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
|
FULL- WAITLIST OPEN: Full Moon Guided Hike
Monday, 29 June 2026 | 08:00 PM | Lory State ParkDiscover Lory State Park at night under the light of the full moon! The strawberry 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 th... more |
Sign Up
|
Junior Rangers: Wildflower Wander
Thursday, 02 July 2026 | 09:00 AM | Lory State ParkCalling 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. For ages 7-11 years old. Junior Rangers will ... more |
Sign Up
|
Pinecones: What is a Pollinator?
Sunday, 05 July 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 |
Sign Up
|
Junior Rangers: Winged Wonders
Friday, 10 July 2026 | 09:00 AM | Lory State ParkCalling 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. For ages 7-11. Junior Rangers will carry a natu... more |
Register
|
Park Sleepover
Friday, 10 July 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! Where: Timber Picnic Area Once you signed-up you will recei... more |
Register
|
Birding by Ear
Saturday, 11 July 2026 | 07:00 AM | Lory State Park | Registration RequiredEach bird species has a unique song or series of vocalizations, which distinguish it from the other 10,000 bird species on earth. While it seems daunting, a tuned ear will detect a higher number of species than eyes alone. Join us for a brief pres... more |
Sign Up
|
Pinecones: Wacky Weather
Sunday, 12 July 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 |
Register
|
Silver Ranger: Park History
Wednesday, 15 July 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. Through a presentation and an examination of primary art... more |
Sign Up
|
Family Movie Night
Friday, 17 July 2026 | 08:00 PM | Lory State ParkGrab your blankets, pillows and lawn chairs! Join us under the summer stars for our Summer Family Movie Night Series! Once a month, we will feature a family-friendly film on the big screen. Enjoy tasty treats while you watch, popcorn and candy ... more |
|
Sign Up
|
Critter Carnival Summerfest
Saturday, 18 July 2026 | 04:00 PM | Lory State ParkJoin us for a summer celebration! The Critter Carnival Summer Festival is an animal-themed afternoon of fun for the whole family at Lory State Park! There will be... - Community organization booths/tables - Trivia and educational opportunities... 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: