Things To Do
Poudre Canyon
The Poudre Canyon is our backyard playground! With year-round access to hiking, climbing, fishing, skiing, and camping it is a true gem!! The link below will take you to the Google page for the Ouzel Picnic Area, one of the many picnic areas along the river that are free and open for day use. Honestly just taking a drive up the canyon is worth it - picnic or not.
Lory State Park
Lory State Park is just West of Horsetooth Reservoir outside of Fort Collins. It's got a wonderful network of trails and access to several reservoir inlets. This is a favorite place of ours to run in the summer evenings! Day-use fee is about $10 per vehicle. Credit cards are accepted.
Gateway Natural Area
This is a beautiful natural area a short distance up our beloved Poudre Canyon. This is a lovely spot for a picnic and a wade in the river. There is also a relatively easy hike up to Seaman's reservoir from this park. Day passes are $9 per day. If you don't want to pay a fee, there are many pull offs and free day-use areas in the canyon instead (see "Poudre Canyon" above). Or just drive until you find a spot that looks good to you. Contact us if you need further recommendations.
Rocky Mountain National Park
If you are around for a few days, why not fit in a visit to Rocky Mountain National Park? I think this item speaks for itself. Here's the permit situation while writing this in Jan 2023: -Permits to enter Bear Lake Rd. corridor (the area with the most popular hikes) are required if you want to enter the park between 5 am and 6 pm. -Permits to access any other part of the park are only required between 9 am and 2 pm. -Permits for September will be released on August 1, i.e. have your mouse ready to click reserve on August 1! -*Pro tip - you can enter the park without a permit if you arrive before 5 am :)
Vedauwoo, Wyoming
Vedauwoo is a world-famous climbing area 1 hour north of Fort Collins, across the Wyoming border. Non-climbers can have a wonderful day here too wandering among the granite monoliths on an intricate trail system!
La Creperie & French Bakery
We love this French bakery and cafe. You can either sit down for a meal or grab and go from their pastry case. Be warned - this place is extremely popular and they sell out of some of their finest goods on weekend mornings. But they are guaranteed to have something left that you will like!
Equinox Brewing
This is probably our favorite brewery in town. There is always an array of tasty beers on tap and it's got a smaller mom and pop feel than Odell's. It's also in the heart of Old Town and would make a great stop if you happen to be walking around.
Me Oh My Pie
This is a favorite stop on our way to or from the Poudre Canyon for sustenance, but it's worth a visit all on its own too. They've got delicious homemade baked goodies and expansive breakfast and lunch menus. They also serve coffee and 21+ libations as well.
Mugs Old Town
This is another wonderful coffee shop and cafe for your caffeine, breakfast, or lunch fix. A great spot if you find yourself walking through old town.
Social
Social is a tasty underground, speakeasy-style bar in Old Town Fort Collins. It often has a line out the door but don't let that deter you from visiting! The cocktails, appetizers, and ambience are worth it!