Arthur’s Rock 🪨 Double Loop - Lory State Park

I scheduled this hike last year and it was such a windy day, that we adjusted the hike and didn’t get to do this one. Right now the winds look really light on Monday, so let’s give it another try.

Difficulty: about 10 miles with about 2,200 to 2,350 feet elevation gain. This is a self-made trail so mileage and elevation gain are estimated.

This will be a group hike, which means the group may split up due to different speeds, but everyone will wait at all trail junctions so we can regroup and no one gets left too far behind hiking on their own for safety reasons. Plan on a moderate pace of about 2.5 mph moving speed.

FEE: If you do not have an annual Colorado state parks pass, there is a $10 fee for a day pass.

HIKE DESCRIPTION: Arthur's Rock is a formation of pegmatite granite that bulges out of the rolling foothills on Colorado's Front Range. The Arthurs Rock hike ascends to panoramic views of Fort Collins and Horsetooth Reservoir, the Front Range to Pike’s Peak, and the wide expanse of the Great Plains beyond. At Arthur’s Rock, we can ascend a short and easy 50-foot scramble to soak in the best views. See my self-made hike in AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-march-11-2025-0966289?u=i&sh=ittjkn

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS: We will meet at the Eltuck Group Picnic Area. To get there, you can click on the following alltrails link and click directions: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/well-gulch-natural-trail
Look for my blue Subaru Outback. If you use Google maps you can type in “Eltuck Group Picnic Area” for directions. If you use Apple Maps, you can type in “Well Gulch Nature Trail” for directions. Or here is a link to the Lory State Park website which may be helpful: https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/lory-state-park. If you look at the park brochure at this link, we are meeting at the South Eltuck Event Facility on the map, which is right near Horsetooth Reservoir.

DOGS ALLOWED IF FOLLOW PARK RULES: Please be sure your dog is well behaved and can handle the length of the walk. Per park rules: “Keep all pets on a maximum six-foot leash at all times to avoid accidents with wildlife, vehicles and other visitors. While in the park, help keep the environment clean and safe for wildlife and other park visitors by properly disposing of your pet’s waste in appropriate receptacles.”

IMPORTANT: This is a participate at your own risk event! Life is risky. I am not a professional guide and am simply hosting this event. By signing up for this hike you acknowledge that you are capable of performing this hike and that you are solely responsible for your own safety.

NO SHOWS: If you are a no-show to 2 hikes, you will be booted from this meetup group. So please change your RSVP to “not going” if you are unable to make it.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING: Water, snacks, layers of clothing, good hiking shoes/boots, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, gloves, and anything else you deem essential. PLEASE ALSO BRING MICROSPIKES IN CASE WE NEED THEM.

WEATHER: Here is the NOAA forecast for the hike location. For hourly temps, wind, precipitation, etc., click “Hourly Weather Forecast” in the upper right. https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=40.5866785&lon=-105.1843306

REQUIRED WAIVER: If you have not already done so, you must sign the updated waiver with our new meetup name prior to this hike. I will have copies at the trailhead that you can sign or you may print, sign, and bring it with you from the following website: https://www.dropbox.com/s/p728z28jjuwdzws/Waiver%20Corona.pdf?dl=0
If you choose to sign at the trailhead, please arrive early so that we can depart for the hike timely.