Greyrock Mountain

The Greyrock Mountain Trail is among the most pawpular day hikes in the Fort Collins area. The trailhead is about 25 miles west of the city on Colorado Hwy 14 in Poudre Canyon. With only 35 parking spots, expect the lot to fill early on sunny weekends. Assuming you nab a spot, your wolf pack can conquer Greyrock in a challenging half-day journey. 

The trail climbs an open hillside. Due to dramatic wildfires in recent years, little tree-cover is available here and bringing sunscreen is recommended. The peak elevation is 7,480 feet, so dramatic weather might accompany the dramatic views.

Lazy lapdogs might want to skip this strenuous climb up Greyrock Mountain, but athletic pups will love the adventure. The trail climbs over 2,000 feet in just 3 miles, parts of which are on exposed granite. A longer, more gradual ascent (or descent) is possible via the Greyrock Meadows spur trail. Though it adds more than a mile to your hike in each direction, the Meadows spur can make your climb more manageable for short-legged friends. Plus, this side trip provides furrific views of the entire rock unavailable from the direct main trail. It rejoins the Greyrock Trail again below the summit.

Moderate scrambling may be required to reach the top, and tender paws shouldn't attempt the summit. Vest harnesses are advisable, as they'll make it easier if Fido or Fifi needs a hand on the rocks. The trail here is marked with rock cairns; follow them carefully, as it can be easy to wander off the trail at this point. If you make it, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views over the canyon, city, and into the northern Rocky Mountain National Park. Just think of the dog pics you'll take!

If you took the Meadows spur on the ascent, the main Greyrock Mountain Trail will give you a fast-track back to the trailhead. You'll find vault toilets there if a different kind of nature is calling, and there are lovely roadside picnic spots along Hwy 14.