Arthur's Rock Trail

Arthur's Rock is the hike everyone does in Lory State Park, and for good reason: about 1.7 miles up and roughly 1,250 feet of gain gets you to one of the best foothills viewpoints north of the Front Range's big peaks. From the Arthur's Rock trailhead at the south end of the park, the trail climbs a shady gulch of ponderosa and shrub, steepening through switchbacks as it goes.

Near the top the trail opens onto grassy shoulders and then the granite of Arthur's Rock itself; the final hundred feet is a genuine hands-on scramble to the summit pillar at 6,780 feet, where Horsetooth Reservoir gleams directly below and Fort Collins and the eastern plains roll away to the horizon. Lory State Park charges a day-use fee, leashed dogs are welcome, and the trail network links on to Horsetooth Mountain Open Space for much longer outings.

Trail Facts

Getting There

From Fort Collins, head west and follow the signs around the north end of Horsetooth Reservoir into Lory State Park (day-use fee required). Drive to the Arthur's Rock trailhead at the south end of the park road. Restrooms nearby; carry water — the climb is dry and exposed.

0.0 mi	Arthur's Rock Trailhead (south end of Lory State Park)
~0.8 mi	Switchbacks climb the ponderosa gulch
~1.5 mi	Grassy shoulders — views open to Horsetooth Reservoir
1.7 mi	Arthur's Rock summit, 6,780 ft — hands-on scramble to the top

Know Before You Go

• Day-use fee. Lory State Park charges a vehicle day pass (or use a Colorado state-parks pass).
• Summit scramble. The last ~100 feet onto the pillar is hands-on granite — save it for dry rock.
• Dogs on leash. Welcome throughout the park on leash — pack out waste.
• Dry & exposed. Little shade up high and no water on the trail — carry plenty and start early in summer.
• Bigger days possible. Trails link to Horsetooth Mountain Open Space for long loops.