Maxwell's sits in the grassy, shrub-dotted foothills just west of Fort Collins and is best understood as a bite-sized foothills sprint: three miles of singletrack that link neighborhood access to the larger Foothills Trail system. The route lives inside Maxwell Natural Area, managed by the City of Fort Collins, and is popular with evening riders and locals looking for a quick technical hit close to town.
Quick route snapshot
Distance: ~3.0 miles (singletrack). Difficulty: intermediate — mostly blue-rated with short, rocky sections that demand confident line choice and occasionally a hike-a-bike. Expect a short climb onto a saddle and a chunky, fast downhill that finishes near town. User reports and trail directories describe the trail as compact, rocky, and rewarding for a short after-work session.
Getting there and access
Access is straightforward from the Maxwell Natural Area / Hughes Stadium corridor: park at the Maxwell trailhead or nearby Foothills parking and ride west from the road immediately south of the old Hughes Stadium parcel to the foothills, then head north along the bench. Multiple online trip descriptions point riders to the same approach — the trail sits at the transition from neighborhood streets up into the foothills and connects directly to the Foothills Trail network. Confirm parking locations and any temporary closures before you go.
Riding character — what to expect
Maxwell's compresses the foothills experience: short, punchy climbs through grass and mountain mahogany, then attention-demanding rocky moves on descent. The upper climb brings you to a saddle with views back toward the city; the descent that follows is rocky and fast in places — riders report sections where good tires and body position make the difference between flow and dismounts. Trail databases and local reports consistently flag the downhill as the trail’s highlight and the place where mistakes cost you skin or speed.
Mile‑by‑mile route detail
0.0–0.3 mi: Start at the Maxwell trailhead or from the road south of Hughes Stadium and head west to the foothills. Ride west up the road to the base, then turn north to follow the bench line. 0.3–1.2 mi: The trail climbs steadily along the foothills toward a low saddle. Trail markers and the Foothills Trail signage will help you link to the ridge. This climb is short but can be loose; pick a gear that keeps cadence without spinning out. 1.2–1.5 mi: You’ll cross the saddle and crest below the highest hilltop; take a breath and look back — the city and reservoir open up to the east. The next segment curves south through a grassy meadow before the trail narrows. 1.5–3.0 mi: The trail drops — fast, rock-strewn, and fun. Line choice matters: there are a few rock gardens and ledge moves where slower, technical riders can expect to foot-forward. At the bottom, you can turn right to return to town or reconnect with the Foothills network for longer loops. Singletrack maps and community directions match this sequence; confirm your intended exit ahead of time to avoid unwanted road sections.
Safety, rules, and seasonal notes
Maxwell Natural Area is open daily with published park hours; the City lists common park features (parking, seasonal restrooms) and notes leash rules for dogs — follow posted rules and pack out waste. The area supports shared use (hiking, biking, horses in nearby areas), so expect hikers and dogs on sections of trail, especially on weekends and evenings. Watch for rattlesnakes in warm months and for erosion or muddy patches after heavy rain; local trail reports show occasional erosion grooves and sticky spots after storms. For closures and up-to-date trail conditions check official trail-status pages before you go.
Local context and post-ride options
Maxwell's is one of several compact foothills options in the Fort Collins area and links to the longer Foothills Trail system that crosses city, county and state lands. The trail’s proximity to the former Hughes Stadium site (now discussed in local planning and multi‑use proposals) means access and amenities around the corridor have seen attention from local agencies and trail groups; expect ongoing planning to influence nearby uses over time. After your ride you’ll find breweries, bike shops, and more trail options in Fort Collins and the surrounding natural areas if you want to lengthen the outing. Confirm any site-specific rules or changes to facilities before relying on them.
Getting there
go to the road directly south of hughes stadium and ride west on it to the base of the foothills. from there ride north directly along the foothills, if you notice yourself going east at all you are going the wrong way, but it is easy to find your way back. continue on the trail as it climbs up the foothill onto a saddle a bit below the highest part of the hill. once there follow the trail as it curves south (left) up through a grassy meadow. the trail will eventually turn left and dissapear over the edge on the hill. the next .25 miles are in every way nice... downhill, rocky, on this trail you will leave some flesh behind. anyway, after the downhill turn right to run back to town, or turn left back onto the trail you started on. i suggest going left and looping the trail 6 or 7... hundred times. i do, have fun.
Trail features
- Night riding allowed
Frequently asked questions
How long does Maxwell's take to ride?
Riding time for Maxwell's alone can be very short — many fit the whole line into 10–30 minutes depending on pace and stops. Expect a quick 3-mile outing; extend it by linking to other Foothills trails. Trail activity logs report average recorded times in the single-digit minutes for the main descent but plan for more if you're climbing or exploring loops.
Where do I park and is there an official trailhead?
Park at the Maxwell Natural Area trailhead (listed by the City of Fort Collins) or nearby Foothills parking and ride the short road approach south of the old Hughes Stadium parcel into the foothills. Check the City Natural Areas page or COTREX for mapped trailheads and parking details.
Are dogs allowed and are there leash rules?
Dogs are allowed in Maxwell Natural Area but leash rules and seasonal restrictions may apply. The City lists ‘leashed dogs’ among site features; keep dogs leashed where required and always clean up after them.
Is night riding permitted?
Community trail listings note night riding is commonly done on Maxwell's, and the Natural Area has posted operating hours; however, conditions, safety and local rules can change — carry lights, reflectors, and confirm hours with the City before planning night rides.
What kind of bike and tires work best?
A trail or short‑travel trail hardtail or short-travel full suspension works well. Choose tires with good side‑knob grip and puncture protection — the descent features chunky rock and ledges where traction and confidence matter. Community reviews emphasize tire choice and body position for the rocky sections.
A compact, rocky singletrack on the north edge of Fort Collins’ foothills — fast descents, short climbs, and a local feel. A practical rider’s guide to reading the line, getting there, and staying safe.