5 dog-friendly trails to check out in and near Fort Collins

• Five dog-friendly trails in or near Fort Collins, Colorado, offer various hiking experiences.
• Options range from short loops to longer trails, some with water access for dogs.

The only thing better than hiking the many Fort Collins-area trails is doing it with your dog.

Here are five favorite dog-friendly trails in or near Fort Collins to check out.

Dogs must be on a leash and though rare, rattlesnakes can be found on all of these trails, so stay on the trail and be vigilant. These are all multiuse trails, so make sure to have control of your dog.

Horsetooth Falls Loop

• Where: Horsetooth Mountain Open Space. West of Horsetooth Reservoir
• The hike: You have options. It’s an easy 1.1 miles one way on a nonpaved trail to the falls, which you and your dog will find refreshing after the sunny hike. Either head back the way you came or do the moderate 3.1-mile loop via the Spring Creek, Horsetooth Rock and South Ridge trails back to the parking lot. The trail to the falls can be crowded.
• Fee: $10 for county resident daily permit.
• Information: Visit the Larimer County website.

Want a preview? Check out this video from 2021:

See why Horsetooth Falls hike is the best in years

Abundant spring rain has the falls flowing, vistas vibrant green and the wildflowers blooming.

Miles Blumhardt, Fort Collins Coloradoan

Pineridge Natural Area

• Where: On the western edge of Fort Collins. The main parking lot is on Larimer County Road 42C (approximate address is 2750 County Road 42C).
• The hike: Your dog will enjoy splashing in Dixon Reservoir and its 1.8-mile, nonpaved loop. If you wish to venture farther, there are more soft surface trails found on the 9.6-mile Foothills Trail that connects Pineridge, Maxwell and Reservoir Ridge natural areas. There is little shade on this hike, so mornings and evenings are better options.
• Fee: Free.
• Hours: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Information: Visit the Fort Collins Natural Areas web page for Pineridge Natural Area.

Lory State Park East/West Valley trails

• Where: Just west of Horsetooth Reservoir, 708 Lodgepole Drive.

• The hike: The easy, 2.2-mile East Valley Trail takes you on a nonpaved trail to the shores of Horsetooth Reservoir, where your dog can enjoy the water (but not at designated human swimming areas). You can either head back the same way or add the 2.3-mile, nonpaved West Valley Loop back for a more difficult route. No shade, so enjoy the water.

• Fee: $10 daily vehicle pass.
• Hours: 5 a.m. to sunset.
• Information: Visit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife web page for Lory State Park.

Reservoir Ridge Natural Area

• Where: Parking lots on Centennial Drive/Larimer County Road 23, the west end of Michaud Lane and off Overland Trail Road (at approximately 1425 Overland Trail Road).
• The hike: About 5 miles of nonpaved trail takes you along the foothills with great views of Fort Collins. There is no water and little shade on this hike, so early morning and late evening are best. This trail connects to the 9.6-mile Foothills Trail.
• Fee: Free.
• Hours: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Information: Visit the Fort Collins Natural Areas web page for Reservoir Ridge Natural Area.

Arapaho Bend Natural Area

• Where: East side of Fort Collins near Interstate 25. Parking lots at the east end of Horsetooth Road, Strauss Cabin Road between Horsetooth Road and Harmony Road, and one at the Harmony Transfer Center.
• The hike: If pressed for time, this is a good go-to. It includes a mix of 4 miles of paved and nonpaved trails that wind among ponds, Rigden Reservoir and the Poudre River, with some shade provided by large cottonwood trees.
• Fee: Free.
• Hours: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Information: Visit the Fort Collins Natural Areas web page for Arapaho Bend Natural Area.