My personal guide to some of my favorite hiking trails, open spaces and outdoor places near West Loveland and Northern Colorado.

Looking for the Best Hikes Near Loveland, Colorado?

One of the things I love most about West Loveland, Colorado, is how quickly you can trade the everyday for the outdoors.

Within a relatively short drive, you can be walking through foothills, exploring open space, following a natural-surface trail, or climbing toward a viewpoint with the Front Range stretching out around you.

You don’t always need to plan an all-day adventure to enjoy the outdoors. Sometimes all it takes is a pair of hiking shoes, a water bottle and a little time.

I’ve spent a lot of time exploring hiking trails near Loveland, Colorado, and these are some of the places I return to again and again.

What I love most is the variety.

Whether you’re looking for an easier outing, a moderate hike, a challenging climb or somewhere to spend several hours outside, there are plenty of Northern Colorado hiking trails to explore.

My Favorite Hikes Near Loveland at a Glance

Trail conditions, parking, closures, permits and weather can change. Always check the official park or open-space website before heading out.

Devil’s Backbone Open Space: One of the Best Hikes Near Loveland

If I had to choose one outdoor destination that captures what I love about hiking near West Loveland, Devil’s Backbone Open Space would be at the top of my list.

Located just west of Loveland, Devil’s Backbone protects approximately 3,007 acres and currently offers 17.25 miles of trails. The trail system connects with Rimrock Open Space and Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, giving experienced hikers and trail users opportunities to extend their adventures.

The dramatic rock formations are what make Devil’s Backbone so recognizable, but I also love the flexibility.

You can make it a relatively short outing or spend considerably longer exploring the connected trail system.

Devil’s Backbone is great for:

• Hiking
• Trail running
• Mountain biking
• Wildlife viewing
• Shorter outdoor outings
• Longer trail adventures
• Front Range views
• Exploring different routes

The area is popular, especially during summer weekends. Larimer County recommends checking current conditions and parking availability before visiting, and the county provides a live webcam for the trailhead.

For anyone searching for the best hikes near Loveland Colorado, this is one of the first places I’d recommend exploring.

Official resource: Larimer County Devil’s Backbone Open Space.

Coyote Ridge Natural Area: A Quick Foothills Escape

Just south of Loveland, Coyote Ridge Natural Area is one of my favorite options when I want to get outside without committing to an entire day.

Coyote Ridge currently has 4.1 miles of natural-surface trails with approximately 600 feet of elevation gain. The Coyote Ridge Trail connects to Devil’s Backbone Open Space, Prairie Ridge Natural Area and the Blue Sky Trail.

That connection is one of the things I love about this part of Northern Colorado.

You’re not looking at isolated little trail systems. There is a much larger network of foothills trails connecting communities and open spaces.

Coyote Ridge is great for:

• A shorter hiking outing
• Foothills views
• Trail running
• Connecting to longer routes
• Getting outside without driving far
• Experiencing the landscape around Loveland

Important: Dogs are not permitted at Coyote Ridge Natural Area.

Bobcat Ridge Natural Area: A Rugged Escape Near Loveland

If you’re willing to head west toward Masonville, Bobcat Ridge Natural Area is well worth adding to your list of Northern Colorado hiking destinations.

Bobcat Ridge has a very different feel from the more urban-edge trail systems.

You’ll find:

• Grassy valleys
• Foothills
• Ponderosa pines
• Red rock cliffs
• Wildlife
• Historic homestead sites

The City of Fort Collins currently lists multiple trails ranging from an easy-to-moderate 4-mile Valley Loop to very difficult routes such as Ginny Trail and On the Rocks.

That variety makes Bobcat Ridge particularly appealing when you want options.

You can have a relatively relaxed outing or turn the day into a serious workout.

One thing to know before you go

Dogs are not allowed at Bobcat Ridge Natural Area. The area can also reach parking capacity, so checking conditions before you leave is a good idea.

Round Mountain: Choose Your Own Adventure

Round Mountain is a great example of why I love having the foothills so close to Loveland.

There are actually two different experiences from the Round Mountain trailhead, so make sure you know which one you’re choosing.

Foothills Nature Trail

The Foothills Nature Trail is approximately one mile and rated easy.

It’s a great option when you want:

• A shorter outing
• Foothill scenery
• A more relaxed hike
• An easy way to get outside

The City of Loveland describes it as the lower portion of the Round Mountain National Recreation Trail.

