City Spotlight: Visit FOCO's Hidden Gems
Once the sun pops out for good, outdoor lovers will be hanging up their skis and snowshoes for paddleboards and pop-up tents. Colorado is home to an extensive selection of spring and warm weather activities, perfect for Colorodans and transplants alike. With seemingly endless scenic hikes and so many events to choose from, it can feel like there isn’t enough time in the Summer to experience it all. So we’re going to make it easy for you–put together a rideshare with your besties and head to Fort Collins this spring to check out some of these killer activities.
Explore the Horsetooth Reservoir
Horsetooth Reservoir is a lit spot for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, boating, and kayaking. Spring is a great time to enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife that the reservoir has to offer. Horsetooth Reservoir is a man-made lake that was created in the 1940s by the construction of a dam on the Cache la Poudre River. It’s located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and covers over 6 miles of cool summer water.
Looking for less of a lake-vacay vibe? Maybe you’ll spot a bald eagle or mule deer out on the trails! Some popular trails at the reservoir include Horsetooth Rock Trail and the Shoreline Trail. The Rock Trail leads to a scenic overlook of the reservoir and surrounding landscape, while Shoreline follows the water’s edge.
Bring your poles and tackle box if you’re choosing to venture on the Shoreline Trail! Fishing is also a popular activity at Horsetooth Reservoir, with anglers casting for a variety of fish species, including rainbow trout, walleye, and smallmouth bass. Boating and kayaking are also popular on the reservoir. Boat ramps and rentals are available at several locations around the lake.
Visit the Gardens at Spring Creek
The Gardens at Spring Creek covers 18 acres and features several themed gardens, including a rock garden, children's garden, wetland garden, and even one showcasing plants from the High Plains region. In the springtime, the Gardens are particularly beautiful, with blooming flowers and trees filling the space with jaw-dropping color and the most lovely fragrance. Visitors can take a self-guided tour or join a guided tour to learn more about the gardens and their plant life.
They also offer a variety of classes and workshops such as gardening classes, art classes, and cooking classes. There are plenty of events to attend throughout the year, such as the Garden a'Fare Wine and Beer Tasting, but you will have to wait until the fall season for that!
Admission to the Gardens is free, though donations of any kind are appreciated. The gardens are open year-round, though hours vary depending on the season. If you’re thinking about venturing out there, check out their hours and upcoming events here.
Attend the Colorado Marathon
The Colorado Marathon starts at the mouth of Poudre Canyon and winds its way through the scenic valleys before entering the city of Fort Collins. The course is mostly downhill, with a net elevation loss of approximately 1,700 ft, making it a popular event for runners looking to achieve a personal best time. The marathon hosts several race categories, including the full marathon, half marathon, and a 10K. There's also a "Kids' Fun Run" for kids under the age of 12.
This marathon isn’t all about the running.
Along the course, marathoners will find several aid stations where runners can refuel with water, sports drinks, and snacks. Even better, the marathon features entertainment along the course to help motivate and inspire runners, including live music and cheer squads. Imagine that, your own cheer squad!
The Colorado Marathon attracts thousands of participants from across the United States and around the world. The race is open to runners of all ages and abilities, from elite athletes to casual runners. The finish line is located at the Colorado State University Oval, where runners are greeted by a cheering crowd of spectators. After crossing the finish line, runners receive a medal and can look forward to beverages and some post-race activities if they’re still on that runner’s high.
Check out the Fort Collins Farmers Market
My personal favorite spring through fall activity–Farmers Markets! The Fort Collins Farmers Market runs from May to October and offers a variety of local produce, baked goods, and other artisanal products. It's a great place to enjoy a spring day and support local farmers and artisans.
The market features a wide variety of locally-grown fruits and vegetables, including heirloom tomatoes, sweet corn, peppers, and melons. Many of the farmers use organic or sustainable farming practices, and the produce is typically picked just hours before the market opens. The market also offers locally-raised meats and dairy products, including grass-fed beef, pasture-raised chicken, and artisanal cheeses.
The festive atmosphere of the FoCo Farmers Market features live music, often performed by local musicians. The market also showcases the work of local artisans, including handmade pottery, jewelry, and textiles. Several food trucks are also typically parked nearby, offering a variety of snacks and refreshments for your market shenanigans.
Take a bike ride
Fort Collins has an extensive network of bike trails, and spring is a great time to explore them. The city also offers a bike share program, so you can easily rent a bike for the day. FoCo has over 280 miles of bike paths, including the Poudre River Trail, the Spring Creek Trail, and the Mason Trail. These paths are separated from car traffic, making them safe and enjoyable to ride on. The city also has over 100 miles of bike lanes if you’re feeling like a daredevil. Just make sure you’re wearing a helmet and protective gear while you ride alongside the cars.
Now if you’ve read any of these blogs before, you know we didn’t forget to find you equipment for your ride. Fort Collins has a bike share program called Pace. You can rent a bike from one of the many Pace stations around the city and return it to any other station when you're done!
Fort Collins is home to many bike events throughout the year, including the Fort Collins Bike Co-op's annual Bike-in Cinema, the Bike to Work Day event in June, and the annual Tour de Fat bike parade and festival. Just remember–always wear your helmet and obey traffic laws, but most of all, have fun!