Lory State Park just west of Fort Collins, Colorado is home to a variety of trails.
It's a great place for a picnic or even a jaunt to the beach.
The park is a great place for hikers, bikers, and even horseback riders.
Upon entering the park, you will be asked to pay a small fee to help maintain the park, after that follow the road to the very end where you will reach the parking lot to Arthur's Rock Trail and Shoreline Trail.
One of the most well-known trails in the park is Arthur's Rock.
The Arthur's Rock Trail ascends the mountainside and travels through the woods and open fields before capsizing on the breathtaking views of Horsetooth Reservoir.
Arthur's Rock Trail begins to the right.
of the parking area just behind the restrooms.
From the trail entrance you begin ascending into the mountain side.
Approximately, .
3 miles along the trail you will stay to the left as the Overlook Trail splits to the right.
The path continues up the mountainside using switchbacks.
The trail is rocky at times and therefore this particular trail does not allow horseback riding or bikers.
You will see Arthur's Rock towering to your right as you make your ascent.
Be sure to look behind you as the view becomes increasingly breathtaking.
The trail takes you over a few man-made bridges and leads you through the pine forest.
Just before you reach the top of Arthur's Rock, the trail merges with the Timber Trail.
The last .
1 mile is strenuous as you hike the rock to reach the top of the Arthur's Rock.
At the top of the trail you'll have incredible views of Horsetooth Reservoir, Fort Collins and the infamous sandstone hogbacks.
When the afternoon sun shines on the sculptures, the color is that of a burnt red and it is something that you must see for yourself.
The top of Arthur's Rock provides a great place to rest and grab a lunch before the descent down the mountainside.
If you feel even more adventurous, instead of taking the same way down, there are many alternatives to the previous route.
One great alternative is to venture down the Timber Trail.
This trail is relatively quiet in comparison to the well-known Arthur's Rock Trail.
The views from this trail can sometimes be blocked by the tall trees that line the trail.
The trail down starts off fairly wide as you follow an old jeep and fire rescue trail.
When the trail splits at Westridge Trail, you'll notice that the trail gets narrower and less traveled.
Stay right to the Westridge Trail signage and begin a quick descent down the mountainside.
If you wish to loop back to the parking lot, the best way is to cut over using the Well Gulch Trail.
This is a beautiful trail that is also less traveled than that of Arthur's Rock.
Along the way, you'll see images of the sandstone hogbacks that will glimmer in the afternoon sunshine.
The Well Gulch Trail is approximately 1.
2 miles and offers varying terrain.
When the trail intersects with Overlook Trail, you'll want to stay to the right and take the Overlook Trail back to the parking lot.
The Overlook Trail starts as a slow ascent back up the mountainside.
As you near the base of Arthur's Rock, you'll begin the steep ascent up yet another mountainside.
This hike can be strenuous at times, but is well worth it.
Not only does it serve as an alternative route down the mountain, but it also lends itself to some less traveled territory.
Be sure to keep your camera ready as you never know what wildlife you'll see.
As you near the end of the 1.
2 mile Overlook Trail, you'll see the Arthur's Rock Trail off in the distance.
When the two meet, stay to your left and venture back towards the parking lot (unless of course you want to complete the trail again.
Distance: 1.
8 miles one way to the top of Arthur's Rock Time: Approximately 1.
5-2 hours to the top of Arthur's Rock Pets Allowed Trail Terrain: Rocky and Grassy