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Horsetooth Falls Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 377 Google reviews · Running trail in Fort Collins, Colorado · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Horsetooth Falls Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Casual, scenic trail through mountains to a waterfall (or sometimes just a trickle or stream).
What runners say about Horsetooth Falls Trail
“I love this hike, not too long, great views and well maintained trails!”
“Gorgeous, easy/moderate trail to the falls (we ranged in age from 8-50 with varying degrees of fitness).”
“It was cold so we only did the horsetooth falls trail, there are a bit of inclines but a pretty easy hike overall.”
Great hiking! This area wasn't crowded when I went but that could be due to the weather. The snow made this visit beautiful. It was cold so we only did the horsetooth falls trail, there are a bit of inclines but a pretty easy hike overall. The paths can get quite muddy. We got to see deer on our hike.
This hike has the perfect amount of everything for everyone. It’s short enough and not to much incline for the old and young. Dogs are allowed. Everyone was polite and agreeable. There are snakes so just be aware. The only downside is the lack of parking. Get there early on weekends.
No water at this time of year, but a great hike nonetheless! Most of the time the hike is easy, just a few moderate areas. Great views and maybe even see the longhorns!
One of the first hikes I did once I moved to Colorado - The trails were well maintained and the hike itself wasn't too difficult, there were also many children and adults of various age ranges present.
Trail conditions & character
“Gorgeous, easy/moderate trail to the falls (we ranged in age from 8-50 with varying degrees of fitness).”
“We encountered other people along the way, but I would not consider it crowded even though the parking lot was nearly full.”
“Although it's not long, and it does go up and down, there are quite a few steep areas.”
“There are clean restrooms, water, and shaded pavillions with bbq's.”
Plan your run at Horsetooth Falls Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitelarimer.org
- Phone+1 970-619-4570
Hours
| Monday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Tuesday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Wednesday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Thursday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Friday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Saturday | 5 am–11 pm |
| Sunday | 5 am–11 pm |
Running trails near Fort Collins
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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Maxwell Natural Area
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A
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Faded paint on the side of a mountain with trails leading to city views.