Summit Adventure Trail

If you want something substantially more challenging, continue onto the Summit Adventure Trail toward Sheep Mountain.

The City of Loveland describes this as a 4.7-mile one-way hike to the summit, with approximately 2,707 feet of elevation gain. That makes the full round trip approximately 9.4 miles.

This is not the same experience as the easy Foothills Nature Trail.

It’s a serious mountain hike that requires preparation, adequate water and attention to changing weather.

That’s what makes Round Mountain so fun: you can choose your adventure.

Lory State Park: A Northern Colorado Favorite

Just north of Loveland near Fort Collins, Lory State Park offers another excellent option for hiking near Loveland.

Lory currently has more than 28 miles of trails through forests, meadows and rocky terrain. The park offers hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, picnicking and other outdoor activities.

What I like about Lory is the variety.

You can choose a shorter route or spend several hours exploring.

And because Lory sits next to Horsetooth Reservoir, it’s easy to combine hiking with other outdoor activities.

Lory State Park is great for:

• Hiking
• Mountain biking
• Horseback riding
• Fishing
• Picnicking
• Reservoir access
• Spending an entire day outside

Check current conditions before you go. Lory periodically closes trails when conditions are muddy to reduce erosion and trail damage.

Horsetooth Mountain Open Space: A Northern Colorado Classic

If you’re looking for challenging hikes near Loveland, Horsetooth Mountain Open Space deserves a spot on your list.

Located west of Fort Collins and approximately 12 miles northwest of Loveland, Horsetooth Mountain Open Space encompasses approximately 2,711 acres and 29 miles of trails. The trail system connects with Blue Sky Trail and Lory State Park.

The scenery is a major part of the appeal.

As you climb, you can get expansive views toward:

• Horsetooth Reservoir
• Fort Collins
• The Front Range
• Surrounding foothills

It’s the kind of place where the workout and the scenery are equally rewarding.

Horsetooth Mountain is also one of those places you can revisit repeatedly and still find new routes and perspectives.

Stone Mountain: For a More Rugged Adventure

Stone Mountain is one of the places I turn to when I’m looking for something more challenging and a little farther removed from the everyday.

The landscape becomes increasingly rugged as you move west through the foothills, and the scenery makes the drive worthwhile.

Because trail conditions, access and route information can change, I’d recommend checking COTREX and the applicable land-management agency before making Stone Mountain a destination rather than relying solely on an older trail description.

That is one of my favorite things about exploring Northern Colorado: there are always more trails, roads and outdoor destinations to discover.

How Far Are These Hikes From West Loveland?

One thing I would not do is promise that every trail is exactly 30 minutes from your home.

Drive time depends on where you live in West Loveland, traffic, road conditions and the specific trailhead.

Instead, I’d use the article to establish a broader point:

One of the advantages of living in West Loveland is having a remarkable number of outdoor destinations within a relatively short drive.

For example, Devil’s Backbone is located just west of Loveland, while Horsetooth Mountain is approximately 12 miles northwest of Loveland. The Round Mountain trailhead is approximately 12 miles west of Loveland in Big Thompson Canyon.

That makes the “outdoor lifestyle” story much more credible.

Why West Loveland Is Such a Great Base for Outdoor Recreation

This is where I’d intentionally connect the article to your real-estate authority.

One of the things that stands out about West Loveland real estate is the relationship between neighborhoods and the surrounding landscape.

The foothills aren’t just something you see on the horizon.

They’re part of everyday life.

Depending on where you live, you can have relatively convenient access to:

• Devil’s Backbone
• Coyote Ridge
• Blue Sky Trail
• Horsetooth
• Big Thompson Canyon
• Local parks
• Open space
• Mountain recreation
• Downtown Loveland

And you still have access to the restaurants, shopping, services, schools and other amenities that make Loveland convenient for everyday life.

For buyers researching living in West Loveland Colorado, I think this is an important distinction.

You’re not simply buying a house.

You’re choosing how close you want to be to the things you love doing.

What It’s Like Living Near Loveland’s Trails

One of the reasons people are drawn to Loveland Colorado real estate is the lifestyle that comes with living in Northern Colorado.

For some buyers, that means being close to restaurants and downtown.

For others, it’s a bigger lot.

For some, it’s a neighborhood with parks and sidewalks.

And for others, it’s being able to get in the car on a Saturday morning and reach a trail without making a major trip out of it.

