THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
City Park · Colorado

Benson Park

Benson Park is a large urban park located in Loveland, Colorado, offering a wide range of outdoor recreational activities including sports facilities, fishing, trails, and picnic areas.

City Park3374+ Trails

Designation

City Park

Total Wilderness Area

337

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Benson Park

Benson Park is a large urban park located in Loveland, Colorado, offering a wide range of outdoor recreational activities including sports facilities, fishing, trails, and picnic areas.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Benson Park spans over 337 acres in Loveland, Colorado, serving as one of the largest public parks in the city. The park is situated along the banks of the Big Thompson River, providing a scenic natural environment within a vibrant urban setting. It offers a diverse array of amenities such as sports fields, playgrounds, picnic shelters, and a disc golf course. Over the years, Benson Park has become a popular destination for residents and visitors alike, with well-maintained walking and biking trails alongside opportunities for fishing in the river. The park’s open grassy areas and mature trees create a comfortable setting for family gatherings and community events, making it an ideal spot for outdoor recreation and social engagement. Benson Park also features native vegetation zones and wetland areas that support local wildlife, making it a good place for bird watching and nature appreciation. Since its opening in the mid-20th century, the park has been continuously enhanced with facilities and landscaping improvements reflecting community investment and stewardship. Whether visitors seek active sports, leisurely walks, or simply a peaceful place to relax outdoors, Benson Park provides accessible amenities in a natural riverside environment close to the heart of Loveland.

Field Guide · City Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Benson Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Paddleboarding at Boyd Lake in Boyd Lake State Park★ 7.5⌖ 3 miPaddleboarding
Boyd Lake State Park

Paddleboarding at Boyd Lake in Boyd Lake State Park

Experience paddleboarding at Boyd Lake in Boyd Lake State Park near Fort Collins, Colorado. With calm waters and stunning views, this spot is perfect for beginners. Best enjoyed in summer, it's a popular family-friendly destination.

PaddleboardingView Details→
Canoeing or Paddleboarding on Lon Hagler Reservoir★ 7.0⌖ 5 miCanoeing
West County Road 16E

Canoeing or Paddleboarding on Lon Hagler Reservoir

Explore canoeing or paddleboarding on Lon Hagler Reservoir, just south of Loveland, Colorado. This relaxing spot is beginner-friendly, offering a serene environment with opportunities to spot wildlife like herons and bald eagles. Permits are required, and it is accessible year-round.

Rock Arch Wonder: The Keyhole near Loveland, Colorado★ 7.8⌖ 5 miHiking
The Keyhole

Rock Arch Wonder: The Keyhole near Loveland, Colorado

Explore The Keyhole, a striking natural rock arch near Loveland, Colorado. Moderate hiking leads to this sandstone formation, ideal for climbing and photography. Best visited in spring or fall for cooler weather and great light during early morning or late afternoon.

Hiking Coyote Ridge Trail in Coyote Ridge Natural Area★ 7.5⌖ 6 miHiking
2124-2160 Spring Mesa Rd

Hiking Coyote Ridge Trail in Coyote Ridge Natural Area

Explore this moderate trail in Coyote Ridge Natural Area near Fort Collins, CO. Known for its beautiful views and wildlife, such as prairie dogs and hawks, this 4-5 mile hike is best during spring and fall and offers a peaceful escape year-round.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Big Thompson River providing fishing and scenic waterside views✦ Benson Disc Golf Course, a popular 18-hole course set within the park✦ Multiple sports fields including baseball, soccer, and tennis courts✦ Nature trails winding through native vegetation and wetland areas
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Benson Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Walking

Available in Benson Park
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in Benson Park
Park Recreation

Disc Golf

Available in Benson Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Benson Park
Park Recreation

Bird Watching

Available in Benson Park
Park Recreation

Biking

Available in Benson Park
Park Recreation

Youth Sports

Available in Benson Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Benson Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Benson Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free public access, no permits needed

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Benson Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Loveland
⌖ 0.12 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Loveland, Colorado

An outdoor lover's portal with easy access to Colorado's majestic Front Range, offering year-round opportunities to explore the Rockies.

Summer and FallExplore Town
Berthoud
⌖ 6.34 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Berthoud, Colorado

A friendly small town offering easy access to mountain adventures and plains recreation with a relaxed, community-driven outdoor lifestyle.

Spring through Fall, with winter for snow sportsExplore Town
Johnstown
⌖ 9.77 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Johnstown, Colorado

A friendly Front Range community offering close access to diverse outdoor recreation with a mix of small-town warmth and big nature thrills.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Timnath
⌖ 10.34 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Timnath, Colorado

A peaceful suburban town near Fort Collins offering easy access to diverse outdoor adventures from hiking and biking to seasonal mountain sports.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Windsor
⌖ 10.55 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Windsor, Colorado

A friendly Front Range town offering accessible outdoor recreation with a mix of flatland trails, river activities, and easy access to Northern Colorado’s natural areas.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Fort Collins
⌖ 13.12 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Fort Collins, Colorado

A vibrant college town with easy access to the Rocky Mountains, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking diverse activities and craft beer experiences.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Benson Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.