3.1
(16)
56
hikers
01:16
4.70km
70m
Hiking
The Bent Rock Trail offers an easy hiking experience through a landscape where the Rocky Mountain foothills meet the Central Shortgrass Prairie. You will hike 2.9 miles (4.7 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 224 feet (68 metres), which typically takes about 1 hour and 16 minutes to complete. As you walk, you will notice distinctive red dirt and dramatic rock formations, including fascinating "layer cake" geology in the canyons carved by Sand Creek and Ruby Wash. The route provides broad, open vistas, sometimes with distant views of Wyoming windmills.
Plan your visit to the Bent Rock Trail between March 1 and the end of November, as the Red Mountain Open Space is typically closed outside these months. This route is exclusively for hikers; you will not encounter bicycles or horses, ensuring a peaceful experience. Spring and fall are ideal times to hike here due to the more moderate temperatures. Consider starting your hike earlier in the day during warmer months to avoid peak heat.
This trail is part of the Red Mountain Open Space, a unique area where two distinct ecosystems converge. The blend of Rocky Mountain foothills and Central Shortgrass Prairie creates a diverse habitat. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, as you may spot pronghorn or deer during your hike. The geological features, like the
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
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4.70 km
End point
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
4.46 km
181 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
3.09 km
1.56 km
< 100 m
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Elevation
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This route was planned by komoot.
The Bent Rock Trail is located within the Red Mountain Open Space near Fort Collins, Colorado. You can find parking at the designated trailhead for the Open Space.
Yes, this trail is generally considered easy to easy/intermediate. It's not very 'climby' and is often recommended as a family-friendly option, making it a good choice for beginners.
The trail offers diverse scenery, transitioning from rolling prairie to distinctive red dirt and dramatic rock formations. You'll see broad, open vistas, and the trail descends into canyons carved by Sand Creek and Ruby Wash, showcasing unique 'layer cake' geology. Some areas feature cottonwood-lined canyons and grasslands.
The trail is known for its fascinating geological history. You can observe 'layer cake' geology with visible sandstone and mudstone layers in the canyons. Intriguingly, you might also find much older billion-year-old rocks on top of younger layers due to regional uplift and flooding events, a phenomenon sometimes called a 'precambrian upside-down layer cake.' Interpretive signs along the route explain these features.
The Red Mountain Open Space is home to abundant wildlife. Hikers often spot animals such as pronghorn, elk, deer, bluebirds, and various hawks.
No, the Bent Rock Trail is designated for foot-traffic only. Bicycles and horses are not permitted, which contributes to a more tranquil hiking experience.
The Red Mountain Open Space is typically open from March 1 through the end of November. Spring and fall are generally considered the ideal times to visit due to more moderate temperatures, making for a more comfortable hike.
The provided information does not indicate any specific permits or entrance fees for accessing the Red Mountain Open Space or the Bent Rock Trail. However, it's always a good idea to check the official Larimer County Natural Resources website for the most current regulations before your visit.
The provided information does not explicitly state the dog policy for the Bent Rock Trail or Red Mountain Open Space. It is recommended to check the official Red Mountain Open Space regulations regarding dogs before planning your visit.
Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Bent Rock Trail, Sinking Sun Trail, and Rising Sun Trail.
Despite its proximity to Fort Collins, the Red Mountain Open Space, including this trail, often offers a sense of seclusion and is generally less crowded than some other trails in the Front Range area.