The best gravel rides around Fort Collins

Fort Collins offers a wide selection of gravel biking routes, with over 15 distinct trails documented on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy to difficult, ensuring there's something for every gravel biker.

The terrain around Fort Collins is incredibly diverse, ranging from smooth gravel paths and dirt roads to some sections of singletrack and doubletrack. You'll encounter rolling hills, grasslands, and scenic river corridors, especially along the Cache la Poudre River and around Horsetooth Reservoir. Routes can vary from fairly flat loops to challenging rides with significant elevation gains.

Yes, Fort Collins has several routes suitable for beginners. Many trails offer minimal elevation gain and non-technical terrain, such as the Poudre Trail – Bridge over Poudre River loop from City Park, which provides accessible cycling along the scenic Poudre River corridor. The Fort Collins Northern Expanse Loop is also noted for its minimal elevation and hard-packed dirt roads.

For those seeking a challenge, routes like the Poudre and Great Western Trail Loop offer over 800 feet of climbing across varied gravel and dirt roads. Other demanding options include the Cement Plant and Taft Dirt route with over 1,000 feet of elevation gain, and the Classic Pennock Pass, which ascends to over 10,000 feet.

Many gravel trails in Fort Collins offer stunning views and pass by notable natural features. You can ride near the iconic Horsetooth Reservoir, explore the scenic Cache la Poudre River, or enjoy the rolling hills of Reservoir Ridge Natural Area. Other highlights include Horsetooth Rock and the Prospect Ponds Natural Area.

Yes, Fort Collins offers family-friendly options, particularly along the Poudre River. The Bridge over Poudre River – Cache la Poudre River loop from City Park is a moderate trail that provides accessible cycling along the scenic river, suitable for families looking for a pleasant ride without extreme challenges.

While Fort Collins offers year-round outdoor activities, spring and fall generally provide the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking with mild temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can be warm, so early morning or late afternoon rides are often preferred. Winter riding is possible, but some trails may be affected by snow or ice, especially at higher elevations.

Yes, many gravel biking routes in Fort Collins are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Poudre and Great Western Trail Loop and the Sheldon Lake – Reservoir Ridge Natural Area loop from City Park, providing convenient circular rides.

Fort Collins has numerous trailheads and natural areas with designated parking. For routes starting near City Park, you'll find parking available there. Areas like Horsetooth Reservoir, Lory State Park, and Reservoir Ridge Natural Area also offer parking facilities. It's always a good idea to check specific trailhead information for the route you plan to ride.

The gravel biking routes in Fort Collins are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from nearly 200 gravel bikers. Riders often praise the diverse landscapes, the extensive trail networks, and the variety of terrain that caters to all skill levels, from scenic river paths to challenging mountain foothills.

Absolutely. For those looking for longer adventures, areas like Soapstone Prairie Natural Area and Red Mountain Open Space provide expansive natural settings ideal for extended gravel rides. The Fort Collins Northern Expanse Loop is also a substantial 47-mile route, offering a lengthy ride with minimal technical challenges.

Fort Collins is a platinum-level bike-friendly city with an extensive network of trails and bike lanes, and its public transport system (Transfort) is generally bike-friendly. Many buses are equipped with bike racks, making it possible to reach various trailheads and access points. For specific routes, checking Transfort's schedules and routes is recommended.

Yes, many routes in Fort Collins offer a mixed-surface experience. For instance, the Horsetooth Reservoir and Lory State Park Gravel Trails provide a varied 25-mile ride that includes pavement, gravel paths, dirt roads, and even some singletrack. This allows riders to experience different surfaces within a single tour.