Mason Trail

Fort Collins is an urban city surrounded by gorgeous Colorado scenery, making it a wonderful retreat. This city has plenty of trails to explore around the town, but one of the more popular is Mason Trail, an inner-city path that travels from the southern portion of the city to the north. The trail itself is completely paved, with a consistent 6-foot width along the path.

When you head out to start on the trail with your pup, you'll have to park at the dead-end cul-de-sac of Conejos Road, where there is parking on the road for the trail. There are no amenities at this parking area, but getting started along the trail is easy and begins to travel north right away, where you and Fido will enjoy a relaxing walk through some quiet neighborhoods.

The trail eventually passes through downtown Fort Collins, where you and Fido can see some of the larger buildings and busier retail center. After passing over a couple of streets, the trail turns back into moderate seclusion, where small grasslands follow the trail, with sights of creeks, canals, and ponds throughout the grasslands. About 3.5 miles into the trail, there's an entrance to Creekside Park, where you and Fido can enjoy a small place to relax and rest under shade, or continue your walk until you meet the end. The trail ends at The Oval open area of Colorado State University.

There is no parking at this end of the trail, and will stop at a road crossing, with train tracks to the east of the trail. Heading back along the trail is easy, and the short walk will bring you back to your car, giving you and your pup another chance to see the pretty urban views of the city, along with some open spaces that will be fun to play in and explore.