Fort Collins is the hub of northern Colorado. Located 64 miles northwest of Denver, Fort Collins offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural and recreational opportunities. Fort Collins is nestled against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and alongside the banks of the Cache La Poudre River. The city lies approximately 5,000 feet above sea level. Residents and visitors enjoy a moderate, four-season climate with an average of 300 days of sunshine and 14.5 inches of precipitation a year. Fort Collins has a population of 143,986. The small town of LaPorte, located just outside of Fort Collins, has a population of 2,700.