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Horsetooth Rock Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 213 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 Rock Trailhead'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.
Hiking area featuring trails with scenic views, including a waterfall.
What runners say about Horsetooth Rock Trailhead
“It doesn't matter which trail you take; every hike in the Horsetooth Open Space is gorgeous and regenerates your soul.”
A beautiful place, but a rugged hike. I saw deer and rabbits along the trail in the evening. The waterfall was only trickling, but the rock was amazing to see.
Great walk at this time of year with patches of snow, but with a dry path. Still quite a busy trail but well worth your time.
Hiked 8-5-2024. Start around 530pm and returned to parking lot around 9pm. Not sure of the length but my guess is around 5-5.5miles. Beautiful Trail. Worth the trip to the top of horsetooth summit. Be very careful of Rattlesnakes, especially in low light conditions.
This is one of my fav local hikes. There are restrooms and water at the trailhead, but no water along the trail. Part of the trail is smooth, part rocky. It's moderately challenging and offers great views. On a hot day like today, bring ample water! Oh, there is a cost to park...
Trail conditions & character
“It doesn't matter which trail you take; every hike in the Horsetooth Open Space is gorgeous and regenerates your soul.”
“However, for where we did get too, views were spectacular and the hike was smooth-not too steep, rocky, narrow, etc.”
“Amazing hike moderate-hard, worth the views, friendly and helpful staff at the parking booth.”
“However, for where we did get too, views were spectacular and the hike was smooth-not too steep, rocky, narrow, etc.”
“There are restrooms and water at the trailhead, but no water along the trail.”
Plan your run at Horsetooth Rock Trailhead
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
- Websitelarimer.org
- Phone+1 970-619-4570
Hours
| Monday | 4 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 4 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 4 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 4 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 4 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 4 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 4 am–8 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 Mountain Open Space
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Horsetooth Falls Trail
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Soderberg Trailhead
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Pineridge Natural Area
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Maxwell Natural Area
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Protected countryside overlooking Horsetooth Reservoir, with a selection of trails & parking.
A
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Faded paint on the side of a mountain with trails leading to city views.