One of my most frequent texts is, “Wanna watch the sunrise tomorrow?” 

I love sunrises and as any self-respecting Colorado kid, I have gone to many places to find the best sunrise-watching spot. 

Instead of keeping these well-known and maybe not as well-known spots to myself, I decided to share some of my top few. 

All of these spots have different efforts needed and different times to wake up, depending on what you feel the night before; you can take your pick.

Horsetooth Lookout

This has to be the most popular spot to catch a sunrise. Following Harmony, past JJs, and up the hill there is a pull-off right at the top.

This is the perfect last-minute sunrise-watching spot. Overlooking Fort Collins, you can watch the sunrise coming up over the town. 

This spot is good for any season. You can drive right into the pull-off and stay in your warm car for the sunrise. Or you can get out and walk to the rocks at the edge of the hill and breathe in the air. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can walk up the side hill and find a good place to sit.

The effort needed is really low; it is a 7-minute drive from Taft and Harmony, and, like I said, you can stay in your car while watching. You might want a coat and blanket if you are planning on getting out of the car. 

Every time I have gone there is a good chance of others being there. I’ve never worried about having spots but you won’t be alone and it can get congested.    

Personally, I use this spot when I want to see a sunrise before school or when I just want to see it in some place other than my room. I usually go up in my pajamas 10 minutes before the sun is expected to rise and enjoy the view.    

Horsetooth Rock

Also a popular spot, this one is a must-see if you are a Fort Collins resident. It is, as the title says, on top of Horsetooth Rock as the sun rises. 

This is a fun adventure for you and your friends to take. Overlooking the reservoir and the city, you can get a full view of the sun coming up as well as taking in nature from up high.

Recommended for spring or summer seasons, it’s a hiking sunrise. It’s a fun adventure that will let you move your body and see a pretty good sunrise. 

If you are hiking in the spring, I recommend long pants and a heavier jacket. In the summer I have been comfortable in shorts and a sweatshirt.  

The effort needed is high, but worth it. It will require you to pack materials before or on the morning of the hike. It is a 4.8-mile hike with an elevation gain of 1,400 feet. 

You will need proper clothing, water, a headlight, and a good attitude. It will also involve planning. For the full experience, I recommend that you get to the top before or right when the colors start to appear, meaning that the majority of the hike up
will be in the dark.

I would give yourself 1.5 to 2 hours to get up to the top, along with a 15 to 20-minute car ride to the start of the trail.    

Depending on the season and weather conditions, there may be another group hiking with you, but for the

most part, it should be pretty secluded. At the top, there are many spots to spread out so you won’t even notice others.

It may sound daunting, but I recommend that you do it at least once and bring a camera to the top to snap a picture of yourself.   

I don’t do this hike often, but when I do, I bring a yummy drink and snack to enjoy at the top. I don’t do this hike on my own because I won’t get out of bed without someone else motivating me. If you look at it as an adventure, I promise you will not regret your decision.   

The “A” Lookout

Looking for an easier hike? Well, this is my go-to hiking sunrise spot. At the top, you can choose between a view over the reservoir or the city. Another bonus is the sunrise is visible for the majority of the hike, so if you’re like me and wake up late, you can still enjoy the colors on your hike.    

It is recommended for warmer seasons, but on those days in the winter when there is little to no snow on the ground it is a great hike. 

When I hike in the winter I wear leggings, a sweater and a winter coat and I have been comfortable. I usually end up taking the coat off. In the summer I have done this hike in shorts and a T-shirt.

The effort is medium, you will have to change and gather things, but the hike itself is not difficult. It is a 4.1-mile hike with an elevation gain of 250 feet. It is mainly a flat path with a few switchbacks at the end. You will need proper clothes, a water bottle, and a headlight depending on what time you go up. 

Give yourself 45 minutes to an hour to get to the top as well as a 20-minute drive to the trailhead. 

This hike can get busy in the winter when the sun rises later. There are runners and bikers on the trail. But in the summer the times I have gone, I have been the only one. 

I would start this hike when the sky starts turning a deep blue or when it’s completely dark. I enjoyed walking up while the sun was rising.

A lot like the Horsetooth hike, I recommend that you bring up some coffee and a snack and enjoy your time at the top. I will usually bring a book or my journal to sit with at the top. As a treat, you can also drive to Dutch Bros. which is five minutes away from the parking lot.   

Rocky Mountain National Park

This is by far my favorite. That’s right, there are look outs to see the sunrise in Rocky Mountain National Park–definitely a bucket list item. What’s even better, is that you don’t need to pay or have a permit to get in if you arrive early enough. 

To get here, all you have to do is go to the park through the checks and then keep going straight until you reach a pull off. It is a long way up. There are two spots that I know of; one at the very top where you can back straight into your spot and get a full on view, and the other almost to the top where there are more trees and mountains covering the landscape. Both are great! My favorite is the second one. 

This is a great place for any season. In fact, I have been there the most in the winter. You can choose to stay in your car or get out and walk along the roads. I recommend that you get out and walk around. I typically wear warm pants and bring a sweater with a bigger coat to put on top if it gets too cold.  

The effort for this is high. I recommend that you change before you go up and it is around a 1.5 hour drive from JJ’s gas station. For the best experience, try to get to your spot before the colors come and bring a camera. The best photo ops are at this spot. 

This is a popular spot. I have never been there without another car joining us. But if you’re respectful, you won’t notice the people around you too much.

This is my absolute favorite spot with the best memories. It’s a great place to introduce your friends to and get those Instagram worthy photos. The sunrise has also never disappointed. I like going in the winter because there are more clouds that get colorful, and it is foggy, making for some cool photos.  

Not to mention exploring the parks after or, if you’re like me, going to The Egg for breakfast in Estes. 

These are just my top four places, but there are many other places around Fort Collins, so whatever your personal preference is, that’s what you should do because sunrises are always worth it!