Perched above Horsetooth Reservoir and a short drive west of Fort Collins, Lory State Park packs a surprising variety of mountain-bike terrain into a compact footprint. Sandstone hogbacks, open meadows and confined gullies create everything from mellow valley singletrack to steep, rocky climbs and short technical pitches. The park also contains a dedicated skills area—dirt jumps, a pump track and flow lines—making it a place where families, newer riders and experienced singletrack riders all find something to practice. This guide walks through practical route ideas, how the riding feels, what to bring and the access rules you should confirm before you go.
Getting there and first impressions
Lory sits northwest of Fort Collins on a short spur road off the county grid. The visitor/entrance station and lot are at the end of Lodgepole Drive; park hours run from early morning until sunset and a day-vehicle pass is required. From the lot you’ll spot wide valley trails that snake south and tighter, steeper singletrack that climbs into the hogbacks to the west. Trail signage and a visitor kiosk are useful for orienting yourself; pick up a paper map or download an official trail map before rolling out and confirm parking and pass rules on the day of your visit.
Route choices — valley flow to steep, technical ridgelines
Lory’s trail system is best described as two complimentary riding worlds. The valley trails (gentler grades, longer sightlines) are ideal for beginners, families and warm-ups—expect flowing corners and occasional short climbs that reward momentum. Head west and the terrain tightens: short, punchy climbs, rocky pitches and exposed sandstone features demand solid handling and cadence. Riders often build loops by linking valley connectors with upper ridgeline trails for a workout that alternates flow and technical sections. If you want a long day, it’s possible to thread routes toward adjoining public lands to extend mileage, but check access rules for any connecting property before planning a through-ride.
The Corral skills area — pump track, jumps and practice lines
A major draw for visiting riders is the on-site skills area: a compact bike-park space with dirt jumps, flow lines, skinnies and a pump track. It’s a purposely built zone to work on technique and warm up before getting on natural singletrack. The skills area is intended for progressive practice—helmets are required and jump features should be used conservatively (ride with a partner, scout new lines on foot, avoid jumping when the features are wet or churned). There’s no extra fee to use the skills area, but conditions can close it temporarily if surfaces are saturated or hazardous.
Access, permits and on-site facilities
Plan to purchase a current day pass for your vehicle (rates vary by season and pass type) or carry an individual pass if required. The visitor center inside the park handles permits and has maps, but drinking water is not provided at trailheads—pack an ample supply. Backcountry camping inside the park is limited and requires a permit and reservation; there is no developed car-campground or RV camping. Vault toilets and trash receptacles are available at major trailheads and picnic areas; confirm current facility availability before you travel.
Riding character, etiquette and safety
Trail surfaces alternate between packed dirt and sections with exposed sandstone and loose rock. Expect climbs that are short but steep and descents that can be firm or chattery depending on recent weather and maintenance. Trails are multi-use—shared with hikers and horses—so observe yielding norms: bicyclists typically yield to horses and hikers, announce passes with clear voice and slow on blind corners. Wildlife is present in the park year-round; carry bear-aware storage for overnight trips, give larger animals plenty of distance and avoid surprising wildlife on the trail. Because the park closes at sunset, plan turnaround times so you’re off-trail before dark.
Local context and connecting rides
Lory sits next to a network of foothill public lands and reservoir-side trails, so creative riders often stitch together loops that include neighboring open spaces for longer outings. The skills area and a compact collection of valley loops make Lory a logical stop for a short session or a training day. If you’re visiting from town, local bike groups and shops maintain a lot of on-the-ground knowledge—check with them for current trail-use events, skills clinics and informal group rides. Always confirm which connecting trails are open to bikes and whether any seasonal closures apply before committing to a cross-jurisdiction route.
Getting there
From anywhere in Ft. Collins, go west until you hit Overland Trail Road. Take a right and follow the road north. Take a left onto Bingham Hill Road and follow it west. In 2 miles, the road runs into RD 23. Take a left, and follow the signs to Lory State Park.
Trail features
- Drinking water
- Fee required
- Night riding allowed
- Pump track
Frequently asked questions
Are bikes allowed on all Lory trails?
Most trails in the park are open to mountain bikes, hikers and horseback riders, but some technical singletrack sections are best left to experienced riders. Confirm trail use and any temporary closures on official park information before you go.
Is there drinking water at trailheads?
No — visitors should bring their own water. Plan on carrying enough for the day, and more if you’ll be riding hard or in hot weather.
Can I use the pump track and dirt jumps?
Yes—the park’s skills area (pump track, dirt jumps and flow lines) is open for rider practice when conditions are safe. Wear a helmet, inspect jump lines before riding them, and avoid using features when the surfaces are wet.
Are dogs allowed and are there leash rules?
Dogs are allowed but must be on leash. Keep dogs under control and pack out pet waste.
Is camping available in the park?
Only primitive backcountry camping is permitted and it requires a permit/reservation. There are no developed campgrounds, tent pads or potable water at backcountry sites.
A narrative feature for riders visiting Lory State Park outside Fort Collins: terrain, route choices from flowy valley loops to steep technical ridgelines, the Corral skills area and practical access, safety and permit information to plan a focused, responsible day on the trails.