Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Lory State Park
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
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Junior Rangers: What are Trees?
Sunday, 13 July 2025 | 09:00 AM | Lory State ParkCalling all curious, nature loving kids! Join our Junior Ranger programs! This is a hands-on hour designed to spark a love for the outdoors and build real ranger skills in a fun interactive way. For ages 7-11. Junior Rangers will carry a na... more |
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Park Sleepover
Friday, 18 July 2025 | 05:30 PM | Lory State Park | Registration RequiredJoin us for a sleepover in the park! We will provide dinner and breakfast. There will be many activities such as an animal themed movie, night hike, cornhole, volleyball and more! Once you signed-up you will receive an email with more details ... more |
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Silver Ranger: Park History
Monday, 21 July 2025 | 04:00 PM | Lory State Park | Registration RequiredCalling all nature-loving adults 55 and up. Silver Rangers is a welcoming program designed to help you connect to the outdoors and each other through guided nature experiences and curiosity. Through a presentation and an examination of primary art... more |
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Pinecones: Trees and Flowers
Tuesday, 22 July 2025 | 09:00 AM | Lory State ParkBring your budding naturalist for a morning of discovery and outdoor fun in our pinecones program designed specifically for children ages 3-7. Through hands-on activities and a short nature walk, kids will engage with the beauty of the natural... more |
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Forest Bathing
Friday, 25 July 2025 | 08:00 AM | Lory State Park | Registration RequiredSlow Down. Breathe Deep. Connect with Nature. Join us for a guided forest bathing walk — a slow, mindful journey through nature designed to awaken your senses and deepen your connection to the natural world. Rooted in the Japanese practice of s... more |
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Junior Rangers: Wildlife Detective
Tuesday, 29 July 2025 | 09:00 AM | Lory State ParkCalling all curious, nature loving kids! Join our Junior Ranger programs! This is a hands-on hour designed to spark a love for the outdoors and build real ranger skills in a fun interactive way. For ages 7-11. Junior Rangers will carry a n... more |
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50th Anniversary Festival
Saturday, 02 August 2025 | 10:00 AM | Lory State ParkWe are excited to share that Lory State Park is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year. We are hosting a community-wide event to mark this milestone! - Community organization booths/exhibits - Food Trucks - Grand opening of the Accessibi...
Co-Volunteers: Emily B, Jennifer K, Kirk S, Margaret R, Meghan B, Robin K
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Junior Rangers: Rock the World
Sunday, 03 August 2025 | 09:00 AM | Lory State ParkCalling all curious, nature-loving kids! Join our Junior Ranger programs! This is a hands-on hour designed to spark a love for the outdoors and build real ranger skills in a fun interactive way. Junior Rangers will carry a nature journal to ... more |
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Silver Ranger: Nature Photography
Monday, 04 August 2025 | 04:00 PM | Lory State ParkCalling all nature-loving adults 55 and up. Silver Rangers is a welcoming program designed to help you connect to the outdoors and each other through guided nature experiences and curiosity. In this class, we will learn how to photograph nature la... more |
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Pinecones: Dig into the Past
Tuesday, 05 August 2025 | 09:00 AM | Lory State ParkBring your budding naturalist for a morning of discovery and outdoor fun in our pinecones program designed specifically for children ages 3-7. Through hands-on activities and a short nature walk, kids will engage with the beauty of the natural... more |
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