The best walks and hikes in Horsetooth Mountain Open Space
5.0
(51)
2,075
hikers
21
hikes
Hikes in Horsetooth Mountain Open Space explore a network of trails in the foothills west of Fort Collins. The park's terrain is characterized by mixed grasslands and mountain mahogany shrublands, with routes ascending to prominent rock formations. The trail system spans elevations from 5,430 to 7,255 feet (1,655 to 2,211 m), offering a mix of gentle inclines and more strenuous climbs.
Best hiking trails in Horsetooth Mountain Open Space
- The most popular hiking route is Horsetooth Rock and South Ridge Trail loop — Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, a 5.1 mile (8.2 km) trail that takes about 2 hours 45 minutes to complete. This route leads to the area's iconic rock formation.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Horsetooth Falls — Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, a moderate 2.3 mile (3.7 km) path. The trail follows a well-defined path to a seasonal waterfall.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Horsetooth Falls and Horsetooth Rock loop (via the Horsetooth Falls to Wathan to Horsetooth Rock Trails) — Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, a 6.2 mile (9.9 km) trail leading through the park's varied landscapes, often completed in about 3 hours 15 minutes.
- Hiking in Horsetooth Mountain Open Space is defined by ascents to rocky viewpoints, paths through shrublands, and trails alongside seasonal streams. The network provides routes for different ability levels, from shorter walks to more demanding climbs.
- The routes in Horsetooth Mountain Open Space are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.9 stars from more than 30 reviews. More than 1,100 hikers have used komoot to explore Horsetooth Mountain Open Space's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
17
hikers
6.63km
02:08
230m
210m
This moderate 4.1-mile hike in Horsetooth Mountain Open Space offers 770 feet of elevation gain and takes about 2 hours.
7
hikers
12.8km
04:01
550m
400m
Hike the moderate 7.9-mile Horsetooth Mountain Trail for panoramic views of Horsetooth Reservoir and the iconic Horsetooth Rock.
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6
hikers
12.5km
03:46
320m
300m
Hike the moderate 7.8-mile Swan Johnson, Sawmill, and Shoreline Trail Loop in Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, gaining 1058 feet.
6.92km
02:22
560m
50m
Hike the moderate 4.3-mile Horsetooth Rock via Swan Johnson and Wathan Trail in Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, gaining 1834 feet.
22.1km
06:45
740m
740m
Hike the difficult 13.7-mile Horsetooth Outer Loop for panoramic views of Horsetooth Reservoir, Horsetooth Rock, and Horsetooth Falls.
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Tips from the Community
Horsetooth Rock is an iconic landmark in the Fort Collins area. To get to the summit you must dismount your bike and complete a short scramble here up to the summit. Although the scrambling is relatively easy, it is a little exposed in places and there can sometimes be loose gravel over bare rock faces. Just move carefully, deliberately, and don't be afraid to slide on your butt on the way down! After scrambling up, you get fantastic panoramic views from this long, exposed rock summit of the surrounding area. You get especially great views of Horsetooth Reservoir, which is named after the formation you're standing on. Since the summit is fairly large, even on crowded days you can usually find a spot to eat a snack and take photos away from other people. As you explore, just be aware of steep drop offs, large gaps between rocks, and loose gravel over bare rock.
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Horsetooth Falls is a 20 foot waterfall in the heart of the Horsetooth Mountain Open Space. At the base of the falls the water collects in a large pool and flows into Spring Creek. There are a few seating areas where you can relax and take in the great views and cool off in the mist on hot days. You can go behind the falls, but be aware of wet rock. There is also a trail that leads to the top of the falls.
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With over 29 miles of trails and nearly 2,000 feet of elevation change, this 2,711-acre area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Don't miss the scenic highlights like Horsetooth Falls and Horsetooth Mountain, offering breathtaking views of the Front Range.
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Horsetooth Mountain Open Space offers a great mountain biking experience, amidst the stunning Colorado landscape. The trail system caters to various skill levels, combining challenging ascents with thrilling descents. Enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains along your ride!