When I’m helping buyers compare West Loveland neighborhoods, proximity to recreation can absolutely be part of that conversation.

But I also encourage buyers to consider the full picture:

• Commute
• Home style
• Lot size
• Budget
• Schools
• Shopping
• Healthcare
• Neighborhood character
• Trail access
• Mountain access
• Long-term resale

The “best” location is the one that works for your actual life.

My Advice: Go Explore

If you’re new to Loveland—or you’ve lived here for years—my advice is simple:

Pick a trail and go.

Try Devil’s Backbone and explore a different route.

Head to Coyote Ridge for a shorter foothills outing.

Explore Bobcat Ridge when you want more solitude and variety.

Take the easy Foothills Nature Trail at Round Mountain—or challenge yourself on the Summit Adventure Trail.

Spend a few hours at Lory State Park.

Challenge yourself at Horsetooth Mountain.

And then start looking for your next adventure.

That’s one of the best things about living in Northern Colorado.

There’s always another trail to discover.

And that’s one of the reasons I love exploring West Loveland and the surrounding foothills.

Trail Safety & Before You Go

Colorado trails can change quickly with weather and seasonal conditions.

Before heading out, check:

• Trail closures
• Parking availability
• Weather
• Fire restrictions
• Road conditions
• Entrance fees or permits
• Dog restrictions
• Seasonal closures
• Current trail conditions

Larimer County recommends using COTREX for up-to-date trail conditions, closures and alerts.

Fort Collins Natural Areas also recommends checking trail and parking conditions before visiting.

And remember: mountain weather can change quickly.

Bring more water than you think you’ll need, protect yourself from the sun, and make sure your route matches your experience and fitness level.

Thinking About Living Near Loveland’s Trails?

If you’re considering a move to West Loveland, Loveland or the surrounding Northern Colorado foothills, access to outdoor recreation may be one of the factors you consider when choosing where to live.

And I think it should be.

The right neighborhood can put you closer to the trails, parks, mountains and outdoor spaces you actually use—while still giving you convenient access to everything you need for everyday life.

If you’re curious about West Loveland real estate, want to compare neighborhoods, or are looking for a home near your favorite outdoor destinations, I’d be happy to help you understand what different areas offer.

You don’t have to know exactly which neighborhood you want before we talk. That’s part of what I’m here to help you figure out.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hiking Near Loveland Colorado

What are the best hikes near Loveland Colorado?

Some popular hiking destinations near Loveland include Devil’s Backbone Open Space, Coyote Ridge Natural Area, Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, Round Mountain, Horsetooth Mountain Open Space and Lory State Park.

What is the easiest hike near Loveland?

The Round Mountain Foothills Nature Trail is an easy one-mile hike, while other destinations offer longer or more challenging options.

Is Devil’s Backbone good for beginners?

Devil’s Backbone offers a range of trail experiences, making it a useful destination for people with different experience levels. Check the specific route and current trail conditions before heading out.

Are dogs allowed on Loveland hiking trails?

Dog rules vary by trail and natural area. Dogs are not allowed at Coyote Ridge or Bobcat Ridge, for example. Always check the specific destination before bringing your dog.

What is the hardest hike near Loveland?

Difficulty depends on the route, but the Summit Adventure Trail at Round Mountain is a significantly more demanding outing, climbing approximately 2,707 feet to Sheep Mountain.

Is there hiking near West Loveland?

Yes. West Loveland provides convenient access to several foothills and open-space destinations, including Devil’s Backbone and nearby connected trail systems.

Can you hike year-round near Loveland?

Many trails are accessible throughout the year, but snow, mud, ice, fire restrictions and seasonal closures can affect access. Check current conditions before every hike.

Love the outdoors? You may also enjoy my guide to Living in Loveland, Colorado, where I break down the neighborhoods, real estate market, lifestyle, recreation and what buyers should know before moving to the area.

About Liliana Gala

Liliana Gala is a Northern Colorado real estate advisor with Coldwell Banker Realty specializing in Loveland, Berthoud, Larimer County and the foothills corridor.

Liliana lives in West Loveland and combines local market knowledge with a lifestyle-focused approach to Northern Colorado real estate.

From neighborhood characteristics and home values to trails, parks and the things that make a community feel like home, Liliana helps buyers understand not just what homes are available—but what it is actually like to live there.

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Liliana Gala
Real Estate Advisor | Coldwell Banker Realty

970-795-8579
Liliana.Gala@cbrealty.com
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