If you’re longing for the simpler life and some outdoor activity that’s relatively easy on the kids or four-legged pals – not to mention the budget – west Loveland has your ticket to ride. West of Wilson Avenue, the amenities – and distractions – of modern suburbia begin to fall away, and once beyond the breathtaking rock cleft of the Big Thompson Canyon, you’re in mountain country. Trails in Roosevelt National Forest are often less crowded than those in Rocky Mountain National Park, especially on weekends. Or talk five pals into joining you and make a reservation for a moonlight trail ride at a historic dude ranch. Or saddle up the mountain bike for some hills and dirt. Want pavement under your wheels? Pedal along the Boyd Lake Trail, sprinkled with art installations, dappled with shade from giant cottonwoods and cooled by the river’s musical tumble.
Getting there: To reach Loveland, take the U.S. 34 exit from Interstate 25 and head west. This jaunt gets going in Big Thompson Canyon, west of town.
