Spring Canyon Park: Fort Collins' Natural Oasis
Explore nature and adventure at Spring Canyon Park in Fort Collins, offering trails, playgrounds, and stunning mountain views for all ages.
Spring Canyon Park, a 100-acre community park in Fort Collins, Colorado, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. Established in 2007, the park is nestled against the foothills, offering stunning views and a diverse range of activities. The park boasts a rich history, with the land originally owned by Benjamin F. Stover in the 1800s. It later served as a mining operation site for the Colorado School of Mines before becoming a city park in 1904. Today, it stands as one of the most popular parks in the city, offering a variety of recreational opportunities. Visitors can explore over 20 miles of trails suitable for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking, with terrain ranging from open prairie to densely forested hillsides. The park's accessible trails, like the Campus Pond Greenbelt and Lewis Lake Trail, cater to all skill levels. Spring Canyon Park is also known for its unique features, including Inspiration Playground, Colorado's first universally accessible playground, ensuring children of all abilities can play together. The park also features a 2+ acre dog park with a lake, tennis courts, sports fields, a skate park, and an interactive water feature. The park's design incorporates its history as a quarry and Native American lore, creating a unique and inviting atmosphere. Interpretive displays throughout the park highlight the history of Spring Creek and the area's rock quarries.
Local tips
- Visit during weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds, especially at the popular Inspiration Playground.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy in one of the designated areas surrounded by nature.
- Wear comfortable shoes for hiking and exploring the park's many trails.
- Check the park's event calendar for seasonal activities and community events.
- Be aware of your surroundings, as the park is multi-use, and wildlife may be present.
A brief summary to Spring Canyon Park
- 3156 S Overland Trail, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80526, US
- +1970-221-6660
- Visit website
- Monday 5 am-11 pm
- Tuesday 5 am-11 pm
- Wednesday 5 am-11 pm
- Thursday 5 am-11 pm
- Friday 5 am-11 pm
- Saturday 5 am-11 pm
- Sunday 5 am-11 pm
Getting There
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Walking
From the intersection of Taft Hill Road and Horsetooth Road, head east on Horsetooth Road for approximately 0.25 miles. Turn left onto S Overland Trail and walk north for about 0.2 miles. The entrance to Spring Canyon Park will be on your left. There are no entrance fees for the park.
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Public Transport
Take Transfort, the local bus service, to the intersection of Horsetooth Road and Overland Trail. From there, walk north on S Overland Trail for approximately 0.2 miles to reach the park entrance. Transfort offers fare-free rides on fixed routes. Check the Transfort website for schedules and routes.
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Driving
From downtown Fort Collins, head south on College Avenue. Turn west onto Horsetooth Road and continue for approximately 4 miles. Turn right onto S Overland Trail, and the park entrance will be on your left. Parking is available at 3156 S Overland Trail. A daily parking pass can be obtained via kiosk on site. Contact the Parks Department for yearly parking pass options.
