Top 9 Natural Monuments around Fort Collins
Best natural monuments around Fort Collins include a diverse range of natural areas and geological features. The region features reservoirs, mountain open spaces, and expansive grasslands. These natural spaces provide opportunities to explore varied landscapes and observe local wildlife.
Best natural monuments around Fort Collins
- The most popular natural monuments is View of Boyd Lake, a lake that is part of a State Park. This area controls activities such as fishing, hiking, swimming, and biking, and serves as a wildlife and floral reserve.
- Another must-see spot is Fossil Creek, a river that provides a natural habitat for many birds and wildlife. The trail crosses this sanctuary, offering views of the tranquil natural area.
- Visitors also love Horsetooth Rock, an iconic summit that offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, including Horsetooth Reservoir. Reaching the top involves a scramble up ramps and ledges.
- Fort Collins is known for its diverse natural monuments, including reservoirs, mountain summits, and unique rock formations. These areas offer a variety of landscapes and experiences for exploration.
- The natural monuments around Fort Collins are appreciated by the komoot community, with 8 upvotes and 12 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 25, 2026
Horsetooth Rock
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Fossil Creek
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View of Boyd Lake
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The Keyhole
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Horsetooth Falls (base of falls and pool)
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Tips from the Community
The Boyd Lake Trail is a 7-mile paved trail that takes you along the banks of Boyd Lake. The trail is completely flat and gives you wonderful views of the water.
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Horsetooth Rock is an iconic landmark in the Fort Collins area. To get to the summit you must dismount your bike and complete a short scramble here up to the summit. Although the scrambling is relatively easy, it is a little exposed in places and there can sometimes be loose gravel over bare rock faces. Just move carefully, deliberately, and don't be afraid to slide on your butt on the way down! After scrambling up, you get fantastic panoramic views from this long, exposed rock summit of the surrounding area. You get especially great views of Horsetooth Reservoir, which is named after the formation you're standing on. Since the summit is fairly large, even on crowded days you can usually find a spot to eat a snack and take photos away from other people. As you explore, just be aware of steep drop offs, large gaps between rocks, and loose gravel over bare rock.
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The Keyhole is well-known a unique arch along the amazing Devil's Backbone. This short detour off the main trail takes you more or less right up to the Keyhole where you can take some amazing photographs. You can then retrace your steps, or continue onward and loop back onto the main Wild Loop trail.
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Horsetooth Falls is a 20 foot waterfall in the heart of the Horsetooth Mountain Open Space. At the base of the falls the water collects in a large pool and flows into Spring Creek. There are a few seating areas where you can relax and take in the great views and cool off in the mist on hot days. You can go behind the falls, but be aware of wet rock. There is also a trail that leads to the top of the falls.
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After scrambling up a series of short, but exposed feeling, ramps and ledges you reach the top of the iconic Horsetooth Rock. You get fantastic panoramic views from this long, exposed rock summit of the surrounding area, with especially great views of Horsetooth Reservoir, which is named after the formation you're standing on. Since the summit is fairly large, even on crowded days you can usually find a spot to eat a snack and take photos away from other people. As you explore, just be aware of steep drop offs, large gaps between rocks, and loose gravel over bare rock.
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Boyd Lake is a huge lake around which a State Park has been created. It is a natural area that controls activities such as fishing, hiking, swimming, biking but also hunting. This area also serves as a wildlife and floral reserve. Many nature awareness outings are possible.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some family-friendly natural monuments around Fort Collins?
For families, View of Boyd Lake is an excellent choice, offering a 7-mile paved, flat trail suitable for all ages, along with opportunities for fishing, swimming, and biking within the State Park. Fossil Creek provides a tranquil natural area with a trail crossing a sanctuary for birds and wildlife. Additionally, Coyote Ridge Natural Area features the engaging "Hidden Clues Trail" with interactive interpretive signs, perfect for young hikers.
Are there natural monuments suitable for challenging hikes near Fort Collins?
