Horsetooth Mountain Open Space Reviews

An easy trip from downtown. Plenty of hiking options, kayaking,and picnicking. Lovely scenic vistas and occasional wild life.

At the advice of a local, my boyfriend and I decided to hike Horsetooth trail one afternoon on our vacation. We chose the hikers path for our route. We’re from Michigan, in our 30s, and are overall healthy. We had to take a few breaks along the way for water and to rest our legs. It took us about 1 3/4 hours to reach the top but the view was stunning!! Well worth it!! Take the bike path trail on your way back down, it was much easier than the hikers path.

We hiked up the hill , took about an hour in the snow .. what a great view at the top of Horsetooth Reservoir. We did it in 13 degree weather on New Years Eve. I bet it's beautiful in the summer when you can swim.

We hiked up to the top of the mountain and it was a good workout. Be sure to take plenty of water. The views from above made it worth it and the trail is dog friendly.

We hiked the Horsetooth trail with 2 kids (13 and 11) and it took us 1 hour and 15 minutes to get to the top. Beautiful views at all points along the path. Bring tennis or hiking shoes. When we were done hiking back down, we rented kayaks at the marina and kayaked around the reservoir for an hour.

we drove up to Horsetooth on a chilly Sunday afternoon. It ended up being a beautiful day. Well worth the drive up there! The views are amazing from up there!! The lake is beautiful. If you take the drive up there, follow the road around into the little town of Laporte and be sure to stop at Verns Place!! The food and service there were excellent!!

Horsetooth Mountain is easily accessible by car. We drove up the mountain and hiked down. Ate our picnic lunch on a rock, put our feet in the lake (at the base of the mountain), built a rock tower and then hiked back up. I am 74 and my granddaughter (a freshman at Colorado State) enjoyed our hike. It was an “easy to medium”hike.

There is so many endless things to do. You'll definitely want to make a weekend of it. You'll get to enjoy it in the early spring completely full late summer there is lots of beach line and many wonderful Coves to hang out in for the day or camp for the weekend. Pick your adventure exclamation point

Horsetooth is very beautiful! It’s the best place to go when you want to get away from the city and enjoy nature.

Took my family up to Horsetooth this afternoon for a quick visit and the stunning Colorado scenery didn’t disappoint! We didn’t spend very much time on the trails because it started raining, but even gazing at the scenery from the truck was worth it for these south Texas travelers.

This is a must if you plan to spend some time in Ft. Collins. The views from the top of Horsetooth are amazing.

We decided to make a little detour from our hotel in Ft Collins up to Wyoming, avoiding I25 like the plague. This was a nice little drive a short distance out of town, looks like a great place to bring a boat and make a great day of the reservoir.

Terrific hikes and incredible panoramic views. You must hike the CSU "A". This is Fort Collins at its best.

Absolutely beautiful and so close to Ft. Collins. Saw some brave runners and bikers navigating the hills. Find it!

Great place to walk or bike. Don't have a boat but just might get one. Only caution is to stay away from eating at the Bar just outside the park. I got sick

We spent a magical afternoon watching the sunset from just off the road. It really is quite gorgeous here. Don't forget to bring your camera!

My sister, husband, and I came here after hiking Coyote Ride. Technically, we may have been in the Reservoir, not the "Open Space". I'm not honestly sure. We were by a beautiful waterfront, "stone-scaped" area that was right next to a boat ramp and a rocky beach. The views of the water and surrounding areas were gorgeous. We played cards and dice while enjoying the view. At our specific location, there was a large covered picnic area. It would be a great place to come with family or friends to eat, talk and swim. I'd happily go back.

Horsetooth is a great place for a hiking. There are a lot of good trails for all skill levels and the beauty is, it's 10 minutes outside of town. Parking lot can get crowded and they have a one car wait minimum, so get there early on weekends!

Enjoyed our day hike. Be sure to bring water and snacks, sun screen and a hat. My family enjoyed. We also saw families with very little kids enjoying their day.

Rude bicyclists. If you’re going to ride horses, go down and around to Soderburg or Lory State Park. Limited trailer parking here. Crowded. Very steep climb so good for conditioning, but your horses need to be in shape.

Unless it is a weekend you won't need to pay to enter the trailhead.

From the parking lot you have access to 29 miles of trails, dogs are allowed.

The most popular sights to hike to are Horsetooth Mountain and Horsetooth Falls.
Never make it to the mountain, it does require a bit of rock climbing. The Falls is a 1.2 one way trail to a falls with not a lot of water volume but it is about 20 feet high. Go in the spring to see the full effect.

From the Falls you can backtrack or continue on a make a loop, get a map at the trailhead.

Our family stopped very briefly to enjoy the views and take pictures. It was really beautiful. Would like to return to comment on the camping and fishing.

Beautiful and green. Lake level above average. Saw more trail bikes than hikers. Some did not alert you to their approach so watch out!