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Horsetooth Falls is a 20 foot waterfall in the heart of the Horsetooth Mountain Open Space. At the base of the falls the water collects in a large pool and flows into Spring Creek. There are a few seating areas where you can relax and take in the great views and cool off in the mist on hot days. You can go behind the falls, but be aware of wet rock. There is also a trail that leads to the top of the falls.
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After climbing up the hilly meadow on the well-worn Horsetooth Rock Trail you hit a small ridge line where you get great panoramic views of the surrounding area. This is also where the intersection for the trail to Horsetooth Falls is.
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After scrambling up a series of short, but exposed feeling, ramps and ledges you reach the top of the iconic Horsetooth Rock. You get fantastic panoramic views from this long, exposed rock summit of the surrounding area, with especially great views of Horsetooth Reservoir, which is named after the formation you're standing on. Since the summit is fairly large, even on crowded days you can usually find a spot to eat a snack and take photos away from other people. As you explore, just be aware of steep drop offs, large gaps between rocks, and loose gravel over bare rock.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed in Horsetooth Mountain Open Space?
Yes, dogs are welcome in Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. The trails are shared with hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, so it's important to maintain control of your dog for everyone's safety and enjoyment.
Do I need a permit or pass to hike here?
Yes, an entrance permit is required for visiting Horsetooth Mountain Open Space. You can purchase a daily pass at the trailhead or opt for an annual Larimer County Natural Resources pass. For the most current fee information and purchasing options, it's best to check the official Larimer County website.
What are the parking options at the trailheads?
The main Horsetooth Mountain Trailhead has a large parking lot, but it fills up very quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. Arriving early is highly recommended. There is a fee for parking. A smaller, alternative option is the Soderberg Trailhead, which provides access to some of the park's less strenuous terrain.
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes?
For a rewarding and relatively easy hike suitable for families, the hike to Horsetooth Falls is a great choice. It's a 2.3-mile (3.7 km) round trip on a well-defined path that leads to a beautiful seasonal waterfall, which is most impressive in the spring.
How difficult is the hike to Horsetooth Rock?
The hike to Horsetooth Rock is considered moderately difficult. The most direct route, Horsetooth Rock — Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, is about 4.8 miles (7.7 km) round trip and involves a significant elevation gain of over 1,300 feet (400 m). The final push to the summit requires some scrambling over rocks but rewards you with panoramic views.
Are there any good loop trails?
Yes, the park has several excellent loop trails. A popular moderate option is the Horsetooth Falls loop, which is about 3.2 miles (5.1 km) and combines a visit to the falls with scenic ridge views. For a longer, more challenging day, the Horsetooth Rock and South Ridge Trail loop offers a comprehensive 5.1-mile (8.2 km) tour of the park's iconic landscapes.
What kind of wildlife might I see?
The area is rich in wildlife. It's common to see mule deer and various bird species, including golden eagles and wild turkeys. While less common, the park is also habitat for coyotes, foxes, black bears, and mountain lions. Always maintain a safe distance and never feed the wildlife.
What are the park's opening and closing times?
Horsetooth Mountain Open Space is open year-round from dawn to dusk. The specific hours can vary slightly depending on the season, so it's always a good idea to plan your hike to ensure you are back at the trailhead before it gets dark.
How many miles of trails are in the park?
Horsetooth Mountain Open Space features an extensive network of 29 miles (47 km) of trails. These trails cater to various activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, and offer a wide range of difficulty levels.
What do other hikers think of the trails in Horsetooth Mountain Open Space?
The trails are very highly regarded by the komoot community, earning an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars. Hikers frequently praise the stunning panoramic views from the ridges, the well-maintained trail network, and the rewarding challenge of reaching landmarks like Horsetooth Rock.
Are the trails suitable for mountain biking?
Yes, many trails in the park are open to mountain bikers. The terrain is known for being quite technical, with rocky sections and significant elevation changes that will challenge experienced riders. Trails are multi-use, so always be aware of hikers and equestrians.
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