Mountain Bike Reservoir Ridge

Summary

One of my favorite post-work rides in Fort Collins, Colorado is a short but challenging loop along Reservoir Ridge. The scenery is incredible and includes water, mountains, a great trail system, and a spattering of intermediate, rocky sections. This is a solid loop to get your heart rate elevated over a short period of time. It's great for trail running and photography too!

How To Get There

From downtown Fort Collins, take Mulberry Street West to Overland Trail. Turn right onto 42C, then drive up and around Centennial Drive. Continue on as it turns into N. Co Rd 23 and follow that road all the way past Rotary Park to the Reservoir Ridge parking lot on the West side of the road. Unlike most natural area parking lots in Larimer County, this one is completely free. 

How To Ride It

• Start from the parking lot and go North on the trail immediately in front of you.
• Cross the road to the West and hop onto North Loop trail.
• Ride down the valley, fast with flow, enjoying the mountain views.
• Hit the North Loop Connect trail to continue and ride the North Loop in a clockwise direction.
• At the end of North Loop trail, turn right onto Foothills Trail and ride back to the junction where you started at North Loop trail.

Local's Tip

Get to the parking lot late in the day, about an hour before sundown and bring a headlamp. Stop along the way to grab a snack and enjoy the sunset to the West. Ride the valley back during last light and enjoy blue hour much like the photos on this post. 

Rider: Roscoe Cummins