It’s fall in Fort Collins. The scorching heat of summer has given way, and the chill of winter has yet to arrive. Pair the just-right temperatures with gorgeous views and vibrantly changing leaves, and you have the perfect recipe for a fabulous fall run.
Book a tour of Cohere Coworking today and meet a new friend (or running buddy).
There are more than four hundred miles of wonderful running trails in Fort Collins, each trail sporting its own unique beauty, from flat paved trails to challenging unpaved scenic trails with varied elevations. No matter what your running style is, there is a trail in Fort Collins that is perfect for your fall workout.
Here are a few of our favorites:
Spring Creek Trail
13.7 miles
Paved
The Spring Creek Trail is a highly popular paved trail that winds its way through several parks in Fort Collins, making it ideal for exploring different types of fall foliage throughout the city. This trail not only offers beautiful natural views, but also passes by public art, The Gardens on Spring Creek, athletic fields, and several playgrounds.
This is an easy trail that can be taken all at once or cut into smaller excursions, making it a pleasant experience for both novice and seasoned runners. Because of its popularity, however, Spring Creek Trail can get more crowded than other trails in the area, especially on weekends or during community events. It eventually meets up with another favorite running trail, the Poudre River Trail.
Poudre River Trail
21+ miles
Paved
The Poudre River Trail is another fantastic paved trail that covers miles of Colorado wilderness alongside the Poudre River. The trail extends from Greeley to Windsor, with approximately twelve miles of it within the Fort Collins area.
Runners on the Poudre River Trail can take in the fall colors while sighting deer, eagles, and other wildlife. In addition, there are several historical sites along the trail as well as signs educating visitors about the nature and the history of the Poudre River corridor.
Arthur’s Rock Trail
3.2 miles
Unpaved
As its name suggests, this trail leads to Arthur’s Rock, a 6,780-foot rocky formation in Lory State Park. The formation, named for early homesteader Arthur Howard, is composed of exceptionally ancient stone, estimated to be 1.7 billion years old.
This trail is well-maintained and clearly marked, but can be challenging at times, with steep inclines and a short, moderate rock scramble just before the summit. There are plenty of flora and fauna to see along the way, and those who complete the trek are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Horsetooth Reservoir.
Dixon Reservoir Trail
2.1 miles
Unpaved
If you’re looking for a short, simple run, Dixon Reservoir Trail is a good bet. The trail, which winds around Dixon Reservoir, has little change in elevation, and the soft dirt surfaces on the trail are gentler on the joints than concrete or asphalt.
The trail itself is easy enough to make it a popular spot for mellow walks or adventures with the kids, but there are also several short trails, junctions, and spurs throughout the area to challenge more seasoned runners.
Reservoir Ridge Trail
5.8 miles
Unpaved
The Reservoir Ridge trail is considered an intermediate challenge. Its a mostly soft-surface pathway through grasslands, scrublands, and ponderosa pines, with a 656 foot incline leading to amazing views of the city of Fort Collins and the surrounding foothills. There are some rocky areas along the trail and runners should be aware of tree roots in their path, but much of the trail is gentle, rolling terrain.
This area is also known for its wildlife, particularly its wide variety of birds. There are over 150 types of birds known to frequent the area near the trail, including eagles, hawks, owls, and songbirds. Migrating birds that are commonly seen here in the fall include warblers, flycatchers, and red-tailed hawks.
Want to find out more about Fort Collins while being wildly productive? Book a tour of Cohere Coworking today!
***Find out more about running and athletics in Fort Collins by connecting and collaborating with other productivity-minded remote workers and entrepreneurs at Cohere Coworking, or take a peek at our articles on gravel riding and volleyball in Fort Collins.
Penny Leigh Sebring is a Cohere member, experienced freelance writer, neophyte speculative fiction author, founder of Kiki’s Castle Independent Press, LLC, in Fort Collins, CO, and a gatherer of information and imaginary friends.