All "Hiking Trails With Waterfalls" results in Fort Collins, Colorado, "After dropping my sister off at CSU, I decided to find a hiking trail here to get some exercise in and take in some views. D.R. Looking to the west, hikers will see the snow capped Rocky Mountain Range towering in the distance. 1. The falls are roaring from a strong snowpack year, creating a cloud of mist. Why you should go: A local favorite; venture up the Poudre Canyon a short ways to summit the rightly named Greyrock Mountain. This hike has a spectacular natural background thanks to its location inside Lory State Park. The Pawnee National Grassland shares diverse plantlife including 150-180 different species of wildflowers of several varieties of evening primrose, nodding onion, prairie violets, as well as prickly pear cactuswhich bloom in June. Reservoir Ridge Natural Area is a part of the trail system that connects Maxwell, Pineridge, and Reservoir Ridge via the Foothills Trail. You can learn more about our editorial policies, best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, 5 Awesome Hikes in the Lost Creek Wilderness, Colorado, 9 Estes Park Cabins with Hot Tubs for Soakin in the Mountains, 19 of the Tastiest Hiking Snacks to Fuel Your Adventures, 10 Adventurous Things To Do in Colorado in the Fall, How To Spend One Epic Day in Grand Teton National Park, South Bay Hikes: 14 Hikes Near San Jose With Stunning Views, 12 Best Cabin Rentals Near Colorado Springs, Colorado, 11 Extraordinary Glamping Stays Near Glacier National Park, Montana, Camping in Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests & Thunder Basin National Grassland. Things to Do near CSU. It brings together biking, hiking, fishing, boating and camping opportunities only minutes 15 minutes from downtown Fort Collins. Once you arrive at the park's office, pay the entrance fees and follow the dirt road through the campground as far as you can. Where: From Fort Collins, take U.S. Highway 287 south to U.S. Highway 34 in Loveland. The 2711 acre area has 29 miles of trails of varying length and difficulty for all levels of adventurers to explore. The trail network has 5 separate waterfall hike options, up to 5.5 miles total. Thenclimb the last, moderate trek of this journey to the40-foot Ouzel Falls. The North Fork Buffalo Creek Reservoir is in west-central Wichita County, around 21 minutes from Wichita Falls. One of the shortest hikes within Horsetooth Mountain Park, and yet one of the most stunning. Riverbend Ponds Natural Area This Natural Area is right off South Timberline in Fort Collins. While Soapstone Prairie Natural Area is 25 miles north of Fort Collins, this 19,000-acre property was purchased by the city of Fort Collins in 2004 as a restoration and conservation project. 2305 W Prairie Creek Dr, Richardson, TX 75080, USA. These trails are family-friendly and abundant wildlife makes this a great location for the kiddos to experience. Its no secret that Horsetooth Mountain Open Spacein Fort Collinshas miles and miles of outdoor adventure space, perfect for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Horsetooth Falls. The trail begins at the road closure gate. Plan to arrive at the parking lot by 10 a.m. during the weekends. Peace and quiet abounds when you stay at 'On Golden Pond,' a vacation rental in Fort Collins. Alberta. If youre looking to hike to the base of this fall, youll be traveling approximately 2.2 miles round trip, according to AllTrails. Whether you want a quick trip just up the road or an adventure two hours away, every single hike on this list promisesstunning sights, challenges and a breath of fresh airjust remember towear waterproof shoes! From Telluride, drive east 1.5 miles past the Pandora Mill site to the large unmarked parking area on the right side of road (Valley View parking area). Location: Mt Barney National Park. Take Bear Lake Road 8 miles to the Bear Lake parking lot. While Im not, Whats your favorite drink while camping?, Happy Camper This spot allows your dog to explore and play off-leash. The trail is well marked and easy to follow until you reach the slickrock section near the base of Horsetooth Rock. Elevation gain: 305 m. Length: 5.5 km. Go with the flow: Just minutes from downtown Steamboat, this is one of Colorado's premier waterfalls with an impressive 280-foot free fall. After youve gotten several pictures,continue for 1.5 miles up a moderate grade to reach Calypso Cascades. - - Chasm Falls | Rocky Mountain National Park Roundtrip: 2.8 Miles - brintonphotography Chasm Falls View profile 3h 8m A well-maintained, shaded, paved path along the river good for all ages and skill levels. Enjoy the refreshing mist. Here are eight Colorado waterfalls to check out this summer. The view from the bridges is stunning, offeringpeeksof the Soldier Canyon Creek and Soldier Canyon. Because this trail has a short summer season and is very popular, we recommend checking the. Surrounded by moss-covered rocks and a meandering trail, the waterfalls cascade quietly off the cliff into the lake, creating a surreal atmosphere. Pioneer Plaza It offers many connections and parking options along the trail. Information: Larimer County Parks, 970 679-4570 or www.co.larimer.co.us/naturalresources/htmp.cfm. Take the surreal walk through the canyon and be sure to rub your hands on the smooth, quartzite walls. This trail is extremely easy, very good for first timers and families. Dash and his sister, Reid, 7, stood in awe looking up at the 160-foot-tall Cascade Falls that crashed down to the rocks. Horsetooth Mountain Park is also home to many more trails that are easy to explore with a map thanks to great signage. After heading up to Fort Collins, be sure to check out this man-made lake created by four dams and surrounded by 2,000 acres of public land. You can cut this in half by taking a path that goes between two of the ponds. Arapaho National Recreation Area. I actually find the gushing stream by the road more exciting. The trail crosses over three bridges finally reaching the pool at the bottom of Soldier Canyon Falls. Colorado is home to hundreds of waterfalls, including Horsetooth Falls