Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Fort Collins Bike Library
BICYCLE SHARE
( 970-419-1050;
www.fcbikelibrary.org
; Old Town Sq; 10am-6pm Thu-Sun with seasonal variations)
Yes, it
really
is free. Really. You just hand over a credit-card number as a guarantee
and roll out of the kiosk on Old Town Sq. Most of the well-maintained bikes are simple,
sturdy cruisers for getting around town, but they also have a limited number of tandems
and kids' bikes available. It costs $10 to reserve a bike for three days (that is, you don't
have to return it each evening).
ARAPAHO NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
For birdwatchers, this is one of the best destinations in Colorado: nearly 200 species of birds frequent the summer
sagebrush and wetlands of the FWS Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge, 105 (long, if lovely) miles west of Fort
Collins by the Cache la Poudre-North Park Scenic Byway (Hwy 14). The star of the show is the sage grouse and
its spring mating ritual, the lek, an elaborate, territorial display of spiked tail feathers, puffy chests and nearly
comic braggadocio. To find the
Refuge Headquarters
(
970-723-8202;
http://arapaho.fws.gov
;
953 Jackson
County Rd 32;
7am-3:30pm Mon-Fri), head 8 miles south of Hwy 14 via Hwy 125, then 1 mile east on Jack-
son County Rd 32.
If you are visiting the refuge or its surrounding backcountry, the dusty hamlet of Walden is the nearest place for
a hot shower and decent shelter.
Sleeping
Armstrong Hotel
BOUTIQUE HOTEL
$$
( 970-484-3883;
www.thearmstronghotel.com
; 259 S College Ave; d $129-159, studio $149-169, q $159-179, ste
$169-199; )
You'll want to extend your stay at this elegantly renovated
boutique hotel in the heart of Old Town. The amenities make it: a fleet of free loaner
bikes, large showers, feather duvets and gratis wi-fi. The unique rooms have a modern
feel and it's one of the few spots right in the action of Old Town.
The distinct feel and stacks of charm make it one of the best places to stay in the region
and a perfect perch from which to explore Fort Collins in style. And it has a deal to work
out at a nearby gym.
Hilton Fort Collins
HOTEL
$$
