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Colorado
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Colorado State Parks

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USA Parks
Colorado
North & Denver Region
Lory State Park
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Lory State Park Path © Stephen Roberts
A closeup of the path at Lory State Park.
Lory State Park Tree Passage © Stephen Roberts
A pathway surroundned by trees near Arthurs Rock.
Lory State Park Deer © Stephen Roberts
A group of deer near the road.
Lory State Park Valley © Stephen Roberts
A large valley in Lory State Park.
Lory State Park Arthurs Rock © Stephen Roberts
Arthurs Rock in the afternoon.
Lory State Park Web © Stephen Roberts
One of a handful of small webs found in some bushes.
Lory State Park Flowers © Stephen Roberts
Some small flowers near the path at Lory State Park.
Lory State Park Bush at Sunset © Stephen Roberts
A bush in the early evening at Lory State Park December
Lory State Park Trail in Snow © Stephen Roberts
Late afternoon in Lory State Park December
Lory State Park Arthurs Rock © Stephen Roberts
Arthurs Rock in Lory State Park December
Lory State Park Sun Above Mountain © Stephen Roberts
Early afternoon in Lory State Park December
Lory State Park Sunset © Stephen Roberts
Evening at Lory State Park December
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LORY STATE PARK
LORY STATE PARK
708 Lodgepole Drive
Bellvue, Colorado   80512

Phone: 303-493-1623
Reservations: 303-493-1623
Email: park email button icon
Hit the trail at Lory State Park and enjoy mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding amid some fabulous foothills scenery just minutes from Fort Collins and adjacent to Horsetooth Reservoir.

From rolling valleys to mountainous hillsides, Lory State Park's 20 miles of trails rarely exceed a 12 percent grade. The variety of trails is great for short or long hikes, mountain bike rides, horseback rides and jogs. Backcountry camping is also available for visitors looking for a quiet getaway close to suburban Fort Collins .

The trails on the east side of Lory provide access to some of Horsetooth Reservoir?s bays and coves. Canoeists, kayakers, and rafters can hand-launch their crafts within a short walk from the North Eltuck Bay parking lot. Power boaters can launch their boats at the Horsetooth Dam boat ramp 2 miles away in Horsetooth Reservoir. Power boating is also available at the nearby Boyd Lake State Park. Boaters and off-highway vehicle users can now register boats, OHVs and snowmobiles at Lory State Park during visitor center business hours.
Nature of the Area
Geology at Lory

Lory encompasses 2,492 acres along the Rocky Mountain foothills in north-central Colorado. Precambrian rocks, mostly pegmatite, granodiorite, tonalite and metasedimentary rocks underlay the park and are exposed over the western two-thirds.

Exposed sedimentary formations include Pennsylvanian and Permian sedimentary rocks lying directly on Precambrian granites and schists creating a pattern along the east side of the Front Range. Stream courses have carved into the sedimentary rocks, creating steep canyons which drain mountain runoff. Sedimentary rocks are also exposed in bands parallel to the western Horsetooth Reservoir shoreline; these include the red siltstone and sandstone Santanka Formation and red calcareous sandstone of the Ingleside Formation.

Fountain Formation conglomerates and sandstones are also present in the vicinity of the reservoir. Metasedimentary rocks lie in east- to west-oriented, roughly parallel bands throughout the park. Tonalite is exposed south of Mill Creek, as is a band of Boulder Creek granodiorite. Pegmatite is exposed on the south-central park boundary. Colluvial deposits can be observed below the Fountain Formation and along Soldier Creek.

Plants at Lory

Ecologically, park uplands are dominated by montane coniferous forest, foothills shrub and grassland communities. Nearly barren rock outcrops and cliffs support lichen and moss communities. Ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, Rocky Mountain juniper and aspen are the dominant forest trees. Forest understory species include common juniper, Oregon-grape, kinnikinnik, penstemon, arnica mountain muhly, Arizona fescue and Parry oatgrass. Shrublands occupy drier slopes and openings within the montane coniferous forest community. Mountain mahogany, bitterbrush, serviceberry, ninebark, buckbrush, snowberry, common gooseberry and bitterbrush are the common shrub species.

Grasslands occupy most of the lower park elevations and are dominated by big and little bluestem, prairie sandreed, blue and side-oats grama, needle-and-thread grass, New Mexico needlegrass, Indian ricegrass and purple threeawn. A variety of riparian and wetland communities are present along drainages and on seeps and springs; some drainages support the rare wood lily.

Wildlife at Lory

Over 175 species of migratory and resident birds are known for this area, including the grassland species lark bunting, horned lark and western meadowlark, raptors, waterfowl and shorebirds attracted to the open water of adjacent Horsetooth reservoir, and park wetland and riparian habitats. Conspicuous birds include the canyon wren, yellow-breasted chat, western tanager and broad-tailed hummingbird. Mule deer, coyote, raccoon, striped skunk, Abert's squirrel, cottontail rabbit, porcupine, ground squirrel and red fox are common sights. Occasional observations of black bear, mountain lion, bobcat, elk, and white-tailed deer also occur.
History of the Area
Located in Larimer County, Colorado, the park was established in 1975. It spans over 2,492 acres of diverse terrain and wildlife habitats.

The area's history dates back to Native American tribes who used it for hunting grounds. Later on during westward expansion era around mid-19th century settlers arrived here.

In early days of settlement cattle ranching became a primary economic activity which continued until late 20th century when land conservation efforts began.

Charles A Lory (1872-1969), former president of Colorado State University is its namesake due his significant contributions towards education and agriculture development within state.

