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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Pinecones: Teddy Bear Picnic
Sunday, 07 June 2026 | 09:00 AM | Lory State ParkBring your budding naturalist AND THEIR FAVORITE STUFFED ANIMAL for a morning of discovery and outdoor fun in our pinecones program designed specifically for children ages 3-7. We will learn about what wildlife eat in the park through a hands-on a... more |
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Silver Rangers: Lory Wildlife
Wednesday, 10 June 2026 | 03:00 PM | Lory State Park | Registration RequiredCalling all nature-loving adults 55 and up. Silver Rangers is a welcoming program designed to help connect participants to the outdoors and others through guided nature experiences and curiosity. In this class, we will explore Lory's native wildli... more |
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Park Sleepover
Friday, 12 June 2026 | 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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Summer Wildflower Hike
Saturday, 13 June 2026 | 08:30 AM | Lory State Park | Registration RequiredJoin us for a refreshing outdoor adventure as we explore the beauty of blooming wildflowers on a guided hike through the Well Gulch trail. Led by an expert naturalist, the hike is perfect for ages 10+ who want to learn about local flora and experi... more |
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Junior Rangers: Stars and Space
Sunday, 14 June 2026 | 09:00 AM | Lory State Park | Registration RequiredCalling 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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Pinecones: Out of This World!
Thursday, 18 June 2026 | 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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Time Machine Thursdays: A Geology Hike
Thursday, 18 June 2026 | 05:30 PM | Lory State ParkStrap on your (imaginary) seatbelt and step into our Time Machine Thursdays series—where we hike through the landscape and back through millions of years of geological history! Join an expert naturalist on this trek as we uncover the ancient st... more |
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Stargazing at Lory State Park Soldier Canyon Lot
Friday, 19 June 2026 | 08:30 PM | Lory State Park | Registration RequiredPlease join the Northern Colorado Astronomical Society at the Soldier Canyon Parking Lot for a night of star, galaxy, and planet viewing! This event is heavily weather-dependent and may be canceled due to clouds or rain. Please check your emails a... more |
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Father's Day Hike
Sunday, 21 June 2026 | 03:00 PM | Lory State ParkCome celebrate Father's Day with fresh air, a beautiful view, and quality time on the trail. Join us for a guided hike perfect for dads, kids, and the whole family as we explore the great outdoors and make memories that go beyond the backyard. ... more |
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Silver Ranger: Outdoors 101
Wednesday, 24 June 2026 | 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. This is an introduction to exploring the outdoors on you... more |
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