The Finnest First-Rate Mountain Biking Trails of Fort Collins
Fort Collins, Colorado, is home to some of the finest mountain biking trails in the entire state. Its trails boast every kind of terrain a mountain bike rider could ever want. From rocky technical segments to steep and flowy descendants, Fort Collins trails are a dream for the hardcore MTB riders. However, don’t despair if you have not worked your way up to riding the more challenging routes, there are numerous options of well-maintained trails that offer casual riding with great views.
Whether a beginner or expert, there is a trail in the Fort Collins area to be conquered for all skill levels of rider. Here are the standout Mountain biking trails you need to get to for your next ride!
5. Maxwell — Easy Going
The iconic Maxwell trail starts off the list at 5th. Maxwell is a single-track, beginner-level trail on the Eastern face of the foothills leading up to Horsetooth Reservoir. The trail is about 1.5 miles long with a climb of around 500 vertical feet. Maxwell recently underwent construction by the city of Fort Collins to remove some of its more difficult features. This has made the route more accessible, but it still has its challenges to face with its switchbacks, loose sentiment, and moderately difficult climb. However, all riders should be able to manage the trail and make their way to the top where you have both stunning views of Horsetooth and the town of Fort Collins.
4. Towers — Self Punishment
Towers is undeniably the most difficult climbs of the mountain biking trails in Fort Collins. The idea of self-punishment is not to be taken lightly; Towers is a 3-mile-long fire road that climbs about 2000 feet to the summit of Horsetooth mountain. At a steep grade for much of the climb, Towers is a brutal trail for even the fittest of riders. But for many, it is a climb that is well worth the reward. Conquering Towers provides a serious leg workout and a truly immense sense of satisfaction when reaching the summit and getting to look out over the front range. But the main perk is that the summit of Towers gives riders access to multiple different downhill trails! These trials are what everyone is making the trek up for as you get to reward yourself with a gnarly ride on the way down!
3. Sawmill — Dangerous Sensations
Third, on the list is a trail hidden in the woods properly titled Sawmill. Sawmill is a single-track trail that is accessed via the Towers climb. This has got to be one of the most thrilling trails in the Fort Collins Mountain bike scene. Sawmill is a 1.5-mile ride that cuts down Horsetooth Mountain. As the title implies, you will encounter some serious wooded obstacles in roots that snake through the trail with their trees lining the edges. This adds to the intensity when flying down the mountain knowing one little mistake could get you banged up in the Sawmill. As every experienced rider knows, a little risk makes the reward all the sweeter!
2. Shoreline — Scenic Rush
Number two on the list of top trails in Foco is the eye-catching Shoreline trail. Shoreline is a single-track trail that traverses the Eastern side of the Horsetooth Reservoir. The trail runs for a mile with a steep descent for riders taking the South to North route. Shoreline possesses some seriously fun rock gardens that force any rider to get back in the saddle and check their speed. About midway through the ride, the trail mellows out making it easier to enjoy the stunning views of Horsetooth Reservoir. At this portion of the trail is when you see bikes lined up on the beach with their riders swimming in the water. This bonus makes Shoreline the perfect trail for a hot day as you can take a dip mid-way!
- Timbers — Glory
On to the trail that takes the number one spot is the Timbers trail in Lory state park! Timbers is the ultimate trail for every level of rider for many reasons! Beautiful views, well-maintained trail, fun, and flowy riding, everything one could want in a trail! But the standout feature is the trails split between beginner and expert riding. The beginning 1.5 miles of Timbers is a casual climb that any level of rider can enjoy with great views of the reservoir. This section leads to a split where beginner riders can descend a fun loop back to the beginning of Timbers. The second option is a strenuous 2-mile climb of around 1000 vertical feet. This portion is a real ass-kicker. The trail winds its way up to the summit where you are sure to be exhausted by the end of it. Once recovered, the satisfaction of descending what you just climbed is immeasurably. From the numerous switchbacks to the tight and technical trail, the later portion of Timbers is sure to challenge any experienced rider!
