Foot Trails and Food in Fort Collins, CO: Pineridge, Riverbend Ponds, and Arapaho Natural Areas

Fort Collins in northern Colorado is a small(ish) college town that is known for being home to Colorado State University. And it is now home to Nightborn Travel. So, while this town might not be the #1 tourist spot in Colorado (which is not a bad thing), I will be exploring the trails and restaurants in Fort Collins (or FOCO) as thoroughly as I can.

We’ve got an amazing array of trails up here, managed by the city, county, and state, and it’s my goal to visit them all, big or small.

The restaurant scene here is also pretty small, but I am convinced that there are some gems out here.

Whether you are a long term local, a transplant like me, or a visitor to the area, join me now as I start to explore and appreciate my new home. If you are wondering about hiking in Fort Collins or food in Fort Collins, this is the guide for you.

Foot-trails and Hiking in Fort Collins

Tips and Safety Note for Hiking

Before heading out, check out the COTrex App for trail conditions. FOCO is very careful about closing trails when they are wet and prone to damage by use or potentially dangerous. Please don’t disobey trail closures while hiking in Fort Collins or elsewhere.

But remember, ANY time you go out hiking or traveling, your safety is your responsibility. This guide and any other guide is no guarantee of your safety. Check the weather. Wear the right clothes. Let people know where you are going. Bring snacks and water. ETC! Do your own research and be prepared.

As a final tip, many of these trails are near water which means that you need to exercise extra caution with yourself, your kids, and your pets. All water is dangerous, even if it looks calm.

Pineridge Natural Area

Pineridge Natural Area has a special place in my heart, because these are the first trails that I ever tried out for hiking in Fort Collins. In fact, I think it was only my second or third day after having moved into town that I visited. Not only that, but Pineridge helped me ease back into hiking after taking several months off due to plantar fasciitis.

This natural area is nestled between the foothills and a large city park called Spring Canyon. There is parking on both sides, and luckily, bathrooms to the south and north as well. But the amenities on either side are different. Near Spring Canyon Park, you can easily access Pineridge, but you can also access a dog park, skatepark, and traditional park. You can also park next to the Dixon Reservoir, and from there you can launch a small boat into the lake. On the flat plateau between the ridge and the lake you might catch sight of the local prairie dogs.

From the Spring Canyon side of the natural area, you will take the Foothills Trail up the small ridge from the park. Then you can cross the top of the ridge and walk down to the lake, which you can circle using the Reservoir Loop Trail. From the lake side, you can more easily get to the lake, as well as a couple of short, uphill trails – the Veiwpoint Spur and Timber Trail.

All of these trails are pretty short, but you can make up different combinations of various lengths and level of challenge.

Need to Know Information

Land manager: City of Fort Collins

Entrance fee: None

Bathroom available at trailhead: Yes

4WD needed to access: No

Riverbend Ponds Natural Area

Riverbend Ponds Natural Area is one of my favorite places. It isn’t a spot for a challenging hike, but it is absolutely beautiful. No matter the season, this area is magical.

There are many different loops, lollipops, and out and backs that you can trek in this natural area, and almost all of those trails follow the shore of or even cross bodies of clear and calm waters. Because of this, there is so much life in this park, from birds to reptiles and more. In the middle of an urban area, I love being able to immerse myself in nature and this is the place to do it.

Besides all that, the Riverbend Ponds Natural Area is next to the Poudre River. There are some really beautiful spots to watch the river and enjoy the wilderness in the city. This is also a pretty popular spot for hiking in Fort Collins, so you will likely see people walking their dogs and working out on these trails.

Need to Know Information

Land manager: City of Fort Collins

Entrance fee: None

Bathroom available at trailhead: Yes

4WD needed to access: No

Arapaho Bend Natural Area

There are two parts to Arapaho Bend Natural Area – the southern area with several small ponds, and a northern section with Rigden Reservoir. Both have pretty level, easy trails, but the quality of these two sections (in my opinion) are quite different.

I prefer the southern portion of Arapaho Bend, although there is less hiking to be done there. It just feels a little more wild in this portion of the park. And I think that there are some really beautiful views across the calm bodies of water. It is my understanding that you can kayak in this area as well.

Rigden Reservoir in the north, feels more developed. My experience there was like walking around a totally man-made lake. Many bodies of water in this area are man-made or at least, man-adjusted, but this just really feels it. There aren’t many trees and most of the coast of the reservoir is made up of regularly sized stones. That all being said, I do appreciate this area for some other reasons. It was the first time that I heard the twinkling sound of frozen waves lapping on the shore. And many birds make use of this area.

