foothills to the west. This is particurlaly great trail to explore at sunset, which you can extend by linking it with the Foothills Trail to make a great loop at a beautiful time of day.
0
0
Sunrise Beach is a popular swimming spot on the northeastern side of Horsetooth Reservoir. There is a small sandy beach, picnic tables and pavilions, as well as a designated swimming area free of boats and paddle boards.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many easy hiking trails are available in Lory State Park?
Lory State Park offers a wide selection of routes, with over 50 easy hiking trails to explore. In total, the park features more than 100 trails for various activities.
What kind of terrain can I expect on easy hikes in Lory State Park?
Easy hikes in Lory State Park traverse a diverse landscape, from rolling grasslands and valleys to forested areas and hillsides with rock outcroppings. You'll find paths through lowland riparian areas and montane conifer forests, offering varied scenery.
Are there any easy loop trails in Lory State Park?
Yes, Lory State Park features several easy loop trails. A popular option is the South Valley Loop, which is about 2.6 miles long. Another great choice is the Overlook and West Valley Trail Loop, covering approximately 3.1 miles with moderate elevation gain.
Can I find viewpoints or scenic overlooks on easy trails in Lory State Park?
Absolutely. Many easy trails offer stunning views, particularly of Horsetooth Reservoir. Higher elevations, even on some easier routes, provide panoramic vistas of the surrounding hills, the Front Range, and sometimes even the Continental Divide. The Overlook and West Valley Trail Loop is known for its scenic views.
Are there any waterfalls accessible on easy hikes in Lory State Park?
Yes, a short hike can lead you to the picturesque Soldier Canyon Falls, which is enclosed within a small canyon. You can find more details about this natural feature, listed as a Waterfall, among the park's attractions.
What natural features or landmarks can I see along the easy hiking trails?
Beyond the scenic views of Horsetooth Reservoir, you can explore diverse habitats ranging from grasslands to conifer forests. Notable features include the prominent Arthur's Rock formation, and areas like Well Gulch, known for its wildflowers. You might also encounter the Quarry stone bench, a historical site.
Is Lory State Park suitable for family-friendly easy hikes?
Yes, Lory State Park is very family-friendly. The extensive trail network includes many paths suitable for all experience levels, making it easy to find achievable walks for families. Trails like the South Valley Loop are excellent choices for a gentle outing.
What do other hikers enjoy most about Lory State Park?
The komoot community highly rates Lory State Park, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Hikers often praise the park's varied terrain, stunning views of Horsetooth Reservoir, and the well-maintained trails that cater to different abilities, including many easy options.
Are there specific trails that highlight the park's diverse habitats?
The park showcases a spectacular mixture of habitats. Trails through areas like Well Gulch are particularly known for their diverse environments, including lowland riparian areas and montane conifer forests, which come alive with wildflowers in summer and attract various bird species.
Where can I park for easy access to trails in Lory State Park?
Lory State Park offers various parking areas for trail access. A key entry point is the Arthur's Rock Trailhead, which provides access to several routes, including the Arthur's Rock Trailhead – Arthurs Rock Trailhead loop from Lory State Park.
What is the best time of year for easy hikes in Lory State Park?
Lory State Park trails are open year-round. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, with wildflowers blooming in summer. Even in winter, some trails are suitable for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, providing a unique experience.
Are there any trails that run parallel to a stream or water feature?
Yes, the trail in the Well Gulch area is known to run parallel to a stream. This area is particularly rich in biodiversity, offering a chance to see a variety of wildflowers, insects, and birds.
Most popular routes in Lory State Park
Most popular attractions in Lory State Park
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