right in our backyard here in Fort Collins. From the parking area at the trailhead, youll hike up the historic MotorNatureTrail, which was opened in 1920 and was the first road to cross over the national park! Wildflowers, alpine meadows, small waterfalls, and cascades all beckon those who have the stamina to explore these heights in the Front Range near Denver. Sulphur Ranger District, near Winter Park & Granby. Related Read:5 Awesome Hikes in the Lost Creek Wilderness, Colorado. The falls will be found adjacent to a small U.S. Forest Service campground a little beyond the bridge over Big Piney Creek. After 1.4 miles, youll reach the falls viewing platform, where you can comfortably watch the falls drop 25 feet through a narrow granite chasm. Lory State Park is known for its incredible wildflower-filled valleys in the summer months. If youre looking for a full day hike, or a short backpacking adventure, Greyrock is the perfect place. Whos going camping fo. Beyond the city's western edge, there's no shortage of mountain scenery including a triplet of beautiful waterfall hikes. 2. This one is a bit of a doozy, offering almost5miles of tough terrain, to Black Lake andthen another5back, but the views throughout the trailarewell worth it. Hikers are free to explore in this open space, and free to wade in the water under the Falls. When the water level is low, it's a great place to wade and splash. Where: From Estes Park, head south on Colorado Highway 7 for 12 miles to the Wild Basin Entrance Station to Rocky Mountain National Park. Where: East of Glenwood Springs. Some of these trails are highly trafficked areas, and it takes everyone doing their part to keep these precious trails open and free! If you don't know about AllTrails I definitely recommend it to anyone that loves finding new hikes. Cost: Adults $5.00, Children 6-12 $1.00, Children under 6 free. Here are five of the best waterfall hikes near Fort Collins. What are some hiking with a large number of reviews near Fort Collins, CO? Since this trail takes you deep into the Cache La Poudre wilderness and Roosevelt National Forest, it is important to check trail updates before heading out. Duration: 4-5 hours. Reservoir Ridge offers views of both Horsetooth Reservoir and the smaller reservoirs to the north. Pronghorn Loop Trail is one of the more popular trails in this vast natural area and offers amazing prairie views. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews. Horsetooth Mountain Park is an outdoor trail haven just minutes from downtown Ft. Collins. Along the way, youll pass Alberta Falls, Vale Brook, Glacier Falls, Mills Lake, Jewel Lake, Ribbon Falls, Blue Lake, Green Lake, Frozen Lake and so much more,making it the perfect trail to see almost everything in the national park. Distance: 2.2 miles Elevation Gain: 101 feet Difficulty: Easy One of the shortest hikes within Horsetooth Mountain Park, and yet one of the most stunning. At the end of the trail, when you have reached the A, you will be above the letter. The "A" stands for Aggies. Weekday morningsare especially peaceful if you're looking forward to a hike in solitude and the sounds of nature. The entrance fee to the open space is $9 and can be paid at the machine at the entrance. Why you should go: A great addition to any summer day; take a quick hike to the Falls where you can adventure around and in the water! Xplore reporter Stephen Meyers covers the outdoors and recreation for the Coloradoan. Seen in: Colorado, Colorado Hiking, Hike, Rockies. Hewlett Gulch Trail in Fort Collins Poudre River Canyon is the perfect place for them to do this. Follow him on Twitter @stemeyer or Facebook.com/meyersreports. While hiking any trail in Northern Colorado is rewarding, its the ones with lakes and waterfalls at the end of them that make all the efforttrulyworthwhile. This waterfall hiking trail is located in Rock Island State Park. About 10.5 miles up the canyon, as you pass through the small community of Poudre Park, look for a bridge on the right with a green road sign for Hewlett Gulch Road. 1. Horsetooth Falls is one of the shortest (yet stunning) trails in the area. Aptly named, the two-pronged white waterfall roars into a beautiful box canyon. Maxwell Natural Area is one of the City of Fort Collins' 52 conserved natural areas. 7 Best Waterfall Hikes Near Brisbane. The campground is about 10 to 12 miles from Pelsor and is marked with a sign. On the way up to the parking lot I passed Horsetooth Reservoir which is", "Do this hike! A Mystery Trail is an imaginative way to explore towns, cities & villages across Ireland with a self-guided themed walk. However, it is worth a gander if you are nearby. Each of the loops that are considered moderately strenuous bypass the falls in some way. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 26 min to complete. I saw ducks, pelicans and a golden eagle. Go with the flow: The 1.5-acre turquoise lake that appears to cling to the edge of a mountainside is fed by (another) Bridal Veil Falls. www.co.larimer.co.us/naturalresources/htmp.cfm, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. My 4-year-old nephew Dash had a request on his family's recent trip to Colorado. It's close enough where you can bike to it (if you feel like you can handle some hills), otherwise it is but a short 15 minute drive from downtown Fort Collins. Top Fort Collins Hiking & Camping Tours: See reviews and photos of Hiking & Camping Tours in Fort Collins, Colorado on Tripadvisor. The best times to visit this trail are March through October. What you can see from the highway trailhead is likely not what youll be dealing with once you pass over the first ridge. This 268-foot waterfall cascades into a deep pool below, creating a breathtaking sight that's sure to leave you in awe. This trail is not only great for spotting beautiful wildflowers but is also a popular birding trail. The Horsetooth Mountain Park Open Space is located just 4 miles from Fort Collins. Learn more on the Steamboat Springs Chamber of Commerce website. 2018. Go Fishing at North Fork Buffalo Creek Reservoir. 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