Located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains around 60 miles north of Denver, Fort Collins is a vibrant city known for its craft beer, bike-friendly streets, and lively state university. You’ll find all the boutique shops, restaurants, galleries, and breweries you need in Old Town, considered one of the most walkable downtowns in the country. Murals cover the brick buildings here, showcasing local artists, while live music drifts from bars, cafes, and street corners. Fort Collins sits in the shadow of Horsetooth Mountain, so named for its gap-toothed summit. This riot of rocky open space (more than 2,700 acres) includes a waterfall, reservoir, and more than enough hiking and biking trails to keep you huffing thin mountain air for weeks. In summer, the clear waters of the Cache la Poudre River, which is the state’s only Wild and Scenic River, are great for tubing, fly fishing, and whitewater rafting.

With around 300 days of sunshine each year, there really is no wrong time to stay in one of the vacation rentals in Fort Collins. Summers in northern Colorado tend to be warm but pleasant, making it the perfect time to enjoy many outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or whitewater rafting. As winter rolls around, expect to see Old Town Square transformed with twinkling lights, a pop-up ice skating rink, and holiday decor along the streets and inside the windows of the shops. No matter when you make the trip, come prepared with multiple layers of clothing, especially as the temperatures start to drop during fall and winter.

Festivals and events are held all year long. In March, the Great Plates Festival celebrates local restaurants and raises money for charity. The Taste of Fort Collins is a two-day family-friendly food and music festival held in June, and FORToberfest is an October celebration with live music and local craft beer.

Horsetooth Reservoir

On hot summer days, most everyone in Fort Collins finds their way to the 6.5-mile-long Horsetooth Reservoir to take part in one water-related activity or another. Boating, jet skiing, and kayaking are popular on the calm waters. The reservoir is also a great spot for hooking walleye and bass from shore or boat.

Fort Collins Museum of Discovery

The Fort Collins Museum of Discovery showcases a unique collection of interactive displays, including musical instruments, a fossil wall, and an opportunity to build your own model spacecraft. The museum is home to the only 360-degree dome theatre in northern Colorado, which often showcases educational programs and live entertainment.

Lory State Park

Located on the western side of Horsetooth Reservoir about 20 minutes’ drive from Fort Collins, Lory State Park is known for its extensive network — around 26 miles — of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. The trails, which vary in difficulty level, lead you past waterfalls through grasslands and forested areas and provide an excellent opportunity to get to see some of the area’s natural wildlife.