Fort Collins, CO

Fort Collins is a mid-sized city in northern Colorado, situated in Larimer County at the foothills of the Front Range where the high plains meet the Rocky Mountains. With a population of approximately 170,000, it is the fourth-largest city in the state and serves as a regional hub for northern Colorado, anchored by Colorado State University. The city is widely known for its lively craft beer scene, its well-preserved historic downtown, and its easy access to outdoor recreation in the surrounding mountains and reservoirs. Fort Collins sits about 65 miles north of Denver, roughly an hour's drive up Interstate 25, making it both a destination in its own right and a natural base for travelers exploring northern Colorado.

One of the area's most popular outdoor destinations is Horsetooth Reservoir, a large body of water tucked into the foothills just west of the city. Created by Horsetooth Dam, the reservoir offers boating, paddleboarding, swimming, and fishing, and is surrounded by miles of trails used for hiking and mountain biking. The drive from central Fort Collins to the main reservoir access points takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes, making it a favorite for both locals and visitors.

Just beyond Horsetooth Reservoir lies Lory State Park, a quieter alternative to the busier reservoir with rolling hills, pine forests, and several trailheads leading into the foothills. The park is a popular spot for hiking, horseback riding, and camping, and it sits only about 25 minutes from downtown Fort Collins.

To the northwest, the Cache la Poudre River flows out of the mountains and through the northern edge of the city. Designated as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, it is the first river in Colorado to receive that distinction and is known for its fly fishing, tubing, and whitewater rafting sections. Several put-in points are within a 20- to 40-minute drive of Fort Collins, depending on how far upriver travelers wish to go.

The crown jewel of the region, however, is Rocky Mountain National Park, which lies about an hour and a half west of Fort Collins via the mountain town of Estes Park. The park's Trail Ridge Road, alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife draw visitors from around the world, and many travelers choose Fort Collins as an affordable, amenity-rich alternative to staying in Estes Park itself.

Fort Collins makes a compelling base for a short-term rental thanks to this combination of small-city comfort and big-outdoor access. Guests can spend mornings hiking foothill trails, afternoons wandering Old Town's restored brick storefronts and breweries, and evenings sampling the city's food scene, all while using the city as a launching point for day trips into Rocky Mountain National Park and the surrounding wilderness.