Why Go to Fort Collins
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Fort Collins may be best known as the home of Colorado State University, but it's a great getaway for travelers of all ages. About 65 miles north of Denver, it offers the outdoor adventure Colorado is famous for, with hiking, mountain biking and whitewater rafting on the Cache la Poudre River nearby.
Bikes are a way of life here. Locals ride everywhere, and the city is full of bike lanes and racks, so renting one is a great way to explore. Old Town Fort Collins is charming and walkable, with shops, restaurants and historic buildings, and the city hosts events all year, from food festivals to free summer concerts. Beer lovers are in for a treat: Fort Collins is one of the country's top craft beer towns, home to well-known breweries and many smaller ones worth sampling.
Fort Collins makes a fun weekend escape or an easy add-on to a Denver or Rocky Mountain National Park trip. I'll plan your stay and line up the outdoor adventures and brewery tours.
BEST FOR
Outdoor travelers, cyclists, craft-beer enthusiasts and families
BEST MONTHS
May–October
EXPLORE
Old Town is the walkable historic center; the Colorado State University area lies to the south, and Horsetooth Reservoir and the foothills are west of town.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Fort Collins
North America › Mountain West › USA › Colorado
Colorado foothills adventure meets a lively historic downtown.
Mountain & Alpine
Brewery
University
Outdoor
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Enjoy Old Town on foot, then plan a separate morning at Horsetooth before afternoon winds or storms.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Start here to orient yourself and look for seasonal performances.
Old Town Square
Explore a historic downtown plaza surrounded by restored architecture, public art, shops and restaurants. This is the city’s natural pedestrian hub.
An entrance permit may be required; check parking and temporary trailhead closures.
Horsetooth Reservoir
Enjoy boating, shoreline scenery and outdoor recreation at a large reservoir west of town. Surrounding public lands offer trails and views over the foothills.
Bring water and start early during warm months.
Horsetooth Mountain Open Space
Hike foothill trails with rock formations and views toward the Front Range. Routes range from shorter walks to more demanding climbs.
Check the forecast and avoid unsafe river conditions.
Cache la Poudre River & Poudre Canyon
Follow a scenic river corridor into mountain country for overlooks, picnic areas and trail access. Water conditions and seasonal road conditions can change.
Watch river flows and follow posted safety guidance before getting on the water.
Poudre River Whitewater Park
Visit a landscaped riverfront recreation spot with designated features for paddling and riverside viewing. It is close to central Fort Collins.
A boutique hotel in the heart of Old Town near restaurants, shops and live music.
The Elizabeth Hotel, Autograph Collection
Old Town
Hotel Tags
A historic boutique property with easy walking access to downtown Fort Collins.
Armstrong Hotel
Old Town
Hotel Tags
A full-service hotel convenient for CSU campus visits and nearby dining.
Hilton Fort Collins
Colorado State University area
Hotel Tags
A practical full-service hotel near shopping and main routes through town.
Fort Collins Marriott
Midtown
Hotel Tags
A modern hotel convenient for eastern Fort Collins and the Harmony Road corridor.
Cambria Hotel Fort Collins
Southeast Fort Collins
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Fort Collins
High 51°F · Low 25°F · Rain 0.7 in
Quiet fall days are perfect for brewery tours along the Fort Collins Ale Trail.
Late spring through early fall is best for most hikes and patio dining; mountain weather can change quickly.
Best Times to Visit Fort Collins
WHEN TO GO
06
Horsetooth and mountain outings
Build extra flexibility around horsetooth and mountain outings when visiting Fort Collins. Verify access, cancellations, road or sea conditions and the return journey before committing to an excursion.
05
Old Town walking and cycling
Plan time for old town walking and cycling in Fort Collins. Check terrain, weather, accessibility and local restrictions; allow an alternate transfer where walking is impractical.
04
Rental cars and parking
For more flexible journeys, rental cars and parking may be relevant in Fort Collins. Use authorized providers, confirm the pickup location and agree on payment arrangements before travel.
03
MAX bus rapid transit corridor
Consider max bus rapid transit corridor when organizing trips beyond your accommodation. Confirm the exact boarding location, advance booking requirements and any transfer between terminals.
02
Transfort local buses
For travel within Fort Collins, investigate transfort local buses. Verify route coverage, ticket rules, operating dates and the last return service before relying on it for sightseeing.
01
Denver Airport and regional transfers
Denver International Airport (DEN) is about an hour south. Airport shuttles and rental cars make the transfer easy.
Old Town is walkable, and bicycles are popular on designated paths. Transfort buses serve city routes; a car is useful for foothill trails and farther attractions.
Getting Around Fort Collins
GETTING AROUND
KEEP EXPLORING
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