The best MTB trails around Fort Collins
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383
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33
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Mountain biking around Fort Collins offers access to diverse landscapes at the base of the Rocky Mountain foothills. The region features prominent natural areas such as Horsetooth Reservoir and the Cache la Poudre River, providing a variety of terrains for mountain bikers. Extensive trail systems wind through nearly 50 natural areas, encompassing over 55,000 conserved acres. This environment provides a mix of challenging climbs, technical descents, and flowy singletrack.
Best mountain bike trails around Fort Collins
- The most popular mountain bike trail is Foothills Trail, a 16.3 miles (26.2 km) moderate route that takes about 2 hours 32 minutes to complete. This trail connects several natural areas, offering varied terrain and scenic views.
- Another top favourite among local mountain bikers is Horsetooth Reservoir – Sunrise Beach loop from City Park, a difficult 17.7 miles (28.5 km) path. This route provides expansive views of Horsetooth Reservoir and the surrounding foothills.
- Local mountain bikers also love the Horsetooth Reservoir – Sunrise Beach loop from Saddle Ridge Natural Area, a 9.7 miles (15.6 km) difficult trail leading through terrain adjacent to Horsetooth Reservoir, often completed in about 1 hour 22 minutes.
- Mountain biking around Fort Collins is defined by the Rocky Mountain foothills, Horsetooth Reservoir, and numerous natural areas with diverse trail systems. The network offers options for various ability levels, from beginner-friendly paths to advanced technical routes.
- The routes in Fort Collins are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 1 reviews. More than 400 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore Fort Collins's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
10
riders
26.2km
02:33
500m
500m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
55
riders
28.5km
02:15
320m
320m
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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28
riders
15.6km
01:22
240m
240m
Hard mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
28
riders
51.5km
04:18
930m
930m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
17
riders
Hard mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
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Tips from the Community
This little reservoir is dwarfed by the nearby Horsetooth Reservoir. Still, Dixon is a fun destination in its own right with a non-motorized boat launch and some easy mountain biking trails. There is also good fishing here (check local regulations).
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The Foothills Trail is a popular hiking, running, and mountain biking single and doubletrack trail that runs north-south along almost the entire length of the rolling ridge line above the eastern side of Horsetooth Reservoir. You do leave the ridge line a few times and cross a few roads here and there, but generally speaking you're riding on great singletrack with the occasional technical spot. The main difficult sections lie between College Lake and Reservoir Ridge and the Maxwell Natural Area, but are doable for an intermediate rider.
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Maxwell Natural Area is a foothills area with views of the surrounding mountains and the city of Fort Collins. Within the park is the 1.5-mile Maxwell Trail that connects with the 9.6-mile Foothills Trail that travels through the city.
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The North Loop Trail is a narrow singletrack trail that ascends the ridge line just below Horsetooth Reservoir. The trail is probably best counter clockwise. There are a few rocky steps and drops to be aware of as you ride on fast, skinny singletrack in a lovely spot west of Fort Collins.
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The Coyote Ridge Natural Area is south of Fort Collins where the foothills meet the plains. In this unique ecosystem you might see all sorts of wildlife like including mule deer, coyotes, and sometimes mountain lions, bears, and rattlesnakes (dogs are not allowed in this area). The main Coyote Ridge Trail links to the Devils Backbone Open Space, Loveland's Prairie Ridge Natural Area, Rimrock Open Space, Prairie Ridge Natural Area, and the Blue Sky Trail. You get great views of the Front Range, eastern plains, and Cheyenne Ridge to the north as you explore this area. In addition to fellow hikers you might see mountain bikers, horseback riders, and long-distance runners sharing the trails with you.
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Sheldon Lake, or City Park Lake, is a pond in the heart of Fort Collins. It is a popular spot with locals and visitors alike on hot summer days where you can fish, walk the trail around the pond, birdwatch, and swim in the City Park pool (that has a waterslide!). In the winter you can ice fish, ice skate, and play pond hockey. The ice is checked daily by the city to ensure it's at least 6 inches thick and safe for recreational activities.
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The Dixon Reservoir is a small body of water at the base of the foothills below Horsetooth Reservoir surrounded by a protected Natural Area. The reservoir is a great fishing spot where many fish are stocked annually including pumpkinseed sunfish, bluegill, bass, channel catfish, black crappy, and grass carp.
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High up on the northern edge of the steep hills and cliffs above Horsetooth Reservoir is the Skyline Picnic Area and a small gravel parking lot. This scenic spot is a great place to sit down, eat lunch, and take in the sweeping views of the reservoir.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many mountain bike trails are available in 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.
What makes mountain biking in Fort Collins unique?
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.
What do other mountain bikers enjoy most about the trails in Fort Collins?
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.
Are there mountain bike trails suitable for beginners or families in Fort Collins?
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.
Where can experienced mountain bikers find challenging trails in Fort Collins?
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.
Are there mountain bike trails with scenic views in Fort Collins?
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.
Can I find loop mountain bike trails in Fort Collins?
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.
What natural areas can I explore while mountain biking in Fort Collins?
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.
Are there any interesting landmarks or attractions near the mountain bike trails?
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.
When is the best time of year to go mountain biking in Fort Collins?
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.
Are there any long-distance mountain bike routes in Fort Collins?
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.
Are there any mountain bike trails that are easily accessible from town?
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.
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