Near Maxwell Natural Area Ridge
Foothills Trail & Horsetooth
Near Maxwell Natural Area Ridge
Horsetooth Reservoir, Fort Collins, CO

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Hike Route

Maxwell Natural Area Ridge

4.0 (10 Ratings)
A popular local hike with wonderful views of Fort Collins to the east and mountains to the west,
3.9
mi
Distance
627
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingViewsWildflowersWildlife

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
3.88mi
Distance
627ft
Elevation Gain
627ft
Elevation Loss
55%
Max Grade
5,765ft
High Point
5,127ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
From Banyan Drive, hike west on the Foothills Connector out of the neighborhood north of Hughes Stadium. You'll soon arrive at a junction with Foothills Trail which continues west through the grassland and mahogany shrubland climbing towards a saddle in the hills just north of the 'A'. After you climb to the saddle in the hills, the trail dips into a meadow before turning south and climbing up to the ridgeline above the 'A'.This trail begins on flat, easy ground with few obstacles before climbing the hillside and passing through some more technical rocky sections. The views of the front range come when you reach the ridgeline above the 'A'.Enjoy the views both from the top and on your descent. This is a great local option for any day in the Fort Collins Area.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
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Contributors
Nicholas Shannon