Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, Fort Collins

Beautiful local hike that was a lil more intense than perhaps our understanding of the reviews let on. But, absolutely gorgeous space right near home. So dry this time of year, so the Falls were but a trickle, but the hike up was great (even on a very windy day)!

5.5 miles. This is a great hike for all skill levels, with great views all around. Start early in the morning when the weather is warm and bring loads of water. This is a GREAT night hike with fantastic views of Fort Collins. It is also a really nice hike in the winter. The Horsetooth Mountain Park trail system is ideal for trail running as well with trails that link up to adjacent Lory State Park (north) and the Blue Sky trail (south) which eventually links with Coyote Ridge and Devils Backbone! Great for mountain biking endurance junkies and noobs alike!

I did the Horsetooth Falls Loop, and it was spectacular. People say a lot of varied things about this hike, so I’ll try to provide some clear info for those trying to decide if it’s for them. The drive from Boulder is breathtaking and not white knuckle driving like the drive to other places. I am in excellent physical shape but only 1 week adjusted to altitude, and I found the hike mildly challenging on the way up, only because you are hiking straight up. My dog, however, found it extremely hard. It took us about 2 hours to do the loop, stopping every 10-15 to give her water and let her rest. Like some humans would, at some point she sat down and refused to budge for a while. As a side note, she drank an entire hydro flask full of water and half of mine. The terrain itself is easy for advanced intermediate or advanced hikers (sandy/pebbles/wide paths for a lot of the hike). However, a couple I met at the bottom said they turned around when the path got “narrow.” They had made it at least 45 minutes in. What I think they meant is that at some point, you can no longer hike two abreast. If you go counter-clockwise, you’ll have some tree cover on the way up. I do recommend going this way, because on the descent, the world opens up on your right to a breathtaking mountain view that reminded me a lot of VT. If my black-furred dog wasn’t having such a hard time, I would have stayed longer just to sit. But, if you’re getting there at a late time when it’s hot, you’ll get just a bit more tree cover hiking clockwise. I think the views are best experienced counter-clockwise, though! On the ascent, the most difficult part is an all-rock scramble to the top of Horsetooth Rock. However, you don’t have to do this to experience the majesty of this hike. You just keep on the path and begin the descent shortly after coming to another beautiful vista. If you are not an avid hiker, or not acclimated to altitude, or not in uphill climb fitness, you’re likely to experience the ascent as difficult. If you’re an avid runner/hiker and adjusted to altitude, you’ll find it easy. Without my dog, I probably would have done the loop in 45-60 min, hiking up and running down. If you’re not an avid hiker or not adjusted to altitude, people’s recs of 2-3 hours are probably right, especially if you like to take breaks & sit at the top. It’s one of the best-marked trails I’ve ever been on. Impossible to get lost. And so much beauty! I saw 5 different kinds of butterflies and so many birds! I would definitely tell most people to stick with the hard parts and make it to the top if they can, to experience the amazing views coming down.

Horsetooth Mountain is a Beatiful area close to Fort Collins that offers all kinds of options. Trails are for beginners and experts. Bring your dog, kids, horse, hike or mountain bike. Trails cross each other pretty well so easy to do loops or just a short out and back. Wildlife includes deer and maybe bear but never saw any. Small parking fee at lots.

Stunning hiking trails that are accessible by those at any level of hiking. Each trail is clearly marked and there are also paper maps available at the parking lot, along with bathroom facilities. I highly recommend taking plenty of water with you on the trails, as you may find yourself a few miles from the trailhead. There is also plenty of parking in the lot, and a parking day pass will last for 24 hours, meaning you'll have plenty of time to explore the trails. I highly recommend trying to make your way up to Horsetooth (or close to it) as the views are pretty spectacular. Take the Horsetooth Rock Trail up to the summit. On your way down, and if time allows, you can extend the hike by taking the Wathen Trail to the Spring Creek Trail. This will eventually connect to Horsetooth Falls Trail and loop you back to the parking lot. Again, I highly recommend these trails for anyone visiting Fort Collins. It's well worth it!