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Fort Collins Recreation
Located right next to the foothills of the Rockies, Fort Collins
has no shortage of recreational activities available. Outdoors
recreation, an effervescent nightlife scene, varied cultural
attractions and tons of fun for the whole family can be found around
this casual and comfortable city. Bicycling, fishing, hiking, golfing,
kayaking, horse back riding, hot air ballooning, swimming, whitewater
rafting and winter activities are just some of the many opportunities
for fun and adventure in Fort Collins.
Fort Collins Golfing
There are three public golf courses in Fort Collins.
Beginners will enjoy the nine-hole City Park Golf Course. The
Collindale and South Ridge golf courses offer more challenging 18-hole
links. A private course, the Fort Collins Country Club, offers 36 holes
in beautiful surroundings, as well as superb cuisine. The Marion Butte
Golf Club and Red Feather Lakes in the mountains are two more outstanding courses in the area.
Outdoor Adventures and Tours
There
are many hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking opportunities to
be found in the hills west of the city. Adventure outfitters New World
Sports in Fort Collins
offer bike rentals, guided tours and mountain bike lessons. The North
Front Range Bicycling Coalition provides information and trail maps,
charity rides and mountain bike patrols along the trails. For horseback
rides, Red Feather Guides and Outfitters offer hourly rides and family
pack trips. Private stream fishing is also available. The Sylvan Dale
Guest Ranch also provides an excellent family vacation at their
historic ranch and conference center. Trail rides, cattle drives,
hiking, bird watching and fly-fishing are all available. Two local
companies also provide hot air balloon rides for those wanting
something more adventurous.
Speaking of adventure, Fort Collins has some of the best white water rafting opportunities in Colorado. The Cache La Poudre
is the state’s only “Wild and Scenic” river, and it offers some amazing
thrills and scenery through a spectacular canyon. Several local
outfitters provided full and half day guided trips. Kayaking and
fishing can also be done on the renowned Cache La Poudre River.
Cool off in the Summertime
When
the summertime heat starts to get to you, the City Park Pool just might
be the place to go. This outdoor pool also features a lazy river, water
slides, paddleboat rentals and a wading pool. The Mulberry Pool also
has a diving pool. Another way to cool off is to stop by the Edora Pool Ice Center, which features an indoor pool and two ice skating rinks. Hockey and figure skating are both available and the Edora Pool Center.
When it comes to water activities, no place around Fort Collins may be better than Carter Lake. This 1,100-acre reservoir in the foothills west of Loveland is designed to provide drinking and irrigation water to the East Slope of the Rocky Mountain
region, but it also serves as a fantastic place for outdoor recreation.
Fishing, sailing, rock climbing, water skiing, swimming and scuba
diving can all be done at Carter Lake. The reservoir is open for activities year around.
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