Location: Loveland
Top Things to do in Loveland
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What to do and see in Loveland, Colorado (CO): The Best Nature & Parks
The City of Loveland is the Home Rule Municipality that is the second most populous municipality in Larimer County, Colorado, United States. Loveland is situated 46 miles (74 km) north of the Colorado State Capitol in Denver. Loveland is the 14th most populous city in Colorado. The United States Census Bureau estimated that in 2014 the population of the city was 72,651. The city forms part of the Fort Collins-Loveland Metropolitan Statistical Area and the Front Range Urban Corridor. The city's public schools are part of the Thompson R2-J School District.
Restaurants in Loveland
1. Benson Park Sculpture Garden
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 603 reviews
Largest juried outdoor sculpture show in the United States, takes place each year over the second weekend in August.
Reviewed By archerymom
This is an amazing park with lovely handicap accessible access to all sculptures and eating areas. Lovelier in summer months, and home to the annual International Sculpture in the Park held on the second weekend of August, it is a wonderful destination year round to take a brisk walk or leisurely stroll around the ponds. It is indeed one of Loveland's finest parks and each year they add several amazing sculptures so there is always a surprise
2. Bobcat Ridge Natural Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
Bobcat Ridge is a great natural area for everyone!The trails are arranged in several loops which makes short and long excursions fun.The Valley Loop Trail is about 4 miles and crosses a grassy valley and goes through ponderosa pine forest. A historic cabin is about 1 mile from the trailhead and it's a great destination for families (shade, picnic table and vault toilet there) or those wanting a short hike. There are nice views and the trail to the cabin is ADA accessible grade with a firm natural surface.If you are up for a challenge, the Power Line Trail (about 1 mile) is quite steep, but you will be rewarded at Mahoney Park with granite rock formations and views of snow capped peaks (no bikes downhill on Power Line Tr). The Ginny Trail (4.6 miles one way) is designed for cyclists and it is a challenging mountain bike trail. On the way down, check out the ramps, jumps and other "technical trail features". The Ginny Trail goes through the Bobcat Gulch fire area, which makes for dramatic scenery and an open setting. One time I visited when the burnt trees were covered with a dusting of snow and it was very dramatic with the black trees and white snow. No horses allowed on the Ginny Trail. Equestrians will enjoy the D.R. Trail, 3 miles long, no bikes allowed. The trail is wider with more gentle grades which makes it great for horses! Very nice varied scenery from forest to views.The Ginny, DR and Powerline Trail all lead to Mahoney Park, a nice meadow destination. Free activities and events are offered year-round at Bobcat Ridge from stargazing to nature hikes for kids.
Reviewed By jerekson - Loveland, United States
A great place for a family hike, or a run. You can choose the trail, short or long. A jaunt out to the old cabin is a lot of fun, and gets you feeling deeper in the old piedmont.
3. Devil's Backbone Nature Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 234 reviews
Reviewed By traveling69bill - Denver, United States
Have been to this Nature Trail several times, most recently this fall. We'd had a couple of early fall snowstorms, and then melting, and hoped that the trail would be clear of ice/snow buildup. Thankfully, the sun cooperated by making the trail snow and ice free, and we went on a great 3 mile loop hike. As usual, the views to the east (fields and some development) give one a sense of openness; the views north and south allow you to see the remnants of what Denverites call the "Hogback" (the series of ridges resembling a hog's spine). Looking through the keyhole, or climbing some of the heights, allow you to see west to the ridges of the Rockies, and into Rocky Mountain national park. The Nature trail didn't provide any animal surprises: to see those one would need to go very early or perhaps at dusk, but the hike is a good one for all age groups.
4. Devil's Backbone Open Space
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
Reviewed By EssGeeKay - Greeley, United States
A great place to take friends and visitors for a "taste" of NoCo. Gentle incline, wear sturdy shoes.
5. Fairgrounds Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By archerymom
Another lovely park destination in Loveland, Colorado. The area has wonderful playgrounds with summer water features for the kiddos, large banquet sized covered picnic areas, and cement platform and step access to the small river that runs through it. Beautiful bridges pass over the river to the adjacent parks and ball fields to the east; to the north catch the bike trail that runs the extent of Loveland with beautiful views of the river and more; to the south entertain your dog at the enclosed dog park, and then take a moment or more to look westward for the view of the Rocky Mountain peaks. Indeed a lovely place to stop with great picnic areas and ample clean flush modern restrooms.
6. Pinewood Reservoir
7. Chapungu Sculpture Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
Chapungu Sculpture Park at Centerra in Loveland, Colorado is a one-of-a-kind outdoor exhibit, displaying 82 monumental stone sculptures from Zimbabwean artisans traversing 26-acres of natural and landscaped gardens. Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, this outdoor cultural experience is a community gift for all ages to gather, explore, and experience individually or together.
Reviewed By archerymom
A beautiful destination for a lovely stoll through the African themed sculptures on handicapped accessible paths that wind around ponds, across canal bridges and more or pick up the pace for a great workout. Summer concert series can be found on Friday nights, as well as other events in the shared area's large outdooor shopping mall. Definitely a worthy stop!
