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Foothills - Maxwell Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult
 3.9 (65)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Front Range
  4. …Fort Collins
  5. Pineridge Natural Area
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“A great after work flowy/technical singletrack ride with amazing views of Horsetooth Reservoir. ”

BryanV Vernetson
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5.9

Miles

9.4

KM

70%

Singletrack

5,659' 1,725 m

High

5,193' 1,583 m

Low

658' 200 m

Up

656' 200 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

14%

Max Grade (8°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Not Allowed

This trail is rideable all year, but can close due to muddy conditions after snow.

Overview

Great short ride with flowing singletrack and some technical uphill sections. All rideable and a blast to ride after work with friends. Great views of Horsetooth Reservoir and Lory State Park across the way.

Description

Park at Maxwell Natural Area and ride north behind what is left of Hughes Stadium. You cross over the Foothills Trail and continue up through a small valley to Rotary Park past the "A". Then ride up to the overlook north of Rotary's parking lot and link up with the Shoreline trail that dips down to the reservoir and continues north.

Once you make it to the parking lot with swimming area you'll double back and head south back to the meadow at the top of the Maxwell uphill section. Head back down the way you came back to the Maxwell Natural Area parking lot.

Contacts

Local Club: Overland Mountain Bike Club

Jul 24, 2023: NoCO MTB Fest “Dawn Patrol” Pricing Ends Soon!

Jul 24, 2023: Volunteer at Tour De Fat – August 26

Jul 6, 2023: Member Camp Out at Curt Gowdy State Park July 13-16!

Land Manager: City of Fort Collins, Colorado

Shared By:

BryanV Vernetson with improvements by Derek Louis and 1 other
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  3.9 from 65 votes

#1

in Pineridge Natural Area

#294

Overall
  3.9 from 65 votes
5 Star
25%
4 Star
52%
3 Star
14%
2 Star
8%
1 Star
2%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Pineridge Natural Area

#91

in Colorado

#294

Overall
49 Views Last Month
15,284 Since Jun 28, 2013
Intermediate/Difficult
2%
2%
33%
20%
42%
2%
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Photos

Looking northwest at Horsetooth - summer 2020 during the fires.
Oct 12, 2020 near Laporte, CO
The post that separates Foothill and Maxwell trails. Go right and up the hill to Rotary Parking lot. Cross over CR23
Jun 16, 2020 near Laporte, CO
The first of a few rock stairways as you head back to Sunrise Parking lot.
Jun 16, 2020 near Laporte, CO
Head left on the re-entry to foothills trail, down hill and next to the lake all the way back.
Jun 16, 2020 near Laporte, CO
The view south from near the top of Maxwell Trail
Jul 20, 2013 near Laporte, CO
Rock garden section on the descent of Maxwell trail, small rock steps to left and right of the bike pictured.
Nov 17, 2019 near Laporte, CO

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Aug 9, 2023
Mitchell Zombek
Great after work romp sesh!
Jul 7, 2023
Zachary Horton
fun ride 5.9mi
May 21, 2023
John Needles
Jun 23, 2022
Alex Verachtert
5.9mi — 0h 56m
Jun 19, 2022
Amalia Mason
Apr 18, 2022
Jack Huun
Sep 15, 2021
Brooks
5.9mi — 56h 00m
Aug 27, 2021
Eric Newman

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