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Fort Collins, CO

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Fort Collins, Colorado, offers a blend of outdoor adventures, vibrant culture, and year-round activities. The best time to visit largely depends on your interests, as each season brings something unique.

Winter (November–February) is ideal for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, with nearby resorts such as Breckenridge and Loveland offering top-tier slopes from October to May. January and February are particularly great for snow sports due to optimal snowfall. Winter visitors can also enjoy festive events like the Fort Collins Christmas Lights, which brighten the city from November to mid-February.

Spring and summer (March–August) offer perfect conditions for hiking, kayaking, and scenic drives. Popular activities include kayaking on Colorado’s rivers and hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. Summer visitors can also experience the lively Colorado Shakespeare Festival or catch the 4th of July Parade and fireworks. The city’s craft beer scene is especially vibrant during this time, with seasonal brews at renowned breweries.

Fall (September–October) in Fort Collins is known for stunning fall foliage and cooler temperatures, making it an excellent time for leaf-peeping in places like Poudre Canyon. You can also witness the Colorado Fall Colors and enjoy local festivals like Tour de Fat or the Windsor Harvest Festival.

22 things to do in Fort Collins, CO

Fire Rainbows

late March–September Nature

A curious optical phenomenon occurs quite rarely and only in special locations. If you are in the right time and in the right place, just look up to the sky

Colorado Shakespeare Festival

June 8-August 11, 2024 Event

One of the oldest and most atmospheric theater events in Colorado

The Colorado Marathon

May 5, 2024 Event

Enjoy the iconic Colorado views during this scenic long-distance race in Fort Collins

Kayaking

May–September Activity

Colorado whitewater rivers and crystal clear lakes with beautiful surroundings are perfect for adrenaline rides and peaceful puddling

Greeley Stampede

June 26–July 7, 2024 Event

Wild West 4th of July experience is not complete without a visit to a rodeo, especially if it's one of the largest in the world

Colorado Fall Colors

mid-September–mid-November Nature

Discover gorgeous spots throughout the state to celebrate fall

Hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park

June–September Activity

View a spectacular alpine scenery and amazing wildlife in one of the most popular U.S national parks

Fishing

all year round Activity

Fly-fishers, ice-fishers and rod-and-reelers can find many great spots in Colorado

Mount Evans Scenic Byway

late May–early September Activity

Take a scenic ride on the highest paved road in North America

Trail Ridge Road

June–October (check updates) Activity

The so-called 'highway to the sky' is a kind of true inspiration

Bear Lake Road

late May–September (all year round) Activity

A beautiful drive through Rocky Mountain National Park

Old Fall River Road

early July–September Activity

A historic high mountain road in Rocky Mountain National Park

Twin Sisters Hike

May–October Activity

An outstanding trail in the Rocky Mountains

Skiing and Snowboarding near Fort Collins, CO

October–May | January-February Activity

Discover the world-class ski resorts of Northern Colorado

Monarch Butterfly Migration

March–May | September–October Nature

Watch the annual butterfly spectacle as tiny creatures fill the sky with colors

Hummingbird Migration

late April–early September Nature

For nearly five months, Colorado hosts thousands of wee birds on the move

Wildflowers

April–August Nature

From columbine to bluebells, the Rockies are blanketed with blooms every spring and summer

Sunflowers

June–August Nature

Yellow wildflowers create amazing vibrant displays across the mountains and deserts

Indian Paintbrush

May–July Nature

Stunning red flowers add brilliant accents to Colorado landscapes

Fort Collins Christmas Lights

early November–mid-February Event

Northern Colorado is a perfect getaway for a holiday trip

Fort Collins 4th of July Parade, Fireworks & Events

July 4 Event

Choose from a bunch of activities at this patriotic event

Windsor Harvest Festival

August 31-September 2, 2024 Event

Windsor's largest and longest-running event

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