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
Sign Up
|
Junior Ranger and Pinecone Graduation!
Sunday, 09 August 2026 | 10:00 AM | Lory State ParkJoin us for our end-of-the-summer event with games, volleyball, horseshoes, and snacks. Your pinecone or junior ranger will receive a patch, certificate, and picture with a real ranger! Come to celebrate with us! more |
Sign Up
|
Star Party!
Thursday, 13 August 2026 | 08:30 PM | Lory State ParkJoin us in watching as the Perseid Meteor Shower shoots across the night sky! We will be setting up in the Soldier Canyon Parking Lot. There will be some cool telescopes/equipment to look through, provided in partnership with the Northern Colo... more |
Sign Up
|
Time Machine Thursdays: A Geology Hike
Thursday, 13 August 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 |
Sign Up
|
S'mores and Stories: Star Stories
Saturday, 15 August 2026 | 06:30 PM | Lory State ParkGather around the glow of the campfire for a magical evening of stories and s'mores in the park. This family-friendly event is the perfect way to spend an evening connecting with nature and enjoying quality time together. We will share fun tal... more |
Sign Up
|
Mindful Birding/What Birds Eat Guided Hike
Saturday, 15 August 2026 | 07:30 AM | Lory State ParkMindful Birding is for everyone. Slow down, relax in nature, observe birds, and learn from them. Through mindful observation, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for birds and the natural world. In this special workshop, we'll explore what birds eat... more |
Sign Up
|
Full Moon Guided Hike
Friday, 28 August 2026 | 08:00 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 |
Register
|
Stargazing in Lory State Park
Thursday, 03 September 2026 | 08:00 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 |
Register
|
Park Sleepover
Friday, 04 September 2026 | 05:00 PM | Lory State Park | Registration RequiredHave a desire to do something not many people have done? Want to learn more about backcountry camping, but are nervous about nature at night? Join us for a sleepover in the park! We will learn about camping basics, as well as experience Lory State... more |
Sign Up
|
Girl Scouts Love State Parks
Sunday, 13 September 2026 | 09:00 AM | Lory State ParkJoin GSCO at Lory State Park on September 14th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Lory State Park Visitor Center for a table on the wildlife that lives in Lory! This interactive table will include games and crafts! A guided hike will be offered ... more |
Sign Up
|
S'mores and Stories
Saturday, 19 September 2026 | 06:30 PM | Lory State ParkGather around the glow of the campfire for a magical evening of stories and s'mores in the park. This family-friendly event is the perfect way to spend an evening connecting with nature and enjoying quality time together. We will share fun tal... more |
Search
Sign Up
Login
Get Involved
Accepting Applications for the following Volunteer Types:
Become a Volunteer Today!
You can make a difference by becoming a Colorado Parks and Wildlife volunteer. By becoming a volunteer you can learn new skills, meet new people, and visit new landscapes. Outdoor stewardship will become a new and rewarding aspect of your life. Have fun and give something back at the same time!
View Opportunities...Courses
Available Courses: