What's the best day trip to the mountains from Fort Collins?

Rocky Mountain National Park is far an away one of the best. It is less than an hour away in Estes Park Straight West of Loveland up US 34. It is a very scenic drive. There are great areas to drive and look, as well as short or long hikes. Stop by the Visitor's Center on the left just before you enter the town of Estes and pick up a trail guide or a map.

Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park is always a great place to go. There is a lot to do and see. During the summer months Trail Ridge is open through the park and you can drive over to Grand Lake. The town of Grand Lake is an old mining town with many original log buildings and gift shops. Another favorite drive is going up the Cache la Poudre River Canyon. The Cache la Poudre is a wild and Scenic river. There are a lot of hiking opportunities as well. You can drive all the way up to Cameron pass and then cross into Jackson County. Keep following Hwy 14 into Jackson and you will be in North Park. This is home to Colorado State Forest. There is a well developed area around Michigan Lake for fishing and camping. Don't miss the State Forest visitors center. This is a great place to find out about the forest and what it has to offer. It is also a very good place to see Moose as you drive along the highway. If you continue on you will reach Walden, a small mountain town that is the center of all the outdoor activity Jackson county has to offer.