Northern Colorado is one of the best regions to visit in the Centennial State. This breathtaking region encompasses Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, and the surrounding areas. It’s known for its jaw-dropping mountain views, charming downtown areas, and endless attractions that cater to all interests.
From hiking and biking trails to craft breweries and wineries, Northern Colorado offers a diverse array of experiences for visitors to indulge in. Here is an ultimate guide to Northern Colorado attractions.
Also Read: 20 Best Colorado Day Trips to take now
Things to do in Northern Colorado
Northern Colorado is a hidden gem that offers stunning views and incredible experiences.
With cities like Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, and Estes Park, Northern Colorado is home to some of the best places to visit.
Boasting 300 days of sunshine every year, visitors can enjoy hiking through beautiful landscapes, exploring the Rocky Mountain National Park, or simply sipping local craft beer while admiring the scenery.
Known for its incredible outdoor activities and welcoming locals, Northern Colorado is an excellent destination for any nature lover.
From skiing adventures to scenic drives, Northern Colorado is filled with endless possibilities.
Visitors should pack their bags, put on their hiking boots, and get ready to be wowed by Northern Colorado.
Here is our guide to the best things to do in Northern Colorado this summer.
Rocky Mountain National Park
The magnificent Rocky Mountain National Park is a breathtaking wonderland in the midst of the Colorado Rockies.
Encompassing over 400 square miles and rising to an impressive height of 14,259 feet, it encompasses a diverse range of landscapes from vast, open meadows to dense, ancient forests.
The Park is known for its breathtaking alpine vistas, roaring waterfalls, and diverse array of wildlife, including elk, moose, and black bear.
Its hiking trails offer something for everyone, with hikes ranging from easy strolls to challenging climbs.
But perhaps the most alluring aspect of the park is its serenity and sense of peacefulness.
Estes Park
Estes Park is a charming town that offers visitors a chance to experience nature and a quaint mountain lifestyle.
The town is situated in Larimer County and includes gorgeous natural landmarks such as the Rocky Mountain National Park, which is abundant with wildlife and breathtaking views.
Besides, Estes Park is known for its extensive history, as it was once a favorite spot for settlers and gold prospectors.
However, it’s not just the town’s history that makes it fascinating.
Estes Park boasts a wide range of activities for visitors, from hiking and photography to kayaking and fishing.
Visiting Estes Park is the perfect way to unwind and recharge in a beautiful, peaceful setting and making unforgettable memories.
Old Town Fort Collins
Old Town Fort Collins is a charming and historic district that captures the essence of the city’s past and present.
The area, located in downtown Fort Collins, encompasses several blocks of quaint shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Visitors to Old Town will find themselves transported back to a time when Fort Collins was a burgeoning agricultural hub with a bustling downtown core.
Throughout the district, visitors can explore a variety of architectural styles, ranging from turn-of-the-century Victorian homes to red brick warehouses that have been converted into trendy storefronts.
Old Town Square is especially charming and also home to many events in the Fort Collins community.
Visitors flock to the area for its signature breweries and distilleries, shops filled with locally made products, art galleries, and lively events including live music concerts.
Old Town Fort Collins boasts of many excellent coffee shops too for those who love their cup.
The Fort Collins trolley also runs through Old Town and is a fun ride.
Also Read: 26 Best Things to do in Fort Collins, Colorado
Boulder
Boulder is a city located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado.
It is known for its hippie vibe and college town culture as well as small claims to fame such as most bikes per capita in USA.
Boulder is home to the University of Colorado, and the campus adds to the youthful energy and creativity of the city.
The city is also known for its vibrant cultural scene, which includes a lively music and arts community.
Many visitors come to Boulder for its stunning views, great outdoor recreation, and things to do.
Surrounded by mountains, the city provides numerous opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and biking.
Horsetooth Reservoir
Horsetooth Reservoir is a popular spot in Northern Colorado.
Located in Larimer County, it is one of the most popular recreation spots in Colorado and has been a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike for decades.
From the lake, you can enjoy stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, as well as plenty of activities such as fishing, kayaking, swimming, camping, boating, mountain biking, and more.
The reservoir also features a variety of trails that provide access to nearby lakes and streams.
Horsetooth Mountain Open Space
Horsetooth Mountain Open Space boasts a vivid and diverse beauty spread across several acres.