Finally, there is a historic Strauss cabin between the river and the reservoir here. Unfortunately, the ruins of the cabin have suffered from a fire and vandalism. But the site still serves as a place of historic significance among the hiking in Fort Collins. It’s a reminder of the changes and struggles of people who have moved across the landscape of Colorado and made this land their home.

Need to Know Information

Land manager: City of Fort Collins

Entrance fee: None

Bathroom available at trailhead: There is one bathroom available at Arapaho Bend, but not at the Rigden Reservoir or at the trailhead near the bus depot.

4WD needed to access: No

Food in Fort Collins

Ace Gillets

The first place that we ever went out to dinner in FOCO was Ace Gilletts, and I have remained a huge fan ever since. That night, we had walked through the cold of February to see Old Town and search for food. We had stopped by at least 2-3 different restaurants and had been turned away. After a long day of interviewing and travel, we were exhausted, but hoping to find something good to celebrate our foray into Colorado and a possible future here.

Luckily, we saw a sign for Ace Gilletts and we were super jazzed by their speakeasy vibe. The ambience in this little basement restaurant is very nice. It’s a little dark and moody, with walls of books and records, a beautiful bar, a piano and fireplace with couches. Almost anywhere you sit is a nice spot.

On top of this, I really enjoy their cocktail menu. They have some really creative options, and every one that I have had is high quality and good. Ace Gilletts has a great bar team. Their food is also very tasty. It is a bit on the expensive side, but I have a particular love for their steak and tots. Sounds a little like a strange combo, but they have some elevated tater tots that are super flavorful and have that perfect crisp. Likewise, their sliced steak is always cooked to perfection.

The only thing I haven’t fully enjoyed here is there dessert. It isn’t that they aren’t good, but they just seem to lack the inspiration that their drinks and entrees have. Something to consider if you are looking for a dinner where dessert is the star.

If you are looking for a nice night out, check out Ace Gilletts. It remains one of my favorite spots.

Address: 239 S College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524

Chopstickers

I love Chinese dumplings. Love. Them.

So, naturally, I was very excited to learn about Chopstickers when I moved to FOCO, and I wasn’t disappointed. Yes, this is a humble restaurant, but everything that I have had here is so good. For an affordable, tasty meal, this is a great place to go.

There really isn’t more to say about this place. If you like dumplings, you’ve got to give this spot a try.

Address: 1335 W Elizabeth St Suite 135, Fort Collins, CO 80521

Momo Lolo Coffee Shop

I don’t drink coffee, but I am a huge fan of tea – particularly chai and matcha. One of the greatest things about the food scene in FOCO is that there are SO many amazing coffee and tea shops. Momo Lolo Coffee Shop near Colorado State University (and Chopstickers) is one of my favorite spots. They’ve got a really nice atmosphere, and a somewhat unique menu for the area.

Of course, they have the standard coffees and chais (which is common in FOCO), but they also have a really nice seasonal menu of tasty drinks. After spending a week in Portland drinking lavender matchas, I was overjoyed to find that Momo Lolo had this on their summer menu. On top of it, they have really nice baked goods and snacks that include gluten free options.

If you are exploring coffee options in Fort Collins, give Momo Lolo a try. They have great food, friendly staff, and a very bright, warm location to linger and enjoy your drink.

Address: 1129 W Elizabeth St, Fort Collins, CO 80521

Old Elk

Old Elk is a nice distillery in Old Town FOCO that focuses on bourbon whiskey. Full disclosure, I have had two things here – dessert and drinks. I haven’t had a full meal at Old Elk. But I really enjoy the atmosphere here, and it isn’t massively overcrowded. I have also enjoyed everything that I’ve had there.

If you are someone who really appreciates bourbon, I’d highly suggest giving this place a look. As well, it is a great spot for a more expensive date night dinner.

Address: 253 Linden St, Fort Collins, CO 80524

Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant

If you are from anywhere in the Southwest, you will know that finding good Mexican food in FOCO is not the easiest thing to do. (I’ve only found one really good spot so far). When we first got here, we got word through various sources that Rio Grande Mexican was a great place to go.

Our first attempt to go there was a failure; we couldn’t get in. Many spots in Old Town get very crowded (to our surprise), especially on Friday and weekend nights. So, we snagged a reservation in order to go and give it a try.

Sadly, we found this spot, while beautiful, to be a bit disappointing. They specialize in margaritas, but ours lacked the vibrancy of inspired Mexican cocktails. And the food was what I would consider pretty standard American-Mexican. Again, there was just a lack of inspiration and spice to the food, for which I feel Mexican food is most known.

Due to how busy this spot is, and the lackluster comida we don’t plan on going back. And frankly, if you aren’t in FOCO for long, I would give this location a skip.

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