1.  CPW
2.  CPW Connect
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	Introduction To Nature Journaling   Sunday, 14 September 2025 |   01:00 PM | Lory State Park This class will be held at the Lory State Park Visitor Center, and then we will venture out into the park for a short nature journaling experience. Come all who are interested in exploring the natural world through the art of journaling.  more
Sign Up	S'mores and Stories: Star Stories   Saturday, 20 September 2025 |   06:30 PM | Lory State Park Gather 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	Full Moon Guided Hike   Monday, 06 October 2025 |   06:30 PM | Lory State Park Discover Lory State Park at night under the light of the full moon! The pink 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 dark...  more
Sign Up	Lory State Park Trunk or Treat   Saturday, 25 October 2025 |   04:00 PM | Lory State Park REGISTRATION ONLY NEEDED FOR TRUNKS. DO NOT REGISTER AS A PARTICIPANT Join us for our first ever trunk or treat at the park! We will have trunks set up at the Soldier Canyon Parking Lot. The event will end with a showing of spooky movie with sc...  more