Visitors can explore rock formations formed over billion years ago and take in the stunning panoramic views of nearby Horsetooth Reservoir.
This open space offers something for everyone, from backcountry hiking, biking, and horseback riding to picnicking and wildlife viewing.
This park is also known for its exceptional rock climbing routes that range from beginner to advanced.
Lory State Park
Located in the heart of the Front Range, Lory State Park is a stunning natural oasis in Colorado that captures the imagination of outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
The park includes over 2,600 acres of impressive wilderness landscapes that range from rolling prairies to towering peaks, with gorgeous vistas and sweeping views around every bend.
Visitors here can hike, mountain bike, or horseback ride along miles of well-marked trails that traverse the rugged terrain and offer access to stunning overlooks and hidden valleys.
This hidden gem is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elk, deer, coyotes, and eagles.
Northern Colorado Breweries
Northern Colorado might not be as well-known as Denver or Portland in terms of its brewing scene, but it is rapidly becoming a craft beer aficionados dream destination.
The area boasts some of the best breweries in the state, boasting an impressive variety of beers ranging from light lagers to thick stouts.
Fort Collins is known for its extensive beer culture, with more than 25 breweries within the city limits alone.
Odell Brewing Co., Funkwerks, and New Belgium Brewing Company are just a few examples of breweries that have put Fort Collins on the map.
Loveland might be a small town, but it has its share of breweries such as Verboten Brewing, Loveland Aleworks, and Crow Hop Brewing.
Estes Park Brewery is known for its award-winning stouts, IPAs, and lagers, along with its scenic location at the foot of the Rocky Mountains.
The brewery features an outdoor patio with breathtaking mountain views, making it the perfect spot for enjoying a pint after hiking in the park or skiing during the winter season.
The Wild Animal Sanctuary
In the canyons of Colorado lies an extraordinary retreat for wild animals in need- The Wild Animal Sanctuary.
For nearly 40 years, this nonprofit organization has provided a safe haven for animals rescued from inhumane conditions, including tigers, bears, and lions.
The Wild Animal Sanctuary has gained national recognition for its size and scope- it is the largest carnivore sanctuary in the world, spanning several hundred acres of open grassland habitat.
Visitors can experience the majesty of these incredible creatures from over 1.5 miles of elevated walkways, seeing them play, run, and laze in their natural habitat.
Through interactive exhibits and guided tours, visitors can also learn about the plight of these animals and the impact of human actions on their natural habitat.
Boyd Lake State Park
Located only a few miles away from scenic Loveland, Boyd Lake State Park offers visitors the perfect nature escape.
This stunning state park is known for its clear, calm waters that are perfect for fishing, boating, and paddleboarding.
Surrounded by majestic mountain views, visitors can explore the park’s trails on foot or bike while taking in the breathtaking Colorado landscape.
Boyd Lake State Park is also popular for camping as well as its sandy beaches.
Devils Backbone Open Space
Devils Backbone Open Space in Colorado is a majestic natural wonder that should be on every visitor’s bucket list.
This stunning 2,200-acre space is known for its unique rock formations, which look like the spiny backbone of a massive creature rising from the earth.
The area is a haven for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts alike, with over 12 miles of trails to explore.
Along the way, visitors can witness an array of wildlife, from soaring eagles to scampering rabbits.
Devil’s Backbone is perfect for taking in the beauty of Colorado’s wilderness, learning about the region’s natural history, and enjoying the majesty of the great outdoors.
Loveland
Loveland is a charming city in Colorado that is popular for its breathtaking scenery, outdoor recreation, and vibrant culture.
The city is situated at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, offering stunning views of the surrounding natural wonder.
Loveland is particularly known for its world-class art museum and sculpture parks.
In downtown, you will also find the famous Love Lock sculpture.
Couples can buy locks at the Loveland Visitors Center and put them on the sculpture grid to honor their love.
Visitors can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, golfing, and skiing in the nearby mountains.
Additionally, the city boasts a wide range of restaurants, breweries, and shops, making it a popular destination for those looking for a quintessential Colorado experience.
Strawberry Park Hot Springs
Nestled within the rugged terrain of Colorado’s pristine wilderness lies a charming oasis known as Strawberry Park Hot Springs.
