Lory State Park

Lory State Park spans 2,574 acres in the Rocky Mountain foothills near Fort Collins, Colorado, offering an outdoor setting defined by ponderosa pine forests, dramatic sandstone outcroppings, and sweeping views of Horsetooth Reservoir. Originally inhabited by Native Americans, the land later changed hands through homesteading and quarrying before the state acquired approximately 2,600 acres in 1967 to establish the park. The park hosts private gatherings and celebrations in three reservable group picnic areas, each with its own character and setting. The Soldier Canyon Group Picnic Area — popular for weddings and special events — accommodates up to 100 guests and features a stage set within sandstone surroundings, covered tables, grills, a campfire ring, power outlets, and lighting. The Timber Group Picnic Area, situated near a seasonally flowing waterfall, offers a rustic setting with covered tables, a horseshoe pit, and a volleyball court for groups of up to 100. The South Eltuck Group Picnic Area welcomes up to 50 guests with scenic reservoir views and a relaxed picnic atmosphere. Reservations are coordinated through the park office, and the park's location just west of Fort Collins makes it a convenient backdrop for gatherings where the Colorado foothills are part of the appeal.