Near Horsetooth Falls and Rock Trail Loop
500 feet up the last pitch before the summit of the trail is a steep scramble and equally steep backwards all fours scramble on the descent.
Near Horsetooth Falls and Rock Trail Loop
View east towards Fort Collins, one mile from the summit.
Near Horsetooth Falls and Rock Trail Loop
Heading up to the Horsetooth Falls
Near Horsetooth Falls and Rock Trail Loop
Northern Colorado summer wildflowers. This is called "Old Man on the Mountain".
Near Horsetooth Falls and Rock Trail Loop
Coming down from the valley viewpoint.

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Route

Horsetooth Falls and Rock Trail Loop

4.3 (12 Ratings)
A thorough hike in a full loop highlighting the surrounding Horsetooth Falls Trail and other trails.
7.9
mi
Distance
2,145
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
Dogs AllowedRiver/CreekViewsWaterfallWildflowers

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
7.88mi
Distance
2,145ft
Elevation Gain
2,145ft
Elevation Loss
65%
Max Grade
7,256ft
High Point
5,706ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
The trail was certainly manageable and guided. There is a consistently steady incline covering about 2,000 feet of incline. Most of the trails are narrow, but still accessible for bikes and dogs. There are some loose rocks (big and small) and tree roots along the trails, but none are overly difficult to overcome. The most difficult aspects of this combination of trails are the inclines and the length of the hike. The first half of the loop climbs steadily, with a short side trip to Horsetooth Falls at about one mile. From there, you'll continue a steady climb on Spring Creek Trail. Eventually, after a short connecting section on Towers, turn onto West Ridge Trail to wind back to the south. This trail will connect you to the Horsetooth Rock Trail which takes you up to the summit. Enjoy the views before starting you descent back to the trailhead on the South Ridge Trail.
History & Background
Horsetooth Rock is a famous regional landmark near Fort Collins and is a popular destination for visitors to Horsetooth Mountain Open Space.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Horsetooth Rock

Hike Route

Horsetooth Rock

Views
strenuous
5.97 mi
+1,737 ft
Horsetooth Falls Out and Back

Hike Route

Horsetooth Falls Out and Back

Family Friendly
moderate
2.21 mi
+486 ft
Stout, Sawmill + Nomad Trail Loop

Hike Route

Stout, Sawmill + Nomad Trail Loop

Lakefront
moderate
4.55 mi
+797 ft
Dixon Reservoir Loop Trail

Hike Route

Dixon Reservoir Loop Trail

Dogs Allowed
easy
2.07 mi
+71 ft
Arthur Rock Loop

Hike Route

Arthur Rock Loop

Less Crowded
moderate
4.28 mi
+1,145 ft
Arthur's Rock Hike

Hike Route

Arthur's Rock Hike

Views
easy
3.2 mi
+1,134 ft
Contributors
Donovan Moritz