A playful self-guided walk through Fort Collins’ Old Town and riverside paths that uses 12 location-based riddles to reveal hidden courtyards, murals, and local stories. Ideal for families, friends, and curious travelers who prefer exploration at their own pace.
A playful self-guided walk through Fort Collins’ Old Town and riverside paths that uses 12 location-based riddles to reveal hidden courtyards, murals, and local stories. Ideal for families, friends, and curious travelers who prefer exploration at their own pace.
You start on the Poudre River trail at Lee Martinez Park, phone in hand and the river daring you to look closer. Cottonwoods nudge the trail; the water pushes a steady tempo beneath the footbridge as the city’s brick facades and murals come into view. The game unfolds in short bursts—riddles that point you down alleys, into quiet courtyards, and toward the low hum of a working power plant seen from an unexpected angle.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Secret City Trails · Fort Collins, Colorado
You start on the Poudre River trail at Lee Martinez Park, phone in hand and the river daring you to look closer. Cottonwoods nudge the trail; the water pushes a steady tempo beneath the footbridge as the city’s brick facades and murals come into view. The game unfolds in short bursts—riddles that point you down alleys, into quiet courtyards, and toward the low hum of a working power plant seen from an unexpected angle.
Fort Collins grew from a Civil War-era military post into a college town shaped by the Cache la Poudre River and irrigation canals. Geologically, the river has laid down the flat, fertile plain that made this stretch ideal for settlement; the nearby foothills to the west are a reminder of the Rocky Mountains’ influence on local weather and views. Culturally, Old Town mixes Victorian storefronts with craft breweries, murals, and a strong local music scene anchored by Colorado State University.
The self-guided route is largely paved and flat with short urban stair risks—expect 12 location-based riddles that guide roughly 1.5–2.5 hours of wandering. The experience balances playful discovery with practical logistics: use daylight for best clue visibility, keep a charged phone for the web app, and wear supportive footwear for mixed sidewalk and river-trail surfaces. The app lets you pause and resume over 15 days after starting, and the play link is valid for 90 days from booking—handy if the weather or schedules shift. Finish near Mountain Avenue with local recommendations to extend your afternoon into a brewery stop or riverside picnic.
moderate.
1.5–2.5 hours.
Light-to-moderate fitness: suitable for people comfortable walking 2–4 miles with short standing and stair climbs.
Plan for 90–150 minutes depending on pace and stops; you can pause and finish later within the allowed window.
No—redeem the emailed web-app link on your phone; mobile play is supported and encouraged.
Much of the route uses paved sidewalks and the river trail, but some courtyards and alleys may have steps or uneven surfaces—accessibility may be limited.
Yes—once started you can invite up to four people to play together, though only the team captain submits answers.
Fort Collins began as a military post in the 1860s; the city’s growth followed irrigation and rail lines that shaped Old Town’s grid and industrial sites.
The Poudre River corridor is actively managed for riparian health—stick to paths, pack out waste, and avoid disturbing nesting birds to minimize impact.
Secret City Trails operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




You start on the Poudre River trail at Lee Martinez Park, phone in hand and the river daring you to look closer. Cottonwoods nudge the trail; the water pushes a steady tempo beneath the footbridge as the city’s brick facades and murals come into view. The game unfolds in short bursts—riddles that point you down alleys, into quiet courtyards, and toward the low hum of a working power plant seen from an unexpected angle.
You start on the Poudre River trail at Lee Martinez Park, phone in hand and the river daring you to look closer. Cottonwoods nudge the trail; the water pushes a steady tempo beneath the footbridge as the city’s brick facades and murals come into view. The game unfolds in short bursts—riddles that point you down alleys, into quiet courtyards, and toward the low hum of a working power plant seen from an unexpected angle.
Fort Collins grew from a Civil War-era military post into a college town shaped by the Cache la Poudre River and irrigation canals. Geologically, the river has laid down the flat, fertile plain that made this stretch ideal for settlement; the nearby foothills to the west are a reminder of the Rocky Mountains’ influence on local weather and views. Culturally, Old Town mixes Victorian storefronts with craft breweries, murals, and a strong local music scene anchored by Colorado State University.
The self-guided route is largely paved and flat with short urban stair risks—expect 12 location-based riddles that guide roughly 1.5–2.5 hours of wandering. The experience balances playful discovery with practical logistics: use daylight for best clue visibility, keep a charged phone for the web app, and wear supportive footwear for mixed sidewalk and river-trail surfaces. The app lets you pause and resume over 15 days after starting, and the play link is valid for 90 days from booking—handy if the weather or schedules shift. Finish near Mountain Avenue with local recommendations to extend your afternoon into a brewery stop or riverside picnic.