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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 
Reviewed by Eric on 3/31/2008 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!
Reviewed by Viewer on 10/1/2007 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.
Reviewed by Sam on 8/6/2007 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.
Reviewed by Jon on 7/24/2007 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.
Reviewed by Joseph on 5/29/2007 I have hiked this trail once before back in the fall, but didnt make it to the top, due to rain and fog. So this time around with the great weather and a buddy of mine from out of town who wanted to do a hike I decided to drive up from Denver and do this one again. The trail is well maintained, and is a really good workout no matter whether you walk or run it. Like previous posts here I greatly recommend this hike as one to introduce to out of towners who want to take in a great hike and get a small taste of the mountains. There is a little bouldering to get to the very top, but it's easy to do and well worth it for the views. If you're not able to boulder to the very top, dont worry the views are still excellent and should not be missed. 
Reviewed by Gretchen on 4/16/2007 I have hiked this trail a number of times. One pleasant experience I have noted is it's ability to entertain new hikers from out of town who are perhaps not quite used to the elevation. I have visiting family members from the southern plains states on this hike to give them a taste of the mountains and it is always well received, not overly exerting, and a good little workout. I definately reccommend it. Bring the dog!
Reviewed by Jamie on 7/3/2006 Nice Hike, lots of people on trail, but well maintained. Best at the end, it's worth the climb, the views are beautiful. I love to rock climb and it was really great.
Reviewed by Dave on 5/27/2005 Horsetooth is perhaps the staple landmark of Fort Collins, and this moderate hike is a perfect 3-4 hour trip. The trail has become more popular and is very well maintained except for a few parts that have you following an imaginary trail over some rocks which makes the hike a little bit more difficult. The elevation gain can be difficult for people coming from lower altitude if they have not had a chance to get aclimated, but really isn't very bad at all. The view from the top however is great and makes it well worth your time. As the review says, you do not have to do a little bit of scrambling in order to appreciate the view. The extra little bit of effort to get to the top however is well worth it. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
