Lory State Park
Colorado

Lory State Park

6 feet. Some wildlife areas and swim beaches may restrict pets. Always clean up after your dog and respect posted rules.Explore More Colorado State Parks Lory State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Colorado. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Colorado guide, or
Available Activities
  • Hiking
  • Camping
  • Mountain Biking
  • Horseback Riding
  • Scenic Overlooks
  • RV
  • Biking

🏆 Official Guide: Lory State Park2,479 acres of Colorado Front Range foothills just west of Fort Collins, Larimer County, Colorado — featuring 25+ miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking + horseback riding, the iconic Arthur’s Rock Trail (panoramic granite summit overlook), the Corral Center Mountain Bike Park (jumps, pump track, skills area), 21+ miles of equestrian trails + cross-country jumping course, primitive backcountry camping (permit required), elk + deer grazing in meadows, raptors + diverse wildlife, and views of Horsetooth Reservoir.

Lory State Park is Fort Collins’ backyard wilderness — 2,479 acres of rolling foothills, grasslands, and ponderosa pine forests where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains. With over 25 miles of multi-use trails ranging from gentle valley loops to the challenging Arthur’s Rock summit hike, plus a dedicated mountain bike park, this is one of Colorado’s premier front-range outdoor destinations.

Visitor Information

DetailInformation
LocationWest of Fort Collins, Larimer County, CO
Size2,479 acres — Front Range foothills
Trails25+ miles — multi-use
CampingPrimitive backcountry ONLY — permit required — no fires
ViewsHorsetooth Reservoir + foothills panoramas

Activities

ActivityDetails
Hiking25+ mi — Arthur’s Rock, Overlook, Well Gulch Nature, Westridge
Mountain BikingTrail network + Corral Center Bike Park (jumps, pump track, skills)
Horseback Riding21+ mi equestrian trails + cross-country jumping course
Trail RunningAll trails — varied terrain + elevation
Wildlife ViewingElk, mule deer, raptors — meadow + forest habitats
PicnickingReservable group shelters + day-use areas
CampingBackcountry only — ~2 mi from trailhead — no fires
💡 Pro Tip: The Arthur’s Rock Trail is the must-do hike — the summit granite formation delivers panoramic views of Horsetooth Reservoir, Fort Collins, and the foothills. Go early to avoid crowds and afternoon heat. The Corral Center Mountain Bike Park at the south end has jumps, a pump track, and skills features — unique for a state park. Elk herds are commonly seen grazing in the meadows, especially early morning and evening. Camping is backcountry/primitive only — about 2 miles in, no fires, permit required. The Well Gulch Nature Trail is the easiest option for families.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there developed campgrounds?

No — Lory State Park offers only primitive backcountry camping, located approximately 2 miles from the nearest trailhead. A permit is required, and no open fires are permitted. For developed camping with amenities, nearby Horsetooth Reservoir or Carter Lake have full campgrounds.

Can I mountain bike here?

Yes — Lory is a premier Front Range mountain biking destination with miles of trail and the Corral Center Mountain Bike Park, featuring jumps, a pump track, and a skills area. Trails are shared with hikers and equestrians — yield appropriately.

Sarah Mitchell

About the Author

Outdoor Editor & Trail Expert

Sarah Mitchell is an outdoor writer and trail researcher with over 8 years of experience exploring state parks across America. As the lead editor at AmericasStateParks.org, she has personally visited more than 200 parks in 42 states, logging thousands of trail miles and hundreds of campground nights. Sarah specializes in detailed park guides, accessibility information, and family-friendly outdoor planning. Her work focuses on helping first-time visitors feel confident and well-prepared for their state park adventures.

200+ state parks visited across 42 states | 8+ years of outdoor writing

Last updated: May 16, 2026

Park Location

6 feet. Some wildlife areas and swim beaches may restrict pets. Always clean up after your dog and respect posted rules.Explore More Colorado State Parks Lory State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Colorado. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Colorado guide, or