Fort Collins’ Most-Loved Trails & Parks

Hey FoCo,

Someone asked a simple question—“Where’s your favorite place for a nice walk in Fort Collins?”—and the locals showed up with trail-tested wisdom and a lot of love for shady paths, leashed dogs, and goose-free routes.

Whether you’re walking for the views, the peace and quiet, or just to get the dog out of the house, these are the tried-and-true favorites.

🍻Fort Collins Poll

🌳 Walk This Way: Fort Collins’ Favorite Stroll Spots

Looking for new trails to sniff out with your pup or just want to mix up your daily loop? Fort Collins locals had a lot to say when someone asked where to go for a nice, shady, leashed-dog-approved walk.

We rounded up the crowd favorites—from riverside paths to hidden natural areas—and there’s something here for every pace, pup, and picnic craving.

🐾 Top Spots for Strolling in FoCo

• Spring Creek Trail + Rolland Moore Park – A leafy, multi-use gem with pond views (just beware the goose poop north of the water).

• Poudre River Trail via Lee Martinez Park – Shady, scenic, and pup-perfect. Many recommend hopping onto the nature trail loop just across the bridge.

• Red Fox Meadows & McMurry Natural Area – Low-key, quiet, and full of wildlife sightings.

• Reservoir Ridge Trail – Easy incline, gorgeous reservoir views, and not too crowded.

• Cathy Fromme Prairie & Long View Trail – Sweeping prairie vistas with enough trail variety to keep things interesting.

• Arapaho Bend Natural Area – Loved for peaceful ponds, wildlife, and photogenic sunrises.

• CSU Campus + Trial Gardens – Beautiful architecture and blooms, especially near the flower trial gardens.

• Riverbend Ponds – Easy loops, water access, and tons of birdwatching.

🧭 Bonus tip: Some locals swear by following neighborhood-adjacent loops like Hilldale → Apple Dr → Fossil Creek for a more residential nature walk feel.

🦟 One Quick PSA…

It’s peak mosquito season near the water, so bring bug spray (and maybe a face gaiter if you’re biking through Lee Martinez Park… or risk swallowing a few 😬).

🍻 New! Play the Fort Collins Brewery Trivia Game

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