Benson Park wilderness guide
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 60 miles.

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, Colorado
⌖ 0.12 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Loveland, Colorado

Loveland, CO is a gateway to Colorado's great outdoors, offering hiking, mountain biking, and skiing opportunities. Discover the local scenery with adventures around every corner.

Summer and Fall
Explore Town
Berthoud, Colorado
⌖ 6.34 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Berthoud, Colorado

Berthoud, Colorado offers easy access to Colorado’s Front Range outdoor pursuits from hiking and biking to fishing and winter skiing. Its small-town charm pairs with scenic berths into Roosevelt National Forest and Berthoud Pass adventures.

Spring through Fall, with winter for snow sports
Explore Town
Johnstown, Colorado
⌖ 9.77 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Johnstown, Colorado

Johnstown, Colorado mixes small-town charm with Front Range outdoor adventures. From hiking and mountain biking to fishing and bird watching, its open spaces invite year-round enjoyment near Boyd Lake and nearby natural preserves.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Timnath, Colorado
⌖ 10.34 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Timnath, Colorado

Timnath, Colorado, offers a quiet basecamp close to Fort Collins with easy access to hiking, mountain biking, and fishing. Explore local natural areas and nearby foothills for year-round outdoor fun.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Windsor, Colorado
⌖ 10.55 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Windsor, Colorado

Windsor, Colorado, offers easygoing outdoor fun along the Cache la Poudre River with hiking, biking, paddling, and fishing. Ideal for families and outdoor lovers seeking accessible adventures near Northern Colorado’s scenic Front Range.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Fort Collins, Colorado
⌖ 13.12 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Fort Collins, Colorado

Fort Collins is an outdoorsy college town with stellar hiking, biking, and paddling spots. Dive into its craft beer scene after adventures in the scenic Rocky Mountain foothills.

Spring and Fall
Explore 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.