Fort Collins   -   Fridays

Paint out leader  -  Laura G. Young

(970) 215-0506

lauragyoung@gmail.com 

ATTENTION NIGHT OWLS: Now that the weather is warming up, the meetups will now start at 9:00 AM in the morning.  Set your alarms accordingly. ;)

*** ADVISORY: due to Colorado’s unpredictable weather, some paint-outs might be moved to a new location and/or cancelled. Always check the weekly email reminder and weather reports before heading ou

Friday, April 3rd — Benson Sculpture Garden, Loveland

1125 W 29th St, Loveland, CO 80538*

Is there anything more inspiring than to surround yourself with art as you paint? Benson Sculpture Garden is a fantastic place to do just that, with 178 sculptures spread out over 10 acres. Trees, paths and ponds are also present for those craving their weekly nature fix. A brochure listing all the sculptures can be viewed here: https://bensonsculpturegarden.org/

*We will be meeting at the restrooms off of Aspen Drive; no entrance fee or parking fee

Friday, April 10th -- Soldier Canyon (Lory State Park), Fort Collins

9:00 am -- 12:00 noon  ← Please note time change to an hour earlier

Permit or Fee Required.

708 Lodgepole Dr, Fort Collins, CO 80526 

If you haven't been to Soldier Canyon before, you're in for a treat! Tucked away in Lory just south of the visitor center, this hidden gem is somewhat sheltered from the wind. Scenic views of either the narrow little canyon itself or foothills stretching into the distance. 

Please note: A state park permit is required, or else a $10 vehicle day fee.  You must use the self-service kiosk, which is located just past the entrance on the right, or come inside  the Visitor Center/Park Headquarters to purchase passes and permits. 

*This is the visitor center address, if entering it into your car's navigation system. However we will be meeting a little further SOUTH at the Soldier Canyon parking lot (← see link).

Restrooms are available at both the visitor center and at Soldier Canyon.

Friday, April 17th — Eastman Park, Windsor

9:00 am -- 12:00 noon  ← Please note time change to an hour earlier

31722 Eastman Park Dr, Windsor, CO 80550

A simple, lesser-known spot in nearby Windsor where territorial kingfishers call out to one another in the reeds; there's a lovely bend in the river. 

We'll be meeting at the parking lot just west of Eastman Park Drive. 

Restroom available; no entrance fee or parking fee.

Friday, April 24th — Reservoir Ridge Natural Area, Fort Collins

9:00 am -- 12:00 noon  ← Please note time change to an hour earlier

Michaud Ln, Fort Collins, CO 80521

A wildlife-lover's delight, Reservoir Ridge contains not only deer, foxes, and eagles, but several rare species of butterflies and moths native to the area such as the Ottoe Skipper and Smokey Eyed Brown. 

Sometimes the trails at this location are closed due to wet weather, so be sure to check your reminder email and/or trail conditions online at https://trails.colorado.gov/ before heading out.

We'll meet up at the parking lot just south of Claymore Lake, where the Michaud Spur Trailhead starts -- NOT the Overland Trail parking lot. Do not let your GPS confuse the two!

Restroom available; no entrance fee or parking fee.