Day Trips from Fort Collins
← All Fort Collins day tripsDay Trips from Fort Collins: State Parks & Natural Areas
The best state parks and natural areas within driving distance of Fort Collins, CO. Hiking, camping, swimming, and stunning scenery without the national park crowds. Real drive times, ratings, and visitor info included.
12 state parks near Fort Collins
Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest
WY 82070, USA
Just 1 hr 8 min from Fort Collins, rated 4.8 stars by 4,835 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Mueller State Park
Divide, CO 80814
Just 2 hrs 47 min from Fort Collins, rated 4.8 stars by 1,842 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Castlewood Canyon State Park
Franktown, CO 80116
Just 1 hr 40 min from Fort Collins, rated 4.8 stars by 3,528 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Gateway Natural Area
Bellvue, CO 80512
Just 21 min from Fort Collins, rated 4.8 stars by 349 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Staunton State Park
Pine, CO 80470
Just 1 hr 38 min from Fort Collins, rated 4.8 stars by 2,151 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Lory State Park
Bellvue, CO 80512
Just 21 min from Fort Collins, rated 4.8 stars by 1,629 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Pike-San Isabel National Forest
USA
Just 1 hr 46 min from Fort Collins, rated 4.8 stars by 10,275 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Eldorado Canyon State Park
Eldorado Springs, CO 80025
Just 1 hr 11 min from Fort Collins, rated 4.8 stars by 4,076 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Roxborough State Park
Littleton, CO 80125
Just 1 hr 34 min from Fort Collins, rated 4.8 stars by 2,671 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
State Forest State Park
Walden, CO 80480
Just 1 hr 45 min from Fort Collins, rated 4.7 stars by 558 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Soapstone Prairie Natural Area
Wellington, CO 80549
Just 40 min from Fort Collins, rated 4.7 stars by 198 visitors, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Frank State Wildlife Trailhead
Windsor, CO 80550
Just 21 min from Fort Collins, rated 4.6 stars, perfect for hiking, scenic views, and getting outdoors.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for trails and foliage. Fall colors peak mid-October.
Frequently Asked Questions About State Parks Day Trips from Fort Collins
What are the best state parks near Fort Collins, CO?
The best state parks near Fort Collins offer hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, and scenic overlooks. Check the cards above for top-rated parks with drive times, ratings, and budget estimates.
How much does it cost to visit state parks near Fort Collins?
Most state parks near Fort Collins charge a vehicle entry fee of $5-$15 per day. Annual passes are usually available for $25-$50 and pay for themselves in 2-3 visits. Camping fees are separate and vary by site type.
Which state parks near Fort Collins are best for camping?
Several state parks within driving distance of Fort Collins offer campgrounds ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV sites with showers. Book early for summer weekends, as popular parks fill up months in advance.
What is the best time to visit state parks near Fort Collins?
Spring and fall offer the best weather and smallest crowds at state parks near Fort Collins. Summer is great for swimming and camping but parks are busiest. Winter visits are peaceful and many parks stay open year-round for hiking.
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