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A Brief Guide to Outdoor Things to Do in Northern Colorado

July 2, 2026

If you're considering a move to Northern Colorado, you're in for a treat! This region offers a bustling lifestyle filled with exciting outdoor activities, perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Convenient to Fort Collins, Wellington, and more, outdoor adventures are right around the corner. 

As an employee-owned company that has been a part of the area for over 55 years, Baessler Homes loves creating new home communities where you can enjoy the best of what Colorado has to offer. 

Whether you're a hiking enthusiast, a water sports lover, or simply enjoy spending time in nature, Northern Colorado has something for everyone. Let's dive into some of the top outdoor activities you can look forward to in this beautiful area.

What Are The Best Outdoor Activities in N. Colorado During the Warmer Months?

Hikes

With its stunning landscapes and diverse trails, hiking in Colorado is a must-do for residents and visitors. It may even be one of the top reasons people move here. Offering a variety of trails that cater to all skill levels, here are three hikes you have to try.

• Horsetooth Rock and Horsetooth Falls: This popular trail offers panoramic views of Fort Collins and the Front Range. It's a moderate hike with three routes to choose from ranging from 3 to 6.4 miles, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced hikers.
• Grey Rock Trail: Prefer more of a challenge? Located in the Poudre Canyon, this trail is one of the most popular but also tougher hikes. However, it rewards hikers with spectacular views of the Poudre Canyon and Rocky Mountain Range. The trail has a ton of elevation gain and is very rocky, so ankle-supporting shoes are a must.
• Coyote Ridge Trail: For those looking for a shorter, more accessible hike, Coyote Ridge offers 4.2 miles with stunning views of the Front Range and plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife. Mountain bike, horseback ride or simply walk, the choice is yours.

Parks

Some of the best parks in Colorado are in the northern part, offering a range of activities from picnicking to wildlife viewing.

• Lory State Park: Nestled in the foothills west of Fort Collins, Lory State Park offers a variety of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. If camping is more your thing, it's a great spot for a family picnic or a day of exploring.
• Boyd Lake State Park: Boyd Lake spans 1,700 acres with plenty of water and land activities including jet skiing, fishing, hunting, biking, and much more. There’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy, whether a day on the water or a night gazing up at the stars.
• Rocky Mountain National Park: Just a short drive from Northern Colorado, this iconic park is a must-visit. With over 300 miles of hiking trails, stunning mountain views, and abundant wildlife, it's an outdoor enthusiast's dream.

Recreation on the Water

The water is where you want to be to cool off during the warmer months. Living in Northern Colorado allows you to enjoy fun on land and in the water.

• Horsetooth Reservoir: The Horsetooth Reservoir is a major hub for water activities in Colorado. It's a popular destination for boating, water skiing, fishing, and paddleboarding. The 6.5-mile-long reservoir is a great place to spend a sunny day. Plus, it’s surrounded by trails, offering beautiful views of the water and surrounding landscape.
• Cache la Poudre River: Known for its excellent whitewater rafting, the Cache la Poudre River offers exciting adventures for thrill-seekers. There are also more relaxed sections of the river perfect for tubing and fishing.

Browse Our Communities of New Construction Homes!

At Baessler Homes, we believe in creating communities that offer more than just homes. Our homes are located in areas that provide easy access to fun things to do in Northern Colorado, including all these fantastic outdoor activities, making it easy for you to enjoy the Colorado lifestyle. We currently have a variety of new construction homes available in Evans, Johnstown, and Fort Lupton.

Liberty Draw

Located in West Evans, Colorado, Liberty Draw is a vibrant master-planned community offering a range of floor plans. Featuring townhomes and single-family homes, we have three series of plans and several quick move-in homes available to ensure you have many choices to suit your needs. 

This community is perfect for families looking for a mix of comfort and style, with easy access to local shopping, parks, and major highways. Liberty Draw is also just an hour's drive from Denver, Fort Collins, Boulder, and Longmont, providing both suburban tranquility and urban amenities.

Union Colony West 

Located in West Greeley, Colorado, Union Colony West is a thoughtfully designed single-family home community offering the perfect blend of convenience and comfort. Situated just off Highway 34 near Business 10th Street, residents enjoy easy access to Northern Colorado's major destinations. Every home includes backyard landscaping and fencing, making it truly move-in ready from day one.

Ideal for families, Union Colony West is located within the Windsor School District and offers nearby parks, walking trails, and open spaces to enjoy. With just a 30-minute drive to Fort Collins and only 15 minutes from shopping, dining, and entertainment in Johnstown, you'll enjoy a peaceful neighborhood without sacrificing convenience.

Granary

Granary in Johnstown, Colorado, is a picturesque new home community that combines small-town charm with convenient access to Northern Colorado's growing cities. Featuring single-family homes from our Dream Series, these thoughtfully designed floor plans offer up to 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and 1,730 square feet, maximizing every inch of space with stylish, attainable living.

Residents enjoy scenic walking trails, a nearby community pool, and easy access to downtown Johnstown, Ledge Rock Center, and I-25, making commuting, shopping, dining, and everyday errands simple. Whether you're buying your first home or looking for the perfect place to put down roots, Granary offers a welcoming neighborhood in one of Northern Colorado's fastest-growing communities.

If you’re looking for a new home, right now is the best time to check out our homes for sale in Northern Colorado. 

Currently, we're offering Summer Savings for a locked-in interest rate of 4.99% or a 3.75% initial rate fixed for the first 5 years through an FHA 5/1 Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM), (or up to $20,000 in closing costs) on select quick move-in homes that can close by August 31, 2026. This is a great opportunity to find your dream home and start enjoying the incredible outdoor activities in Northern Colorado. Learn more and find which homes qualify here!