Major city · United States
LovelandLoveland, Colorado
Give Loveland one night as a sculpture-and-base stop on US-34 to Estes Park, or skip it if you already have Fort Collins or Boulder booked.
Loveland sits at the mouth of the Big Thompson canyon on US-34, 46 mi north of Denver and 26 mi east of Rocky Mountain National Park, so most visitors meet it as a pass-through town in summer. What holds a night is the public art: about 475 pieces citywide, more than 150 of them in Benson Sculpture Garden, plus a small downtown of galleries, a museum and a 450-seat theatre. Two nights is plenty; one is enough if the mountains are the point.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug afternoon heat; Dec–Feb snow and ice
- Airports
- DEN · FNL · CYS
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Loveland911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Loveland, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyLoveland is a low-crime Front Range town and fine on foot downtown in the evening.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 511 Colorado Road Conditions (COtrip)
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportDEN Denver International (About 60 mi south; the main commercial airport for the area.).
- Getting aroundA car is the practical choice: sights, hotels and the canyon road are spread over several miles and buses are limited.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$3–6
- Sit-down mealDinner main, mid-range$18–35
- Street or quick mealDiner breakfast$10–18
- BeerDraught beer$6–9
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum main-gallery admission$7 ages 13+
- Budget bedFamily room or suite (up to 4), a night, per roomUS$150
- Mid-range bedChain-hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$150
- High-end bedChain-hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$260
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$90 · Mid US$155 · High US$260
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- DEN Denver International (About 60 mi south; the main commercial airport for the area.) · FNL Fort Collins/Loveland Northern Colorado (About 10 mi from the centre; limited scheduled service — check current routes.) · CYS Cheyenne Regional (About 60 mi north in Wyoming; small, few flights.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Feb
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Apr
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
May
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Jun
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Jul
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Aug
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Sep
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Oct
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Nov
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Dec
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug, Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Jan (−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C) low), wettest May (10 rain days), driest Jan (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Loveland: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
−11°C (12°F)12°F (−11°C)
5 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
6 rd
Mar
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
7 rd
Apr
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
8 rd
May
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
10 rd
Jun
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
8 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
8 rd
Aug
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
8 rd
Sep
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
7 rd
Oct
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
6 rd
Nov
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
5 rd
Dec
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−10°C (14°F)14°F (−10°C)
5 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is the practical choice: sights, hotels and the canyon road are spread over several miles and buses are limited. Downtown is walkable once parked — 4th Street, Lincoln Avenue and the sculpture garden are close together. I-25 runs north–south (Fort Collins 30 min, Denver about 1 h), US-34 heads west to Estes Park and east to Greeley, and US-287 links to Fort Collins and Denver.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Fort Collins
goDoor to door: About 40 min
I-25 north, about 30 min by car
Old Town for food and drink; easy half-day or evening.
Estes Park
goDoor to door: About 1 h
US-34 west through the Big Thompson canyon, about 45 min
Gateway town for Rocky Mountain National Park; go early in summer.
Boulder
goDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
US-287 south then CO-66/CO-119, about 1 h by car
Pearl Street and the Flatirons; a full day if you add a hike.
Door to door: About 1 h 15 min
I-25 south, about 1 h by car
Doable as a day, but traffic makes it a long one; better as an overnight.
Wellington
skipDoor to door: About 45 min
I-25 north then CO-1, about 35 min by car
Small and quick; only worth it if you are already heading north.
Winter Park
overnightDoor to door: 2–2.5 h
US-34 west over Trail Ridge or via I-70, 2 h+ by car
Too far for a comfortable return day; sleep there.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Downtown / 4th Street
Walk to the museum, Rialto Theater, galleries and most restaurants; the pick if you have one night and no car errands.
East Eisenhower Blvd / I-25 Exit 254
Chain hotels and motels along the interstate frontage; easy parking and quick on-off for Denver or Fort Collins.
Centerra / Sky Pond Drive
North-east edge near the Promenade shops; newer hotels, quiet, needs a car for everything.
West US-34 toward the canyon
Closest launch point for Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park; fewer services within walking distance.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $70–110 excl. bed
- Mid
- $120–190 excl. bed
- High
- $200+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Chain-hotel double room1 × 1 night × US$150 | US$150 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$155 | US$310 |
| Car hire, one day, compact1 × US$60 | US$60 |
| Fuel, about 100 mi of local driving1 × US$12 | US$12 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$15 | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$56 |
| Trip total≈ US$309 per person per day, bed included | US$618 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; sales tax added at the till. Flights and car hire excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $3–6 |
| Diner breakfast | $10–18 |
| Lunch, casual | $12–20 |
| Dinner main, mid-range | $18–35 |
| Draught beer | $6–9 |
| Museum main-gallery admission | $7 ages 13+ |
| Rideshare across town | $12–25 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Summer afternoons regularly reach the high 80s °F (about 30 °C (86 °F)); carry water and start outdoor stops early.Summer afternoons regularly reach the high 80s °F (about 86 °F (30 °C)); carry water and start outdoor stops early.
- US-34 through the Big Thompson canyon closes or narrows in heavy rain and snow — check Colorado road conditions before committing.
- Winter brings snow and ice on roads and pavements; drive for the conditions.
- Altitude is around 1,520 m (5,000 ft): pace your first day and drink more water than usual.Altitude is around 5,000 ft (1,520 m): pace your first day and drink more water than usual.
- Sales tax is added at the till; posted prices are not final.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Colorado Road Conditions (COtrip)
- 511
Pocket card
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LovelandLoveland, Colorado
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
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Give the driver the street number and name, plus the cross street.To this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Colorado Road Conditions511
Embassy
No embassies in Loveland; consulates are in Denver — check your country's list before you travel.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- DEN → Loveland by car: about 60 mi, 1 h–1 h 15 min
- FNL → central Loveland: about 10 mi, 15–20 min by car
- Loveland → Estes Park, US-34: about 30 mi, 45 min
Say or show
- Benson Sculpture Garden is at 29th Street and Beech Drive. — Where is the sculpture garden?
- Check COtrip or call 511 before you drive the canyon. — Is US-34 open to Estes Park?
- Yes almost everywhere; small stalls may be cash only. — Can I pay by card?
- No — sales tax is added at the till. — Is tax included?
- Restrooms in cafés, the museum and parks; ask staff. — Where is the toilet?
US tipping: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 a drink, 15–20% taxis.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Loveland. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug afternoon heat; Dec–Feb snow and ice · month by month →
- 3 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for DEN and FNL: last transfers, drive times and a taxi or rideshare fallback.
- Four walking clusters with anchors: downtown 4th Street, Benson Sculpture Garden, Lake Loveland and the Centerra shops.
- Place pages with verified hours and prices (Loveland Museum, Rialto Theater, Benson Sculpture Garden) and eat pages with last orders.
- Canyon and winter-weather fixtures so US-34 closures and snow days show a clear go / caution / skip.
Sources
- officialCity of Loveland
- officialLoveland Museum and Gallery
- officialSculpture in the Park
- officialRialto Theater Center
- officialFort Collins/Loveland Airport (FNL)
- secondaryWikivoyage: Loveland (Colorado), revision 5302665 (CC BY-SA 4.0)