The Loveland Recreation Trail works as both a citywide loop and a collection of shorter outings. A first visit can follow the Big Thompson River, connect parks and natural areas, or become a longer ride around the community. The best plan depends on your distance, surface and access priorities.
This Loveland Recreation Trail guide uses current City of Loveland information to help you prepare. Trail conditions, construction and detours can change, so check the official status tools shortly before leaving.
Understand the trail system and the loop
The City’s Loveland Trails page describes a 31-mile paved recreation-trail system. Within that network, the scenic 21-mile Loop Trail completely encircles Loveland and connects parks, natural areas, neighborhoods, downtown and other destinations.
The loop passes along the Big Thompson River corridor, irrigation canals, prairie and wetland areas and the west side of Boyd Lake State Park. The final connection was completed in 2021, creating a continuous community loop with links to regional routes.
Do not confuse the full paved system with the loop itself. The system includes additional trail sections and connections, so the distance shown by a tracking app depends on where you start, the route selected and any detour.
Choose a full loop or a shorter section
A 21-mile outing requires more time and preparation than a casual neighborhood walk. First-time users can begin with one named segment from the City’s route list:
- Big Thompson River Trail, from Rossum Drive to South Highway 287. - Civic Center Trail, from South Highway 287 to North Denver Avenue. - Boyd Lake Trail, from North Denver Avenue to County Road 11C. - North Trail, from County Road 11C to North Taft Avenue. - Westside Trail, from North Taft Avenue to West U.S. 34.
The City also identifies the Centerra Trail and East Big Thompson Trail as paved system segments. Use the official recreation-trail map to confirm the start point, street crossings, underpasses and connections rather than relying only on a general navigation app.
Quarter-mile markers along the paved trails can help measure distance and identify a location. The City says these markers begin at Rossum Drive and count eastward around the loop.
Know the hours and permitted uses
The paved system is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. for non-motorized use, according to the City. Type I and Type II e-bikes are allowed on paved trails. Different hours can apply to specific natural areas or park properties, so follow posted signs where a route passes through another managed site.
The City’s trail rules and regulations set a maximum speed of 15 mph. Bicyclists yield to other users; everyone should travel on the right, pass on the left with an audible warning and move single file when traffic approaches.
Those rules matter on a shared path with walkers, runners, families, mobility devices and bikes moving at different speeds. Slow down near intersections, blind curves, bridges, wildlife and crowded access points even when the posted maximum would allow a faster pace.
Check closures before every outing
Construction, maintenance, weather and surface conditions can change the route. The City’s detours and closures page directs users to Colorado Trail Explorer, or COTREX, for current trail closures and advisories.
The official COTREX Loveland Recreation Trail page can show temporary closures that may not appear in a saved screenshot or older map. Review it on the day of the outing and follow signs on the ground. If a detour uses streets or sidewalks, adjust the route to your comfort and skill level.
Plan access without assuming every stop has amenities
The City’s map identifies the trail, bikeways, parks, open lands and designated parking areas. Choose an access point from that map and confirm the parking rules for the specific lot or property. Do not assume restrooms, drinking water, lighting or repair equipment are available at every segment.
For a longer ride or walk, bring water, weather layers, identification and a charged phone. Cyclists should carry basic repair supplies appropriate for the bike. Tell someone the intended route when traveling alone, especially if the plan includes quieter natural-area segments.
Printed trail maps are available at locations listed by the City, including the Loveland Visitors Center, Boyd Lake State Park, Chilson Recreation Center, local bicycle shops and the Parks & Recreation administrative office. The City also provides an online Bikeways and Trails map for route planning.
Connect to regional trails
The paved system links with the Long View Trail and Colorado Front Range Trail. The City’s Long View Trail page describes a 4.4-mile regional connection from Loveland toward Fort Collins through public natural areas and open space.
A regional connection can extend the outing well beyond the 21-mile loop. Confirm the return distance, conditions and rules for each jurisdiction before combining routes.
For more Loveland context, explore the Loveland community guide, plan a recreation-center visit with the Chilson guide or compare a soft-surface outing in the Devil’s Backbone guide.
Loveland Recreation Trail FAQ
How long is the Loveland Recreation Trail loop?
The City identifies the completed community loop as 21 miles. The broader paved trail system totals 31 miles and includes other sections and connections.
Are e-bikes allowed?
Yes. The City allows Type I and Type II e-bikes on paved trails. Follow the 15 mph maximum and all shared-trail rules.
Where should a first-time visitor check for closures?
Use the City’s detours and closures page and the current COTREX listing shortly before the outing, then follow posted signs.
How can Brandon help with a Loveland move?
Brandon can help compare homes and neighborhoods based on the location features and recreation access you select. Contact Brandon to discuss a Loveland or Northern Colorado home search.