Trails that start close to home offer some of Colorado’s best wilderness workouts
There are roughly 40,000 miles of trails to explore in Colorado. As a trail runner, this state is an all-you-can-eat buffet. But as someone who doesn’t live deep in the mountains, I don’t always want to do a winding canyon drive or an Interstate 70 trek to check challenging miles off my to-do list. Luckily, there are plenty of options on the Front Range.
There are many different definitions of Colorado’s Front Range. Some stretch as far as Casper, Wyoming, and others include fourteeners like Longs Peak and Pikes Peak. But for the sake of this article, I’m focusing on the foothills corridor between Fort Collins and Colorado Springs. So, let’s work our way down Interstate 25 and explore the trails that are perfect for an after-work adventure or a Saturday morning long run.
Horsetooth Rock Trail, Fort Collins
This roughly 5-mile loop is located west of Fort Collins. You’ll experience rocky switchbacks and pockets of ponderosa pine before reaching panoramic views above Horsetooth Reservoir. With more than 1,400 feet of elevation gain, it’s challenging, but as long as you go at your own pace, it’s accessible for all levels of trail runners.
“Shawn’s Loop,” Boulder
You caught me. This is not an official name or loop. Shawn’s Loop was created back in 2022 by speedster and friend Shawn Murdzek…