Looking for the best day trips from Fort Collins?
Northern Colorado, where Fort Collins is located, is one of the most beautiful parts of the Centennial State.
This area has everything from Rocky Mountains, unique rock formations, lakes, and hot springs to charming small towns full of rich history as well as major cities with incredible attractions and world class culinary scenes!
Not convinced? Check out these fabulous day trips from Fort Collins for amazing ideas on things to do in the area!
Also Read: 26 Best Things to do in Fort Collins, CO
Best Day Trips from Fort Collins
Fort Collins is a fantastic hub that offers a wealth of opportunities for day trips throughout scenic Northern Colorado.
While the area surrounding Fort Collins has just one national park, look beyond the popular spots to discover gems such as Horsetooth Mountain and the Cache la Poudre River!
Just a short drive away, you’ll find breathtaking mountain vistas, alpine lakes, and opportunities for hiking, snowshoeing, stargazing, and even panning for gold!
Here is an ultimate guide to the best day trips from Fort Collins, Colorado.
Denver
Denver is the capital of Colorado and a major city in the United States.
It’s also one of the closest big cities to Fort Collins, making it an ideal destination for an easy day trip.
Visit iconic attractions such as Union Station, Denver Botanic Garden, and Coors Field for incredible experiences you can’t find anywhere else.
For incredible views and people watching, you can head downtown to the 16th street mall or tour the Colorado State Capitol building to learn the state’s history.
Boulder
The college town of Boulder is an amazing day trip destination from Fort Collins.
Here, you can explore the University of Colorado campus, drive up to Flagstaff mountain for a spectacular view of the city and the surrounding area, or visit one of Boulder’s many museums like Fiske Planetarium and CU Art Museum.
You won’t want to miss the many restaurants, breweries, and shops that make Boulder a cultural hub of Colorado.
On a trip to Boulder, you can also see the Flatirons – one of the most recognizable rock formations in Colorado!
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most famous national parks in America.
The spectacular Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous highway in the United States, runs through it and offers stunning views of the mountain peaks and valley below.
Hike the Bear Lake loop trail for an easy family friendly hike or try the more strenuous hike to Sky Pond for incredible views of alpine lakes and lush meadows.
But the national park is so much more than trails or scenic drives.
You can go backpacking, fishing, horseback riding as well as explore nearby waterfalls and other natural wonders in the park.
Estes Park
Looking for a more relaxed adventure and still want to stay close to the national park?
Consider a trip to Estes Park, the eastern gateway to Rocky Mountains!
Just an hour away from Fort Collins, this mountain town is famous for its breathtaking views, outdoor adventures and wildlife.
On a stroll through downtown, you can take in the quaint charm of the historic buildings and architecture.
Take the time to browse local shops and galleries on Elk Street and enjoy some excellent dining including freshly caught trout!
Visit iconic attractions such as Stanley Hotel – where Stephen King found his inspiration for The Shining – or dip your toes in the crystal clear waters of Estes Lake.
The area is also a perfect starting point for many great hikes as well as alpine lakes and rivers that are ideal for fishing.
Loveland
With its vibrant art scene and charming historic downtown area, Loveland is worth a visit from Fort Collins.
The Loveland Museum and Gallery, located in the historic Carnegie building, is one of the most popular attractions with collections that range from fine art to local history.
There are also plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation such as kayaking at Lake Loveland or hiking along the Big Thompson River Trail.
And if you’re looking for something different, head over to Benson Sculpture Garden – an outdoor gallery featuring more than 100 sculptures in various mediums!
Cache la Poudre River Scenic Byway
Take a drive along the Cache la Poudre River Scenic Byway (CO-14) and enjoy the breathtaking views of this rugged canyon.
Cache la Poudre River is National Wild and Scenic River and flows through gorgeous landscape.
This winding road will take you through some of Colorado’s most beautiful vistas, with plenty of stops to enjoy nature along the way.
You can find many hiking trails as well as picnic areas along the scenic drive.
The Cache la Poudre River Canyon is very popular for watersports such as kayaking or rafting, so don’t forget to bring your gear along!
Horsetooth Mountain Open Space
Horsetooth Mountain Open Space is a popular outdoor destination offering plenty of opportunities for hiking, walking, and horseback riding.
The terrain is a favorite for those who love to mountain bike!
The park boasts dramatic rock formations, lush meadows, and stunning views of the Front Range.
For a good workout there are several trails available including the Horsetooth Falls Trail, which looks especially stunning in spring.
South Bay, Horsetooth Reservoir
Looking for the closest beach near Fort Collins, CO?
Head to Horsetooth Reservoir!
This manmade lake is a jewel of Northern Colorado and a great place to visit in summer.
At South Bay, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as swimming, fishing, boating and more.
You can also find picnic areas with charcoal grills and even a playground for the kids!
Longmont
Longmont is a great destination for a day trip from Fort Collins.
This charming city has something for everyone!
For outdoor lovers, there are numerous trails to explore such as the St. Vrain Greenway and Golden Ponds Nature Trail.
If you’re into art and culture, visit the Longmont Museum & Cultural Center or one of the many galleries in town.
Longmont is also home to several microbreweries that offer tours and tastings!