Today it offers recreational activities like hiking trails, horseback riding paths along with camping facilities attracting nature enthusiasts year round.
Passes
All Colorado State Parks have entrance fees. All vehicles are required to have an entrance pass and some parks have walk-in fees. Visit the Colorado Park Entrance Pass web page.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
CampingPrimitiveyes
Meeting Rooms
The Lory State Park Visitor Center Conference Room offers the perfect location for small business, group, or club meetings. The room can accommodate 25 people and amenities include dry erase board, overhead projector, slide projector, TV/VCR, refrigerator, sink, two coffee makers, microwave, BBQ grill, and a patio picnic area. Reservations may be made by calling 970-493-1623.
Visitors Center
The Lory State Park Visitor Center is open Mon-Fri 8-4PM and Saturday and Sunday 8-6PM. The Visitor Center also carries books, postcards and other outdoor related items for sale to support environmental education at the park. Don?t miss the dynamic interpretive exhibits and interactive nature displays.
Camping
- Backcountry camping: Lory State Park offers backcountry campsites for a more secluded and adventurous experience.

- Group Camping: Large group sites are available, perfect for family reunions or scout troops.

- Horseman's Campground: This campground is designed specifically for equestrians with horse-friendly amenities.

- Walk-in Tent Sites: These tent-only campgrounds offer privacy and easy access to hiking trails.


Location
Lory State Park is located near Fort Collins, Johnstown and Loveland

Day Use Area
Lory State Park offers fabulous scenery and seclusion for outdoor weddings. The Timber Group Facility accommodates up to 100 people and has covered tables and other rustic amenities. South Eltuck Group Facility, accommodating up to 50 people, has covered shelters and has great photographic opportunities for creating beautiful wedding memories. Soldier Canyon Group Facility offers a secluded location accommodating 100 people. Close access to the reservoir and a private stage make this an ideal location.
Picnicking
Lory State Park Group Picnic Areas

Hold your next family or group event, such as a family reunion, wedding, or company picnic at Lory State Park. Lory?s convenient location to Fort Collins makes it a quick getaway to natural surroundings with lake views and nearby hiking trails for all ability levels. Many different events have been held here, ranging from weddings to triathlons to Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day.

Timber Group Picnic Area

Timber Group Picnic Area The Timber Group Picnic Area accommodates up to 100 people. Amenities include a horseshoe pit, volleyball court, covered tables, grills, fire ring, and restrooms. The Soldier Canyon waterfall is a just a short walk from the picnic area and runs during the early spring.

South Eltuck Group Picnic Area

South Eltuck Group Picnic AreaThe South Eltuck Picnic Area, accommodating up to 50 people, has covered picnic tables, grills, horseshoe pit, restrooms, and a spectacular view of Horsetooth Reservoir. The South Eltuck area is popular for company picnics, weddings, and groups wanting easy access to the reservoir.

Soldier Canyon Group Picnic Area

Soldier Canyon Group Picnic AreaThe Soldier Canyon Group Picnic Area accommodates up to 100 people and has covered picnic tables, grills, and a stage surrounded by beautiful sandstone hogbacks. This site is popular for weddings, triathlons, and other special events.

Trails
From rolling valleys to mountainous hillsides, Lory State Park's 20 miles of trails rarely exceed a 12 percent grade. The variety of trails makes the park suitable for short or long hikes, mountain bikes, horseback riders and joggers. Safe drinking water and restroom facilities are not available on the trails. An adequate water supply should be carried and may be obtained near the park entrance.
Bicycling
Lory State Park made history in October 2006 as the first State Park in Colorado to open a dirt jump/pump track area. The area is called Corral Center Mountain Bike Park.

Whether you are young or old, a beginner or an advanced rider, Lory State Park has it all when it comes to mountain biking. The old horse corral area has been re-built and now hosts dirt jumps, a pump track and a skills area. In addition, miles and miles of trails for trail riding makes this park a great recreation destination for the whole family.

Corral Center Mountain Bike Park, designed and constructed by Lee McCormack and Steve Wentz offering 69,600 sq feet of riding excitement! The Corral Center Mountain Bike Park is open year round, except for wet and hazardous conditions. There is no additional fee to use the mountain bike area. Before riding, please read the rules rules and regulations that will be posted on site.

If you are looking for unique and fun place to host a birthday party or group gathering please contact the park office for more information.
Nature Programs
Lory State Park offers guided interpretive hikes by park staff by reservation. Call 970-493-1623 to make a reservation. Information on self-guided nature trails and associated brochures, the junior ranger program and interpretive displays are at the Visitor Center.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
August 19 This is a park for all seasons. by Cyd
park review stars; one to five Credit cards are acceptable for vehicle daily passes and annual passes. Great mt biking, hiking, horseback riding.
April 21 Great Park
park review stars; one to five Loved it found out alot about the park. The people are nice and helpful also.
December 29 Thanks anyway by Les Moore
park review stars; one to five I drove to this lovely park only to find out I could not visit it because of my lack of a credit card. Too bad.
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Area Campgrounds
Fort Collins / Lakeside KOA Holiday
1910 Lakeside Resort Lane
Fort Collins, CO
800-562-9168
Loveland RV Resort
4421 E. Hwy 34
Loveland, CO
Riverview RV Park
7806 West Highway 34
Loveland, CO
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Take U.S. 287 north from Ft. Collins through LaPorte, then turn left at the Bellvue Exit onto County Road 23N. Turn left again, go 1.4 miles and take a right on County Road 25G. Drive another 1.6 miles to the park entrance.

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Colorado
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Colorado State Parks

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