The best running trails in Horsetooth Mountain Open Space

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.

The East Valley Trail runs parallel to the main road through a beautiful open meadow. You get fantastic views of the striking red cliffs that separate the meadow from the shores of Horsetooth Reservoir, but there are several short spur trails along the East Valley Trail that will take you down to various inlets. This trail is relatively flat and accessible and is also open to hikers and horses.

The Arthurs Rock Trailhead is located at the very end of Lodgepole Drive. There is a large parking area, trail information, and vault toilets. From this trailhead you can access popular trails like the Arthurs Rock Trail, the South Valley Loop, and the Overlook Trail. This lot can fill up quickly, especially on beautiful weekends in the spring, summer, and fall so be sure to arrive early and try to carpool with a hiking buddy!

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!

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.

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.

The Arthurs Rock Trailhead is located at the very end of Lodgepole Drive. There is a large parking area, trail information, and vault toilets. From this trailhead you can access popular trails like the Arthurs Rock Trail, the South Valley Loop, and the Overlook Trail. This lot can fill up quickly, especially on beautiful weekends in the spring, summer, and fall so be sure to arrive early and try to carpool with a hiking buddy!

The South Valley Loop is an incredibly popular hiking and mountain biking trail on the southern end of Lory State park. This half of the loop is on the reservoir side and generally flat with rolling hills through a meadow. You get great views of the hills where Arthur's Rock can be found across the valley from striking red cliffs closer to the water.