Life beyond the 18th hole
Living at Heron Lakes puts the whole Front Range within reach. Fly-fish the Big Thompson in the morning, paddle the reservoir in the afternoon, and catch the sunset over Longs Peak from your deck. In winter, trade golf for snowshoes in Rocky Mountain National Park. Here's where locals go.
Fly fishing the Big Thompson
US-34 follows the Big Thompson River through Big Thompson Canyon west of Loveland, about 30-35 minutes from Heron Lakes. Larimer County runs free river-access parks along the highway, including Sleepy Hollow Park near Drake. A Colorado fishing license is required.
Estes Angler
Guided trips on the Big Thompson, Rocky Mountain National Park lakes and streams, and float fishing on Lake Estes. Family-friendly.
Kirks Flyshop
Half- and full-day wading trips on the Big Thompson and in Rocky Mountain National Park, plus backcountry and llama trips.
St. Peter's Fly Shop
Guided trips on the Cache la Poudre, the Big Thompson and in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Laughing Grizzly Fly Shop
Guides the Big Thompson, St. Vrain and Rocky Mountain National Park, including fly-fishing backpacking trips.
Big Thompson river parks
Free Larimer County access parks along US-34: Glade Park, The Narrows, Forks Park and Sleepy Hollow Park.
Snowshoeing
Rocky Mountain National Park is about an hour away via Estes Park.
Ranger-led snowshoe walks
Free (with park entry) beginner walks through subalpine forest, typically January to mid-March. Reserve by phone at 970-586-1223; check this winter's schedule.
Rocky Mountain Conservancy snowshoe programs
Scheduled snowshoe programs in the park. 970-586-3262.
YMCA of the Rockies snowshoeing
Snowshoe rentals and guided snowshoe walks with pre-registration.
Kirks Mountain Adventures
Guided snowshoe outings in Rocky Mountain National Park and the Estes Valley.
Paddleboarding & kayaking
Lonetree Lake Club
Right in the community: a private lake club on Lonetree Reservoir with motorized and non-motorized water sports. Heron Lakes residents can join at a resident rate.
Rocky Mountain Paddleboard at Union Reservoir
Paddleboard and kayak rentals on a wakeless reservoir, warm season.
Carter Lake
A 1,100-acre reservoir with launch ramps and a no-wake west side, about 25-30 minutes away.
Boyd Lake State Park
Bring your own kayak or paddleboard. The marina and its rentals were closed in 2026.
Golf clinics & practice at TPC Colorado
Call the TPC Colorado golf shop at 970-663-5063 for lessons, clinics and club fitting.
TPC Colorado practice facility
An 18-acre practice facility with a 350-plus-yard range, two short-game areas, putting and chipping greens and a practice bunker.
TrackMan simulators
Three TrackMan bays and an indoor putting area for winter practice, lessons and social events.
Junior programs with a PGA coach
Junior beginner and development memberships with private lessons and practice plans.
Nike Junior Golf Camps at TPC Colorado
Day camps for ages 9-17.
The pros at TPC Colorado
Every July, the Korn Ferry Tour, the PGA TOUR's proving ground, comes to TPC Colorado. Now called The Blue Championship, it was named Korn Ferry Tour Tournament of the Year in 2021 and 2023, and residents get a front-row seat. Past champions include Will Zalatoris (2020), who went on to win on the PGA TOUR, and Cristobal Del Solar (2024) and Neal Shipley (2025), who earned PGA TOUR cards.
| Year | Champion | Event name |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Ross Steelman | The Blue Championship |
| 2025 | Neal Shipley | The Ascendant presented by Blue |
| 2024 | Cristobal Del Solar | The Ascendant presented by Blue |
| 2023 | Nicholas Lindheim | The Ascendant presented by Blue |
| 2022 | Dou Zecheng | The Ascendant presented by Blue |
| 2021 | Tag Ridings | TPC Colorado Championship at Heron Lakes |
| 2020 | Will Zalatoris | TPC Colorado Championship at Heron Lakes |
| 2019 | Nelson Ledesma | TPC Colorado Championship at Heron Lakes |
Collector car events
Goodguys Colorado Nationals
A three-day national hot rod and custom car show at The Ranch Events Complex each September (Sept 11-13, 2026).
Cars and Coffee Longmont
A free, all-makes meet on the second Saturday of the month, running for more than a decade. Updates are posted on Facebook.
NoCo Cars and Coffee at Centerra
Monthly Sunday-morning gatherings at the Promenade Shops in season. Check the current schedule.
Centerra Car Show
A free Memorial Day weekend show benefiting High Plains Honor Flight.
Horseback riding
Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch
Guided scenic trail rides for day visitors on a historic ranch west of Loveland, year-round (schedules vary by season).
National Park Gateway Stables
Rides from two hours to a full day into Rocky Mountain National Park. Seasonal, May to fall.
Sombrero Stables
Long-running Estes Park outfitter with trail, breakfast and dinner rides.
Jackson Stables at YMCA of the Rockies
Guided rides into the national park and on YMCA land. YMCA membership isn't required.
Running clubs & races
Loveland Aleworks Monday Night Run Club
A free, casual 5K through downtown Loveland every Monday at 5:30 pm.
Longmont Running
An all-paces social run every Thursday at 6 pm from Shoes & Brews.
Fort Collins Running Club
Colorado's biggest group-run calendar, from Saturday long runs to Tuesday track nights.
Berthoud Day 5K
A family-friendly 5K that kicks off the Berthoud Day Parade each June.
Cycling clubs & rides
The quiet farm roads around Berthoud and the climb to Carter Lake are local favorites.
Fort Collins Cycling Club
Year-round group rides for every pace, including Thursday rides from downtown Loveland and Saturday routes to Berthoud.
St. Vrain Chain Gang
A recreational road club riding Tuesdays and Saturdays in season.
St. Vrain Cyclists
Easy-paced, no-drop road and gravel rides.
Loveland Recreation Trail
A paved 21-mile loop around Loveland along the Big Thompson River and Boyd Lake.
Carter Lake and Big Thompson rides
Popular routes include the Carter Lake Loop, Carter Lake to Pinewood, and the Estes Park loop through Big Thompson Canyon.
Arts, festivals & more
Benson Sculpture Garden
A free 10-acre sculpture park with more than 150 works, paths and ponds.
Sculpture in the Park
One of the largest outdoor juried sculpture shows and sales in the country, every August in Loveland.
Estes Park Elk Fest
A free festival celebrating the fall elk rut, with music, storytelling and food trucks.
Trail Ridge Road
The high-alpine drive across Rocky Mountain National Park, typically late May to fall. Timed-entry reservations are required in peak season.
Devil's Backbone Open Space
More than 17 miles of trails along a dramatic sandstone ridge west of Loveland.
Spirit of Colorado balloon flights
Hot air balloon flights over Fort Collins with a champagne toast.
Schedules, seasons and fees change. Check with each organizer before you go. Drive times are approximate.
More: Heron Lakes community guide · Berthoud area guide · Homes for sale
Kristen Danzig
Osmirelly Kidwell