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Colorado Trails

Fort Collins, CO: Arthur's Rock

Climb through pungent ponderosa to the summit of Arthur's Rock for views of Ft. Collins and the Colorado plains. It's a far-away feeling, but close-to-town 4.4-mile dayhike loop through Lory State Park.

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It’s less than 2 miles to the loftiest point of Arthur’s Rock, but this local favorite spills over with diverse flora and fauna, starting with the path’s first steps. and continuing west through a narrow, rocky cleft colored with mountain mahogany, bitterbrush, and other hardy foliage. Beginning from the park’s southernmost trailhead, you’ll climb west alongside an intermittent stream which provides a soothing accompaniment as the trail switchbacks through a stand of ponderosa pine. Continue through a wide, sweeping meadow before winding back into the woods. After a couple more bends, the path lands at the base of a rocky, V-cut climb leading straight to the summit. A handful of rounded, rocky knobs atop this 1.7 billion year-old mountain offer stellar views of Horsetooth Reservoir, Ft. Collins, and Colorado’s eastern plains.
On the return trek, head west on the Howard Trail, past one of the park’s six backcountry campsites, and stroll through thick stands of ponderosa and Douglas-fir to traverse the ridge opposite Arthur’s Rock. A final short-and-steep section of trail bypasses the Mill Creek Trail junction and loops north toward the trailhead.
-Mapped by Steve Johnson

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Trail Facts

  • Distance: 7.1

Waypoints

ART001

Location: 40.5642894, -105.1740833

There is a restroom, picnic tables, plenty of parking and an information-packed kiosk at the trailhead. Begin by following the Arthur’s Rock trail west as it warms-up with a gentle ponderosa shaded climb.

ART002

Location: 40.5640698, -105.1766574

Look around at rocky outcroppings near the trail and glance behind you for views of Horsetooth Reservoir.

ART003

Location: 40.5631814, -105.1806164

The trail dips toward the drainage before climbing through a wide, sloping meadow. Bypass a left-leading connector trail and get ready for the steeper hillside ahead.

ART004

Location: 40.566126, -105.1842118

The trail gets more rugged as it climbs and approaches the rocky faces below the summit. From the top of these switchbacks, it’s still another 400 or so feet from the summit.

ART005

Location: 40.5682631, -105.1891834

Stay straight on the trail to continue toward last rugged steps to the 6,780-foot summit. To complete this route’s loop, you’ll backtrack from the summit to this point and turn right.

ART006

Location: 40.5681653, -105.1880085

Plan to spend some time admiring stellar views of Fort Collins and the eastern plains and scrambling around atop the rocky outcropping before turning back.

ART007

Location: 40.5688947, -105.1896018

Turn left onto the Howard Trail to follow this route’s loop. You’ll cross a small stream and traverse the far ridge heading downhill.

ART008

Location: 40.5625444, -105.188324

Near mile 2.7, the trail descends the steep, open ridgeline with a long series of steep switchbacks.

ART009

Location: 40.5623981, -105.1802405

Bear right at this junction to join the Mill Creek Trail for a slightly longer return to the trailhead. You could shave about 0.3 miles from this route by taking the right-hand trail and connecting with the Arthur’s Rock Trail heading east.

ART010

Location: 40.5606383, -105.1777089

Bypass this left-leading path (and another in 0.4 miles). This last stretch of this mapped route offers a great look at the wide open, southern side of Lory State Park and these longer trails extending into Horsetooth Mountain Open Space.

Arthurs Rock trail

Location: 40.5644243, -105.175209

Early going on the trail, through ponderosa forest.

View

Location: 40.5641064, -105.1767004

Horsetooth Reservoir from the trail’s first switchback.

Arthur’s Rock

Location: 40.5634422, -105.1781917

Look to your right as you climb for the classic view of Arthur’s Rock.

Hogbacks

Location: 40.5653453, -105.1853585

A trailside view of the Front Range’s distinctive hogback ridges.

Meadow

Location: 40.5660788, -105.1841569

Upper Trail

Location: 40.5676518, -105.1886737

The trail gets increasingly rugged as it approached the summit.

Horsetooth Reservoir

Location: 40.568149, -105.1879013

Looking east toward Horsetooth Reservoir from the summit of Arthur’s Rock.

South Face

Location: 40.566144, -105.1913023

The sheer south face of Arthur’s Rock, and Ft. Collins in the distance.

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