Trip
Hiking – Lory State Park - Arthur's Rock via Howard Trail
Loop hike to the summit of Arthur's Rock via the Howard Trail in scenic Lory State Park (4.7 miles, 1,250' gain)
Contacts
- Sun, Jan 18, 2026
- Northern Colorado
- Hiking
- Adults
- Moderate
- Mileage: 4.7 mi
- Elevation Gain: 1,250 ft
- High Point Elevation: 6,800 ft
- Pace: Casual
- 2 (10 capacity)
- FULL (2 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
We will begin our day's adventure with a hike starting from the Arthur's Rock trailhead in Lory State Park. The 4.7 mile, 1,250' gain loop route brings us up through a pretty canyon, to the intersection with the Howard Trail, where we will begin climbing further through scenic switchbacks to the base of Arthur's Rock. After a short scramble to the summit, we will be rewarded with the panoramic views around Horsetooth Reservoir as we take a short snack break before scrambling down and returning via the Arthur's Rock trail. For lunch, we will drive a short distance to the nearby local favorite "Howling Cow Cafe", where we can bring our own lunch and/or enjoy their sandwiches, treats, and specialty drinks (not alcohol) in their pleasant picnic area or indoors.
We will meet in the Pringles parking lot, 2100 W. Drake Rd., Ft. Collins at 8:30 am to carpool to the Lory State Park Arthur's Rock trailhead (12 miles west). A State park pass is required.
Required Equipment
Please bring your essentials, water, snack/lunch, and sturdy hiking boots. Poles can be helpful.