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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S'mores and Stories - Native Stories
Saturday, 19 September 2026 | 06:30 PM | Lory State ParkGather around the glow of the campfire for a magical evening of indigenous stories and s'mores in the park. We will read and tell stories from the people who originally called this land home, and acknowledge, with respect, the impact they had whic... more |
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Going Batty for Biology: All About Bats
Sunday, 20 September 2026 | 05:30 PM | Lory State ParkAre YOU batty for bats?? Even if you aren't, you might be after this program! Come join us at the park for a special presentation about Colorado's bat species! Our guest presenter, Melyssa Riggs, is a CPW employee and bat expert! Having field e... more |
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Full Moon Guided Hike
Saturday, 26 September 2026 | 07:00 PM | Lory State ParkDiscover Lory State Park at night under the light of the full moon! The sturgeon moon will illuminate the secrets of the park after dark. Learn about the wildlife that come awake during the night and the adaptations that allow them to survive the ... more |
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Bugs are Cool: with Ranger Mike
Sunday, 27 September 2026 | 10:00 AM | Lory State ParkCome out to the park and bring your curiosity for the smallest wildlife calling Lory home! During this program, Park Ranger Mike will teach us why bugs are the COOLEST wildlife on the planet! You'll learn about bugs vs, insects, features of th... more |
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Fishing Clinic
Sunday, 27 September 2026 | 05:00 PM | Lory State Park | Registration RequiredJoin us at South Eltuck Bay for Lory's first fishing clinic! Come learn how to fish from our park rangers; no experience necessary! We will fish from the shore and will be learning/practicing readying gear, baiting, and casting. If you have yo... more |
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CANCELED: Family Fall Movie Night Series
Saturday, 03 October 2026 | 06:30 PM | Lory State Park | Registration RequiredGrab your blankets, bundle up and join us under the autumn sky for our Family Fall Movie Night Series. Each week we will feature a family-friendly Halloween favorite on the big screen surround by the crisp park air and the fall leaves. Enjoy ta... more |
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Fall Colors Guided Hike
Sunday, 04 October 2026 | 10:00 AM | Lory State ParkExperience the beauty of the fall colors on a guided hike on the Well Gulch Trail. We will take in the vibrant orange, reds and golds that change the landscape of the park. Along the way you will learn about the trees and shrubs we are seeing and ... more |
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Family Fall Movie Night Series
Saturday, 10 October 2026 | 06:30 PM | Lory State ParkGrab your blankets, bundle up and join us under the autumn sky for our Family Fall Movie Night Series. Each week we will feature a family-friendly Halloween favorite on the big screen surround by the crisp park air and the fall leaves. Enjoy ta... more |
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Family Fall Movie Night Series
Saturday, 17 October 2026 | 06:00 PM | Lory State ParkGrab your blankets, bundle up and join us under the autumn sky for our Family Fall Movie Night Series. Each week we will feature a family-friendly Halloween favorite on the big screen surround by the crisp park air and the fall leaves. Enjoy ta... more |
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Painting Class
Saturday, 17 October 2026 | 03:00 PM | Lory State ParkCome join us for an evening of painting at Lory State Park! Join park education ranger Alexa for a painting class for all ages! The park will provide paints, but please bring your own canvas/paint paper and brushes! Where: Lory State Park ... more |
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