Merkle Trail

The Merkle Trail is a 15.7-mile-long mountain bike and hiking trail that winds through the heart of Northern Colorado’s majestic Rocky Mountains, connecting Fort Collins and Loveland. The trail was named after Thomas “Merk” Merkle who died in World War I while fighting for his country. This scenic path starts at the Old Town Fort Collins Bike Park and heads east before winding down to Interstate 25 near Harmony Road in Loveland. Along the way, hikers will find themselves walking through fields of wildflowers, pastures with grazing cattle, towering pines, and aspen trees on one side of them and side.

Merkle Trail is a 1 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Apache Junction, Arizona that features beautiful wildflowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers several activity options and is best used from October until April.

Whether you’re biking or hiking, the Merkle Trail is a scenic and peaceful way to spend your day. If you want an easy walk with views of Fort Collins’ Old Town, head west on the trail from its starting point at the bike park. For those looking for more challenging mountain terrain and scenery, take the eastbound route that heads towards Interstate 25 near Harmony Road in Loveland. Along either course hikers will find themselves walking through fields of wildflowers, pastures with grazing cattle, towering pines and aspen trees on one side of them, and soggy meadows full of lupine flowers blooming along creeks. We hope this post has inspired someone out there to get outside today

Accessibility:

There are 2 designated accessible spaces in the paved parking lots off of East Blevins Drive at the north end of the trail. Both of them are van-accessible with striped access aisles. The trail surface is natural (dirt/sand) and typically at least 4 feet wide. The estimated grade is mostly gentle (5% or less) except for moderately steep (5-8%) downhill sections at about 0.1 and 0.3 miles when going clockwise. Trail goers/hikers using wheelchairs/mobility equipment or strollers may need assistance in the moderately steep sections or to avoid them for safety. All-terrain tires or motorized equipment may be needed for the unpaved surface type. There are benches along the route for resting. The Merkle Trail provides an easy, casual stroll in our beautiful desert!

Discover the healing power of our Merkle Trail! This leisurely trail is easy to walk as it’s rock-free, bike-free, and mostly level. Ranger B will be somewhere along this 1-mile trail, ready to answer your questions about the park, desert animals, and plants. Anytime between 2 pm-3:30 pm.