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A
4.6 ★★★★★ 77 Google reviews · Running trail in Fort Collins, Colorado · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from A's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Faded paint on the side of a mountain with trails leading to city views.
What runners say about A
“Nice easy hike and a great view of Fort Collins and Horsetooth Reservoir.”
A lot of people reviewing this don't get why this A exists. It started as a CSU tradition, but it is now required to stay on the hill by the Federal Aviation Administration. So no they will not "wash it off". Great small hike to reach it, enjoyable.
A super fun hike up to the top, good views of both Fort Collins and Horsetooth. A little muddy this time of year, so they close the trails sometimes so make sure they are open before you get on them.
yep, a BIG A. Nice easy hike and a great view of Fort Collins and Horsetooth Reservoir.
The A is a great place for friends and family to have a nice hike and have a rewarding view at the top. Plus, the hike is not too far and is a great place to have a good run. For example, the middle school The Blevins Bruins cross country team meets there after the end of every cross country season.
Trail conditions & character
“The A is a great place for friends and family to have a nice hike and have a rewarding view at the top.”
“A little muddy this time of year, so they close the trails sometimes so make sure they are open before you get on them.”
“The only reason I didn't give 5 stars is because I'd like them to use environmentally friendly paint or LED lights.”
Plan your run at A
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- Websiteweb.archive.org
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Fort Collins
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Maxwell Natural Area
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Rotary Park
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Pineridge Natural Area
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Cottonwood Glen Park
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Public park with a playground, basketball and pickleball courts, picnic areas, trails, and a baseball field.
Spring Canyon Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,850 reviews
Big, grassy park with athletic facilities, a unique ADA playground, a mountain biking course & more.