Yes, for a challenging experience, consider the hike to Horsetooth Rock. Reaching the summit involves a scramble up ramps and ledges, offering fantastic panoramic views. Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, where Horsetooth Rock is located, also provides other challenging trails with magnificent views.
Where can I go for wildlife spotting near Fort Collins?
Fort Collins offers several excellent spots for wildlife. Fossil Creek is a natural habitat for many birds and other wildlife. Cathy Fromme Prairie Natural Area is ideal for birdwatching, especially for hawks and eagles in winter, and spotting horned lizards and ground-nesting songbirds. Soapstone Prairie Natural Area is notable for its large, genetically pure plains bison herd, particularly visible from March to November. Bobcat Ridge Natural Area is home to elk, wild turkeys, and mountain lions.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see in the natural monuments around Fort Collins?
The natural monuments around Fort Collins showcase a diverse range of features. You can find iconic summits like Horsetooth Rock, serene rivers such as Fossil Creek, and large lakes like View of Boyd Lake. Other areas feature unique rock formations like The Keyhole, and waterfalls such as Horsetooth Falls. Beyond these, you'll encounter red sandstone hogbacks, grassy meadows, pine forests, shortgrass prairies, and vast open landscapes.
Are there any natural monuments that are wheelchair accessible?
Yes, View of Boyd Lake offers a 7-mile paved trail that is completely flat, making it wheelchair accessible and providing wonderful views of the water.
What outdoor activities can I do near these natural monuments?
The natural monuments around Fort Collins offer a wide array of outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and trail running at places like Lory State Park and Bobcat Ridge Natural Area. Water activities such as camping, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing are popular at Horsetooth Reservoir and View of Boyd Lake. Birdwatching is exceptional at Pawnee National Grasslands and Cathy Fromme Prairie. For more specific routes, you can explore guides for Running Trails, Road Cycling Routes, and Gravel Biking around Fort Collins.
Where can I find unique geological formations or arches?
For unique geological formations, The Keyhole is a well-known arch located along the Devil's Backbone. This short detour provides excellent photo opportunities. Horsetooth Rock itself is an iconic landmark with its distinctive shape resembling a horse's teeth.
Are there any natural monuments where I can see a waterfall?
Yes, Horsetooth Falls is a 20-foot waterfall located in the heart of Horsetooth Mountain Open Space. You can relax at the base, cool off in the mist, and even go behind the falls, though caution is advised due to wet rock.
What is the best time of year to visit the natural monuments in Fort Collins?
Fort Collins' natural monuments offer beauty year-round. Spring and fall provide pleasant temperatures for hiking and outdoor activities. Summer is ideal for water activities at Horsetooth Reservoir and Boyd Lake. For bison spotting at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area, visit between March and November. Birdwatching is excellent year-round, with specific species like hawks and eagles more prevalent in winter at Cathy Fromme Prairie.
Can I find loop trails at the natural monuments?
Yes, several natural areas offer loop trails. Pineridge Natural Area features a 4-mile loop trail that also connects to the larger Spring Creek Trail System and Foothills Trail System. Coyote Ridge Natural Area offers a 7-mile round trip with scenic vistas, and the Boyd Lake Trail is a 7-mile paved loop around the lake.
Are there opportunities for stargazing near Fort Collins?
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area is recognized as one of the best spots for stargazing in Northern Colorado, offering vast, open landscapes away from city lights.
Where can I go mountain biking at the natural monuments?
Mountain biking is a popular activity in several natural areas. Bobcat Ridge Natural Area offers trails like the Foothills Trail, and Coyote Ridge Natural Area is a popular destination for mountain bikers, connecting to the Blue Sky Trail. Lory State Park also provides over 26 miles of trails suitable for mountain biking.
What are some natural monuments that offer views of the Horsetooth Reservoir?
Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, particularly from the summit of Horsetooth Rock, provides magnificent panoramic views of the reservoir and the city. Lory State Park also offers stunning views of Horsetooth Reservoir from trails like Arthur's Rock.
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