Near Horsetooth Rock Trail
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 Rock Trail
View east towards Fort Collins, one mile from the summit.
Near Horsetooth Rock Trail
Northern Colorado summer wildflowers. This is called "Old Man on the Mountain".
Near Horsetooth Rock Trail
North Side of Horsetooth Rock
Near Horsetooth Rock Trail
View of Horsetooth Rock from about 0.75 miles southeast. This is the trail leading to the top.

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Horsetooth Rock Trail

4.4 (44 Ratings)
A beautiful trail through ponderosa forest with views of Long's Peak and Fort Collins.
2.4
mi
Distance
1,484
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingViewsWildflowersWildlife
Access Issues
There is an entrance fee of $9.00 per car. Fires prohibited. Camping in backcountry only.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
2.39mi
Distance
1,484ft
Elevation Gain
14ft
Elevation Loss
40%
Max Grade
7,256ft
High Point
5,786ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
Start by follow the well signed trail through some scrubland and begin to steadily climb into the ponderosa forest. Continue through the beautiful rock outcrops and trees until you poke out onto a slope with a wonderful view of Horsetooth Reservoir and Fort Collins. From this slope there is an option to scramble up the north or south end of Horsetooth Mountain to reach its peak. If you choose to scramble to the top, you'll discover an incredible view of Long's Peak to the west and Fort Collins to the east. On a particularly clear day you can look down along the front range all the way to Denver.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
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Contributors
Nicholas Shannon