This idyllic retreat offers visitors a chance to indulge in the warmth and healing powers of natural hot springs that bubble up from deep within the earth.
With temperatures ranging from 101 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, these soothing waters provide the perfect respite for sore muscles after a day of hiking, skiing or snowshoeing.
However, there’s more to Strawberry Park Hot Springs than just its mineral-rich waters. In addition to its signature hot springs, the park boasts lush forests, towering mountains, and breathtaking views that make it one of Colorado’s most scenic destinations.
Cache La Poudre River Scenic Byway
Cache La Poudre River Scenic Byway is a breathtaking stretch of road in Northern Colorado.
It winds through some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the region.
It is 100 miles long one way and takes about 4 hours to drive.
The scenic road has an awe-inspiring backdrop of sky high mountains, cascading waterfalls, and sprawling forests.
The river is known for its crystal-clear waters and abundant wildlife.
On a road trip to the scenic byway, you can explore the area’s many hiking trails, fishing spots, and cute picnic areas.
Cache la Poudre River Canyon is great for white water rafting and kayaking.
If you do not have a car, Majestic Mountains scenic rides can take you on tours of the byway.
Greeley
Greeley, Colorado is known for its rich history, agricultural heritage, and cultural diversity.
Visitors can take a stroll through the innovative and interactive exhibits at the historic Greeley Museum.
Or you can spend the day exploring the beautiful gardens and parks scattered throughout the city.
Foodies will relish in the diverse dining options, ranging from farm-to-table cuisine to savory international flavors.
Pawnee National Grassland
While not exactly in Northern Colorado, Pawnee National Grassland deserves a special mention.
This unique grassland has vast open spaces that stretch as far as the eye can see.
You can admire views of rolling hills, steep ravines, and rugged terrain that define this landscape.
The gently swaying grasses of the prairie are home to diverse wildlife.
On a trip, you can spot pronghorns, hawks, eagles, and burrowing owls.
Visitors can take scenic drives, camp, hike, or simply relax and soak in the wild beauty of the grassland.
Mishawaka Amphitheatre
No list of things to do in Northern Colorado would be complete without mentioning the iconic Mishawaka Amphitheatre.
This outdoor venue is located on the banks of the Poudre River.
It has hosted live music and events since decades.
The open-air amphitheater provides an unforgettable atmosphere for a variety of concerts, ranging from country to folk to rock.
Visitors can also enjoy food trucks at the venue, making it great for a romantic evening out.
Ski Resorts
The Northern Colorado area is home to several incredible ski resorts.
Most popular ones are Winter Park Resort, Copper Mountain Resort, Loveland Ski Area, and Eldora Mountain Resort.
Visitors can enjoy downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing on the slopes of these world-class resorts.
The resorts also offer a wealth of après ski activities such as live music shows, ice skating, shopping, and dining.
Northern Colorado’s ski resorts are sure to provide an unforgettable experience in in winter.
Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge
Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge is located to the west of Northern Colorado.
The refuge is home to over 200 bird species, as well as elk, deer, and other wildlife.
Visitors can take a scenic drive on the 30-mile auto tour route.
They can observe the vibrant flora and fauna found throughout the park on the route.
For those who prefer outdoor activities like fishing or hiking, Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge has plenty to offer.
The refuge is also known for its stunning views.
It looks beautiful at sunset when orange and pink hues of the sky contrast against the greenery of the park.
Ron Stewart Preserve
The Ron Stewart Preserve is a pristine area of meadows, wetlands, and forests located in Northern Colorado.
It is located in Rabbit Mountain Open Space near Longmont, CO.
Visitors can explore its trails and enjoy the incredible variety of birds and wildlife that make their home here.
The preserve also offers excellent opportunities for bird watching.
Over 200 species have been recorded on its grounds since its establishment in 1992.
Swetsville Zoo
The Swetsville Zoo is a whimsical menagerie located in Fort Collins, CO.
This unique mini-zoo features an array of life-sized sculptures crafted from recycled materials, including giant turtles, dragons, and dinosaurs.
The zoo is also home to peacocks, goats, and chickens that add to its charm.
Visitors can explore the site’s winding paths and observe the creatures from up close or at a distance. It’s perfect for family fun!
From its charming towns to its vast wilderness…
…Northern Colorado is an ideal destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
What are your favorite things to do in North Colorado? Let us know below.