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John LaGuardia

Hey! I'm John and I focus specifically on expressing adventurous feelings through still photographs and motion videos that show how we interact with the landscape. I'm a native Coloradan and American adventure photographer and I love this outdoor community! ✌🏻

This is a fantastic campground for either a quick overnight or a longer stay. We were there recently for a two-day mountain bike trip and we wish we could have stayed for a week. Local Tip: Visit later in the Fall to avoid the mosquitos. Take late evening walks around the base of Dumont Lake and if you like to fish, it is a great place to wet a line. Early morning walks on the Wyoming trail will give you a great perspective of Dumont Lake and the surrounding valley to the Southeast. I've added a few photos for perspective.

If you are looking for a quick hike with great rewards in the Fort Collins area, this is a perfect option. Our family likes this one in the late Spring when the water is high, cool, and refreshing. Local Tip: Be super careful when walking around at the top of the falls. Many people have slipped down the West side of the falls and have gotten stuck on the ledge there. The only way out is to be hoisted back up with ropes. Be safe and have fun!

Parking is now $9 in Larimer County parks so plan accordingly. Although it is not free, it is a great way to give back to our local parks. The people there take great care of these trails so that we can enjoy them to the fullest. Local's Tip: In the Summer, head out from the trail head at 4am to enjoy some amazing sunrise scenery!

The Foothills Trail is also great for year-round trail running and hiking. Spring, Summer, and Fall are perfect for fast mountain biking flow. There are numerous nooks and crannies of rock outcroppings to explore along the trail as well.

Take some extra time and enjoy a change of scenery from the valley floor by heading up the trail that is located East of the parking lot. There’s more elevation climb and it is a bit more difficult, but the views from that side of the gulch are worth the effort. Early morning is the best time for photography and hiking in this area. I’ve added some photos that show the views more clearly.

Alternatively, you can access the “A” Southward from Rotary Park using the A-Hill trail or the Overlook trail. Both trails are bi-directional and are good for hiking, mountain biking, or trail running. This is an easier method of accessing the historic “A”. To access Rotary Park drive past the Maxwell Natural Area as described in the original post and up 42C. The road will wind past Dixon Reservoir and turned into Centennial Drive. Continue on the road over the dam, then up the hill as Centennial Drive becomes N. Co Rd 23. After parking at Rotary Park, cross the road to the East and descend the top portion of the Foothills Access trail then turn right and head South toward the A-Hill and Overlook trails. I have added a few additional pictures for further clarity. Enjoy the great views of Fort Collins!

We live in Fort Collins and this is one of our favorite hikes that we typically do every Easter weekend. It's a great place to watch the sunrise and view the city of FoCo from a beautiful vantage point. Pro tip: Take your loved ones with you and pack a lunch. Then relax on top while you take it all in. Oh, and don't forget to stop at the ranger station on the way into Lorry State Park and pay your day use fee. It's a minimal cost and an easy way to give back to the park.