Hike the North Loop via Foothills Trail

Despite its singular name, the Foothills Trail in Fort Collins is an interconnected series of trails that follows the ridges and hogsbacks which comprise the majority of the eastern side of the Horsetooth Reservoir. The trail can be accessed at several points along its length (by trails also called "Foothills Trail") but its northernmost access point begins at the Reservoir Ridge Natural area and makes for an excellent hike, run or mountain bike trip that ends in breathtaking views of the Reservoir and the Front Rage of the Rocky Mountains including Arthur's Rock in Lory State Park and the Bellvue Dome to the north.  

The northern trailhead begins where Headwater Drive meets N. Overland Trail. There is a clear parking area with bathrooms and a posted map. Follow the flat trail 1.5 miles towards the ridgeline where it then begins to climb.

After approximately .8 miles the trail will reach an intersection with the North Loop Trail. Either direction can be taken for a 1.5 mile loop back to the intersection, or for longer journeys, you can follow the Foothill Trail south into the Maxwell and Pine Ridge natural areas.

As a fun detour there is a use trail northeast of the highpoint of the ridge that can be taken to gain the summit. There is a Colorado Geological Survey marker at the top.

Note: in the winter and after heavy rains, the trails can be snowy, icy, and/or muddy.