I am going to be starting a new series focused on sharing a hike and a nearby town or city, with some suggestions for lunch, drinks, and shopping (and by shopping, I mostly mean independent bookstores. I have really been enjoying doing these pairings in Colorado in my last few years living here. Today, I am sharing one that Nick and I did recently: January 15 of this year.

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The Hike: Coyote Ridge Trail

Name: Coyote Ridge Trail

Length: 4.1 miles roundtrip

Elevation Gain: 564 feet

My rating: Easy, although if you are not used to elevation, take it easy!

Other info and tips:

• This would also be an excellent trail run since it’s not super technical (no hiking poles needed for me).
• No dogs.
• This would be fun for kids!
• It can be done year round, but there is little shade. We love it for winter.
• This is only about an hour drive from Denver, near Loveland and Fort Collins

Coyote Ridge is featured in the book Basecamp Denver, which I highly recommend for detailed descriptions of great hikes within driving distance of Denver. It is a prairie hike with some pretty fascinating geology; this was an ancient sea that was pushed up into a ridge when the Rockies were formed.

There is a lot of educational information, which I always love (and would be fun for kids I think!).

 

You will likely see prairie dogs and other wildlife, such as hawks (this is rattlesnake country in warmer weather, so stay on trail and keep your eyes peeled).

There are really nice views throughout, but the real treat is the mountain views at the end, once you’ve climbed up some long, easy switchbacks.

The above imagine is from this year, January 2022.

An even snowier view in February 2021.

The Town: Fort Collins

There is a lot to say about Fort Collins, but I will share some favorites of mine thus far. For lunch, head downtown and try Beau Jo’s pizza, home of the “Colorado Mountain Pie.” They have a thick, delicious crust, and give you honey to dip your crust into.

If you would like some dessert after, try an outpost of the famous Little Man Ice Cream, Old Town Churn:

It is in an area across from Beau Jo’s called “The Exchange” that has a few more options for food, drink, and hanging out in the courtyard if it is nice outside.

There is an independent bookstore nearby called Old Firehouse Books that is well…in an old firehouse. Definitely recommend a stop there!

If it is sunny out, and you want to grab a beer, you can always head to New Belgium Brewing! This is not right in downtown like my other suggestions, but it is such a fun stop if you have time. They often have food trucks outside.

I hope this post gave you some ideas for a fun day out with a hike and town. Leave comments with your favorite hikes and places to go in and near Fort Collins!