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3. Lory State Park

Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Welcome to the Lory State Park Department!

Hidden in the foothills twenty minutes west of Fort Collins, Lory State Park is an outdoor recreation enthusiast’s dream. Its 2,591 acres with a varied landscape that includes unique rock outcroppings, sandstone hogbacks, grassy open meadows, shrubby hillsides and ponderosa pine forests. Overlooking the Fort Collins area from a breathtaking elevation of 6,780 feet is Arthur’s Rock, a jutting granite formation named for an early local settler. Formerly ranchland, Lory State Park was purchased from the original owners in 1967. It was named and dedicated in honor of Dr. Charles A. Lory (1872-1969), president of Colorado State University from 1909 until 1940. 

Hit the trail at Lory State Park and enjoy mountain biking, hiking, picnicking and horseback riding amid some fabulous foothills scenery just minutes from Fort Collins and adjacent to Horsetooth Reservoir.

From rolling valleys to mountainous hillsides, Lory State Park's 26 miles of trails rarely exceed a 12 percent grade. The variety of trails is great for short or long hikes, mountain bike rides, horseback rides and trail runs. Backcountry camping is also available for visitors looking for a quiet getaway close to suburban Fort Collins.

The trails on the east side of Lory provide access to some of Horsetooth Reservoir's bays and coves. Canoeists, kayakers, and rafters can hand-launch their crafts within a short walk from the North Eltuck Bay parking lot. Power boaters can launch their boats at the Horsetooth Dam boat ramp 2 miles away in Horsetooth Reservoir. Power boating is also available at the nearby Boyd Lake State Park. Boaters and off-highway vehicle users can now register boats, OHVs and snowmobiles at Lory State Park during visitor center business hours.

Upcoming Activities   Calendar

Sign Up	Full Moon Guided Hike   Wednesday, 22 May 2024 |   08:00 PM | Lory State Park Discover Lory State Park at night under the light of the full moon! Learn hidden wildlife secrets that you would never find out during the day. An experienced naturalist will guide you along Well Gulch Trail and share some of their nocturnal know...  more
Register	Birding 101   Saturday, 25 May 2024 |   08:00 AM | Lory State Park |  Registration Required Always wanted to explore the incredible world of birds but not sure how to start? Or, do you have a child fascinated by birds and wants to learn more? Join us for a talk about birding gear, guides, visual and auditory identification tips, and onli...  more
Sign Up	Photographing Birds 101   Saturday, 01 June 2024 |   09:00 AM | Lory State Park Photographing birds can be a challenge! The variety of shapes, sizes, and colors-and their diverse habitats- makes them fascinating subjects. Join us to learn a few pointers to consider when you set out to photograph these endlessly interesting an...  more
Register	Birds and Insects   Saturday, 08 June 2024 |   09:00 AM | Lory State Park |  Registration Required What do birds eat? It depends on the bird and time of year: seeds, berries, fruit, insects, other birds, eggs, small mammals, fish...and more! Learn which native plants and insects are nutritious for residents and migrating visitors, and what we c...  more
Sign Up	Casting Nature's Magic Through Poetic Spells   Saturday, 15 June 2024 |   10:00 AM | Lory State Park Poetry is one of the oldest art forms of humankind, beginning before the written word. Attend this program to learn about a brief history of poetry, different styles of poetry that's been written, and see how you can be inspired by nature to weave...  more
Sign Up	June Full Moon Hike   Friday, 21 June 2024 |   09:30 PM | Lory State Park Discover Lory State Park at night under the light of the full moon! Learn hidden wildlife secrets that you would never find during the day. An experienced naturalist will guide you along Well Gulch Trail and share some of their nocturnal knowledg...  more
Register	Birding By Ear   Saturday, 13 July 2024 |   09:00 AM | Lory State Park |  Registration Required The flowers are blooming, old friends are returning, and birdsong is at its peak. The sheer volume of songs and calls can often feel overwhelming for birders, but these sounds offer an opportunity and a challenge. Can you learn how to identify bir...  more
Register	Mindful Birding   Saturday, 24 August 2024 |   09:00 AM | Lory State Park |  Registration Required Mindful Birding combines observing birds with mindfulness techniques, creating a practice that builds a heightened awareness. Counting or identifying birds is not the primary focus, but rather, slowing down and increased attention, using birds as ...  more