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Reporter |
Summary: This hike starts off on Soderberg trail with a steady climb without tree cover up a set of switchbacks. It levels off about 1/4 mile up and takes you deep into Horsetooth Mtn Park. The trail is well maintained and wide open the first mile or so but branches off w/another trail, Audra Culver, and gets into some tree cover. Great rock formations along the way w/excellent views of the eastern plains of Colorado and Fort Collins. Trail gets more narrow farther into the hike, following a dried up creek bed under the shade of Ponderosa pines. As you start to level off again you come to Horsetooth rock trail. Take this trail and it leads you to the base of the rock. The trail does get a bit more difficult but the views are well worth it. Once at the rock, there is some bouldering required to get to the top. Those not wanting to climb the rock can enjoy the hike just as much from what the hike up has to offer. Trailhead: Get on Harmony Rd. in Fort Collins and go west. This turns into CR 38e. Follow this road around Horsetooth resevoir until you get to Horsetooth Mountain Park. Entrance and parking is on the right hand side. (Lat:40.52 Lon:-105.19) Trail Guides for Horsetooth Mountain: Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Horses, Ranger Contact: Larimer County-Parks and Open Lands Department-(970)-679-4570 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Bill Pawleshyn, who has posted 2 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review It takes some extra effort to get to the top where tooth is but the views are incredible and completly worth it. Just hiked this trail yesterday. A very nice way to spend the afternoon. I agree with a previous poster that 3 hours is a high estimate. Ended up taking a little over two hours for us. The view from the top is great! Take your camera. Oh my gosh!! We did this hike twice this week because we loved it so much. The first time we went down to the falls which wasn't so much falls, but an okay little hike. The real treat was going up to the top of the rock. We were in awe of the views and took tons of pics. We saw a deer, but no rattlesnakes on either day. We had the pleasure of meeting up with a park ranger at the top of the rock who answered a barrage of questions for us and gave us a few tips on what to do when coming across a rattlesnake or bear. We highly recommend this hike to anyone who appreciates God's beauty and a few sore muscles. So well wroth it!!! Great hike! took the kids and they loved it! now they're hooked on hiking. jealous of those who have seen bears! Hiked this twice, most recently on 3/29/08. It's a great hike to start off the season. Plan on paying $6 to park at the trailhead. The trail gets busy on weekend afternoons...start early to avoid some of the crowds. The views from atop the rock are great! Moved to FoCo 2/07. Since May, I've gone up Horsetooth 7 or 8 times, taking different routes. It's not too hard, very scenic, and the view from the top is beautiful. Sent pics to my friends back in Ohio, they're very jealous. GrayRock is another favorite. I just finished this hike a few hours ago. Three hours is a high estimate, expect it to take less time. Expect to see Rocky Mountain Maples, dotted prairie feather (Liatris), chalk lilly, ninebark, lots of asters, gum weed, Juniperus communis, and pines. Your wife will love it, and if you are lucky, you make love at the top. If you're not with your lover and instead have a dog, make sure to pick up after it. I have only gone all the way to the top once. It is a bit long for beginners or flatlanders. Allow 3 or 4 hours. A shorter hike in this park will take you to a waterfall (can be dry in the fall or late summer). Best time to hike is spring and fall as it can be pretty hot in the summer. We saw a bear while hiking this trail! The "horsetooth" is a landmark in Fort Collins and one we can view from our deck. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Colorado Hiking, Colorado Trails, Colorado Hikes, Larimer County Hiking, Larimer County Trails, Larimer County Hikes |