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Horsetooth Mountain Open Space
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,735 Google reviews · Running trail in Fort Collins, Colorado · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Horsetooth Mountain Open Space'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.
2,711-acre mountainous park offers 29 miles of hiking, biking & equestrian trails & scenic vistas.
What runners say about Horsetooth Mountain Open Space
“Beautiful local hike that was a lil more intense than perhaps our understanding of the reviews let on.”
“Crossroads between the trails are well marked, but I recommend bringing a map with you along with plenty of water to drink.”
Beautiful local hike that was a lil more intense than perhaps our understanding of the reviews let on. But, absolutely gorgeous space right near home. So dry this time of year, so the Falls were but a trickle, but the hike up was great (even on a very windy day)!
$9 to park, there is a machine that takes debit/credit. The pass is good for 24 hours. The parking lot fills up very quickly. Dogs allowed on leashes. The waterfall at Horsetooth Falls trail was bigger than I expected, you can go up on the top and sit by the pools, or go down to the bottom of the falls, I enjoyed this…
Excellent and challenging area with multi-use trails and rewarding vistas at every turn. There are a lot of different trails to take, so you can have a different experience every time you go back. The rock scramble to the the top is especially fun with a 360 degree view!
Stunning hiking trails that are accessible by those at any level of hiking. Each trail is clearly marked and there are also paper maps available at the parking lot, along with bathroom facilities. I highly recommend taking plenty of water with you on the trails, as you may find yourself a few miles from the trailhead.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful local hike that was a lil more intense than perhaps our understanding of the reviews let on.”
“There is no water or bathrooms along the path, but we did find plenty of parking and bathrooms at the parking area which costs about $10 per carload.”
“There is no water or bathrooms along the path, but we did find plenty of parking and bathrooms at the parking area which costs about $10 per carload.”
“The paths are hard packed dirt and work well for walking, jogging or bicycling.”
“Water fountains (turned off in winter) and an out house style toilet are available in the parking lot before you set out.”
Plan your run at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- 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, water — reported by runners
- Websitelarimer.org
- Phone+1 970-498-7000
Hours
| Monday | 4 am–11 pm |
| Tuesday | 4 am–11 pm |
| Wednesday | 4 am–11 pm |
| Thursday | 4 am–11 pm |
| Friday | 4 am–11 pm |
| Saturday | 4 am–11 pm |
| Sunday | 4 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.
Horsetooth Rock Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 213 reviews
Hiking area featuring trails with scenic views, including a waterfall.
Horsetooth Falls Trail
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Casual, scenic trail through mountains to a waterfall (or sometimes just a trickle or stream).
Soderberg Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 186 reviews
Hiking area featuring trails for all levels, as well as mountain biking, and horseback riding.
Pineridge Natural Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 659 reviews
Preserved parkland featuring hiking & biking trails, a reservoir, fishing & local wildlife.
Maxwell Natural Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 283 reviews
Protected countryside overlooking Horsetooth Reservoir, with a selection of trails & parking.
Cottonwood Glen Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 187 reviews
Public park with a playground, basketball and pickleball courts, picnic areas, trails, and a baseball field.