Lafayette
The small city of Lafayette is just a short trip away from Fort Collins and makes for a great day trip.
Spend the day exploring the historic downtown area, where you can find unique shops, restaurants, and art galleries.
Enjoy more outdoor adventures at Waneka Lake Park which has something for everyone – fishing, paddle boarding, kayaking or just walking along the lake’s edge!
Lory State Park
Lory State Park is another great option that can provide a peaceful escape from the city.
This is one of our favorite parks near Fort Collins, Colorado.
The park is full of trails, forests, and meadows that are perfect for hiking or mountain biking.
Lory State Park is also home to many seasonal wildflowers making it one of the most beautiful places to visit in Northern Colorado!
Lory State Park is a great place to get away from it all and enjoy some quality time with friends and family.
Golden
The city of Golden is a great destination for a day trip from Fort Collins for beer lovers.
Golden is home to the world-famous Coors Brewery and visitors can take free tours of the brewery grounds.
The Golden History Center also offers a great opportunity to learn more about the city’s history.
There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure at Golden Gate Canyon State Park, and Clear Creek Whitewater Park is an excellent spot for kayaking or rafting.
Lookout Mountain offers stunning views of the city and plenty of outdoor activities.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Golden Gate Canyon State Park is one of the most scenic state parks in Colorado.
The park offers a wide variety of activities including camping, hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing.
It’s also a great place for photography with plenty of stunning landscapes and views!
The park is full of lakes, meadows, forests and even some alpine tundra – making it an ideal spot to explore the beauty of Colorado’s mountains.
Morrison
Just a short drive away from Fort Collins is the small town of Morrison, home to many outdoor activities and attractions.
Visit Red Rocks Amphitheatre for one-of-a kind concerts or take a hike through Dinosaur Ridge, where you can see dinosaur tracks that date back millions of years!
Morrison also hosts a variety of festivals and events such as the Morrison Ciderfest.
Take a break from exploring and visit one of the town’s many restaurants or pubs to sample some local brews.
Cheyenne
Head north and cross the border from into Wyoming and you will visit the state capital, Cheyenne.
Here you can visit the Wyoming State Capitol building, admire local art galleries or take a tour of the historic Governor’s Mansion.
You can also find some great outdoor activities here such as hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding at Curt Gowdy State Park or boating on Glendo Reservoir.
Cheyenne is also home to many museums and historic sites that are worth visiting!
The city is also home to the World’s Largest Outdoor Rodeo, a fun event for the whole family.
Brewery Tours
Fort Collins is home to numerous incredible breweries, and a brewery tour makes a perfect day trip for beer lovers.
Choose from any of the city’s popular breweries and spend a day tasting some of the best craft beers in Colorado.
You can also find some great tours that will take you to multiple breweries around town or even outside of Fort Collins!
The city’s thriving beer scene is ideal for those looking to sample some delicious craft brews while experiencing the vibrant Fort Collins culture and history.
Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs, while 2 hrs 30 mins away, still makes a great day trip from Fort Collins for those up for long drives.
The city boasts plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and mountain biking in the Garden of the Gods or Pike National Forest.
Take a cable car ride up to the top of Pikes Peak and experience an incredible view!
For those who prefer to stay indoors, visit some of Colorado Springs’ museums such as The Broadmoor Seven Falls or the United States Air Force Academy Cadet Chapel.
The Olympic Training Center is a great place to go and watch athletes train for upcoming competitions.
There are many restaurants and bars serving delicious food and drinks in Old Town Colorado Springs to end your day on a high note.
Eldora Mountain Ski Resort, Nederland
Eldora Mountain Ski Resort, located in Nederland, is a great destination for winter day trips from Fort Collins.
The ski resort offers plenty of activities such as skiing, snowboarding, tubing and even Nordic skiing!
There are also plenty of other activities to enjoy at the resort such as spa treatments or shopping in one of the many shops.
After a long day of snow adventures, warm up with some hot chocolate or visit one of the restaurants onsite for some delicious food.
Winter Park Ski Resort
Winter Park Ski Resort is another great spot for those who want to play in the snow.
The ski resort is very popular for skiing, snowboarding, snowtubing, and sledding.
The Winter Park Express Gondola takes you up to the top of the mountain in style with panoramic views of the valley below.
It is a perfect way to make memories with kids.
Indian Springs Resort, Idaho Springs
Indian Springs Resort in Idaho Springs is one of the closest hot springs near Fort Collins, CO.
The resort offers hot springs, massage treatments, and pools that are perfect for soaking after a long day of exploring.
Idaho Springs is also home to Clear Creek Whitewater Park which offers kayaking, rafting, stand-up paddle boarding, and more!
Visitors can also explore the charming downtown area full of restaurants, shops, and galleries.
Situated in the foothills of the Colorado Rockies, Fort Collins’ awesome location lends itself to some fantastic day trips in the area.
Drive west into the mountains to find hiking trails that lead to stunning alpine vistas or take a road trip east to visit unique cultural destinations including the Denver Art Museum.
Whether you want to soak up some natural hot springs, explore historic mining towns, or savor Colorado’s famous craft beer scene, or just trying coffees in Old Town, there’s a perfect Fort Collins day trip awaiting you.
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