Rustic, Colorado is a tiny highway-side town nestled between Fort Collins and Walden on the North Park-Cache la Poudre Scenic Byway, CO-14. The rural community is unincorporated and is a gateway to Red Feather Lakes, 11 miles to the north.
Located in Larimer County at 7,165 feet of elevation, Rustic is boarded by Glen Echo on its west side. The village was established back in 1882, a year after S.B. Stewart erected the Rustic Hotel shown below. It drew visitors throughout the summer as a resort destination.
Recreation
Camping:
- Read about the camping near Red Feather Lakes and Cache La Poudre River.
Fishing:
- The Cache La Poudre River flows past Rustic, offering plenty of awesome fishing.
- You can also drive thirty minutes north to the Red Feather Lakes area and choose one of its public waters.
Read about the cabins to rent near Fort Collins, Red Feather Lakes and Estes Park.
Activities near Rustic
Federal Lands:
Landmarks:
- Ramona Lake (private) (11mi)
Scenic Drives:
State Wildlife Areas:
- Bellaire SWA (8mi)
- Dowdy Lake SWA (12mi)
- West Lake SWA (11mi)
Towns:
- Bellvue (34mi)
- Estes Park (62mi)
- Fort Collins (41mi)
- Livermore (23mi)
- Red Feather Lakes (11mi)
- Virginia Dale (39mi)
- Walden (57mi)
Whitewater Rafting: