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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Birding 101
Saturday, 16 May 2026 | 07:30 AM | Lory State ParkAlways wanted to explore the incredible world of birds but not sure how to start? Or, do you have a child fascinated by birds who wants to learn more? Join Northern Colorado Bird Alliance led by Lori Pivonka for a talk about birding gear, guides, ... more |
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Bio Blitz
Saturday, 16 May 2026 | 07:00 AM | Lory State ParkJoin the Reptile and Amphibian Center of the Rockies at Lory State Park for a BioBlitz! We will be teaming up to try to identify as many species as we can within the park! We will not only be identifying reptiles and amphibians, but also blooming ... more |
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Pollinator Garden Interp Trail Day
Sunday, 17 May 2026 | 09:00 AM | Lory State ParkCome help us build a new trail by the Visitor's Center! The trail is within our pollinator garden and will serve as a new interpretive resource for visitors to enjoy. 10 assignments unfilledmore |
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Spring Wildflower Hike
Saturday, 23 May 2026 | 08:00 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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Full Moon Guided Hike
Sunday, 31 May 2026 | 07:30 PM | Lory State ParkDiscover Lory State Park at night under the light of the full moon! The blue 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 |
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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
Thursday, 11 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 | 08:00 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 |
Register
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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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