Recuperating in Loveland / Fort Collins
In addition to exploring the area, our goal for this stop is to recuperate from being in Rocky Mountain National Park. After averaging 7.5-miles a day for over two weeks our bodies need the down time. We also need to catch up on chores like laundry and shopping.
Boyd Lake State Park
Known as a water-sports haven, the lake is currently so low that only non-motorized watercraft are allowed.
However, the paved multi-use trail running along the western edge of the lake is fully accessible and very much in use. The trail connects to many other paved trails in the area and using these paths you can go from Loveland all the way to Fort Collins and anywhere in between.
Cottonwood Campground
Located on the western edge of Boyd Lake with direct access to the multi-use path this campground is just a few miles north of Loveland and is perfectly positioned for easy access to everything while still providing a quiet and relaxing camping experience. It also provides an incredible western view of the Rocky Mountains where we just came from.
Sunsets
Horsetooth Reservoir
Heading northwest to Horsetooth Reservoir and Lory State Park. This ~6.5-mile reservoir provides abundant opportunities for water sports throughout the year. It’s also known for its rock-climbing opportunities.
On our way to Lory State Park we stop at an overlook high above Horsetooth Reservoir to get the birds eye view.
Lory State Park
We begin our visit to Lory State Park with a stop in the Ranger Station to get a recommendation on the best trail for our requirements. The Ranger on staff listens to what we’re looking for and recommends the Arthur’s Rock Overlook Trail.
Arthur’s Rock Overlook Trail
We intend to eat our picnic lunch right after the hike so we choose to begin the trail at the Homestead Picnic Area vs the Arthurs’s Rock Trailhead. Given it’s a loop, this is an easy change to make and doesn’t add any difficulty to the trail. Heading up into the hills, the trail provides incredible views of the Horsetooth Reservoir and the surrounding landscape.
After our picnic lunch, we head east to Fort Collins for a quick stop in Costco and then south to downtown Loveland for an afternoon snack at Josh & John’s Ice Cream. We heard that the ice cream here rivals what we experienced at Pines & Cones in Estes Park. It’s good but in my opinion doesn’t come close to the flavor & quality we found at Pines & Cones.
The next few days is a mix of chores and campground walks for exercise.
From here we leave Colorado for a few weeks to head east and have some work done on the rig in both Iowa and Indiana.
Next Colorado stop is… Historic Sites in SE Colorado
