Trails · Horsetooth Mountain Open Space
Horsetooth Rock Trail
The signature summit of the Fort Collins foothills — a well-built climb of stairs and switchbacks to the iconic notched rock (the “tooth”) at 7,259 feet, with the whole city, Horsetooth Reservoir, and the plains spread out below.
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Horsetooth Rock is the hike that put the Fort Collins foothills on the map — that notched slab of rock you can see from all over town is the goal, and standing on top of it is a rite of passage for anyone who lives here. From the Horsetooth Mountain Open Space trailhead west of Horsetooth Reservoir, the route climbs about 1,440 feet over a very well-maintained trail of stairs and switchbacks to the 7,259-foot summit, the highest point in the open space.
There are actually two summits — the easier, more popular north summit and a trickier south one — and topping out on either takes a bit of hands-on scrambling on the granite. In spring, add the short side trip to Horsetooth Falls, which runs its best with the snowmelt. This is Larimer County open space: an entrance permit is required, and dogs are welcome on leash. The trail network connects onward to the Blue Sky Trail and Lory State Park for much longer days.
Trail Facts
Difficulty
Moderate–Strenuous
Round trip
~5.5 mi (out-and-back)
Summit
7,259 ft (two summits)
Elevation Gain
~+1,440 ft
Bikes
On designated trails (not the summit)
Stock / Horse
Allowed on designated trails
Dogs
Allowed (on leash)
Fee
Larimer County entrance permit required
Season
Year-round
Manager
Larimer County (Horsetooth Mountain Open Space)
Getting There
From Fort Collins, take Harmony Road (CR-38E) west, wind around the south end of Horsetooth Reservoir, and continue to the Horsetooth Mountain Open Space trailhead on the right (west) side. A Larimer County entrance permit is required (day or annual); the large lot still fills on weekend mornings. Restrooms at the trailhead; carry water.
| 0.0 mi | Horsetooth Mountain Open Space Trailhead |
| ~1.0 mi | Horsetooth Falls spur (best in spring) |
| ~2.0 mi | Switchbacks & stairs up toward the rock |
| ~2.7 mi | Horsetooth Rock — scramble to the 7,259-ft summit |
Know Before You Go
- Entrance permit required. Horsetooth Mountain Open Space is Larimer County land — buy a day or annual permit before you go.
- Dogs on leash. Welcome, but must be leashed to protect wildlife and other hikers.
- Scramble to the top. The final few feet onto either summit require using your hands on granite — save it for dry rock.
- Go early. The lot fills on weekend mornings; it's a popular hike.
- Add Horsetooth Falls in spring. The short side trip is worth it during snowmelt.
- Carry water. The climb is exposed and dry.
Built by Many Hands — Give a Little Back
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- Poudre Wilderness Volunteers — trail patrols & the official trail description Donate →
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- Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forest (USFS) — the public land itself Support →
- OpenStreetMap contributors — the Street basemap Donate →
- Google & USGS — trailhead location, ratings & topographic maps
Trail details compiled by the Red Feather Lakes Travel Guide from the sources above. Photography by us — more of our own trail images coming as we hike them.