We went on the Horsetooth Rock trail to catch views overlooking Fort Collins. We managed to find parking at the lot - $6. We were warned by the gatekeeper to take plenty of water because there would be no opportunity on the ~5 mile roundtrip hike. There are restrooms and water fountains at the start of the trail. There is a map to check out before embarking but there are markers scattered that will help make sure you're on track. It does get a little confusing when markers point in one direction for the Horsetooth Falls and the other direction for Horsetooth Rock - go for the rock if you want to catch high views (don't bother if you aren't good with heights). Majority of the way is an upward hike but as you near the Rock you will have to involve you hands a little to steady your climb up. The climb may feel like it's not worth it - but it's ok! Keep going! We climbed to the top and enjoyed the views - it was windy and surprisingly there are many little flying insects that stick to you ... but it didn't take away from the experience. Climbing down from the rock would require careful downward climbing but not too difficult. (A family with several young children managed to do it all!) And the hike back to the lot is mostly downhill so it isn't too bad. Definitely take water and wear your hat and sunglasses! We forgot our hats and we were fine - but I would recommend it. The hike was a total of about 2.5 hours for the two of us in relatively OK shape.

We were looking for a nice way to spend our morning before an afternoon wedding and decided to head out to Horsetooth Mountain. We arrived at the main parking area at 8:30, but were turned away because the lot was full. We went back to the lower lot and found a number of walking trails along the reservoir, but none with the expected beauty of the planned hike to the falls.

Great hiking with a variety of terrains and great for dogs, too. If you bring your dog(s) be respectful of others and keep them leashed.

Great hike and not too strenuous. Take water as elevation makes it a little harder than you might expect. Great photo ops at top.

Being from the area, my wife and I visit horsetooth regularly, as it's such an amazing area, complete with amazing views, scenic hiking trails, and friendly visitors, 365 days a year.

We randomly found this while visiting Fort Collins. The drive was beautiful. Lots of parking, bathroom available. The hike to the waterfall was great--moderate difficulty for this out of shape novice hiker. The views and mountain beauty were breathtaking!

Good view of the city and lake. short hike. had to pay $7.00 to park . good weather. will come here again

My first visit to Horsetooth was a swim........arriving before sunrise, and going to the south-west end...well, great views!

Parking was somewhat limited, but have been back this Fall, and was, of course, much better.

The Reservoir changes....with the seasons, with the water levels....but it is always interesting!

Will be back OFTEN!

I love it at Horsetooth we go here as much as we can to go swimming play with our dog or just to drive around. the view is amazing the water is amazing and not too cold in summer. lots of hiking trails and and places to park and walk around. the only thing you might want to watch out for hiking through high grass and rocks is the rattlesnakes and bull snakes that are all over :)

Horsetooth reservoir is a BEAUTIFUL place to go and spend some time swimming, jumping off the rocks or paddleboarding! Water temp is always just right!

Figure on about 6 miles round trip, with about 1500’ of gain and loss total. Or if you’d like something shorter with less exposure, hike to Horsetooth Falls instead (less than half that much).

The drive around the reservoir is breathtaking. The road is elevated high above the city of Fort Collins. Sunrises and sunsets are especially great.

We have done several beautiful hikes on the Horsetooth reservoir site. Friendly people on the trails! Beautiful views!

This open space offers several hiking trails and beautiful scenery. You can hike to the Horsetooth Falls for a shorter, easier hike, or up to Horsetooth Rock for more of a challenge. Dog friendly is always a plus! The parking lot gets very busy in the summer, especially on weekends, and there is a day use fee (I believe $7 ?). Nice spot to show off to visitors.

There are 2 nice trails you can access from this location: Horsetooth Rock and Horsetooth Falls. The rock is a much longer trail and ends with a fabulous view of the city. Horsetooth Falls is a shorter hike (~2 miles roundtrip) although it always seems longer to me than that. The falls is a family favorite because the kids and dogs love the water. The trails are nicely maintained and dogs are welcome on a leash.

My husband and I enjoyed walking the trail with our dog. The trails are not difficult and are well maintained. There are always a lot of bikers, runners, and hikers utilizing the trails.

This area is absolutely breathtaking. When we drove up, there were places to pull over in the car and enjoy time hiking or just sitting on a picnic table or rock, and enjoying the views. Worth a short drive up the "hill."

I am getting into hiking and wanted to get out in a nice sunny winters day so I decided to head on up to Horsetooth open space. The trail I chose was Horsetooth falls loop. A great hike, not too strenuous. I will be back to hike all the other trails soon.

This is a very stunning and beautiful place to visit, it is so beautiful!! The drive there has outstanding views!!

It's a large clean reservoir with mountains on the west side. Thwre are several dams. Scenic drive or stop and explore the lake by water. There are several wakeless coves. The mountain bike trails on east and west sides of the lake are intermediate to advanced. Parking lots charge $9 day for this county park. Fee for Lory state park is separate as that is state run, confusing right?

We enjoyed the mountain bike trails. The area has a ton to offer, from biking, hiking, fishing and boating. Just a great place with great views!

Beautiful views, nice hiking trails, camping, fishing and boating if you want. The fees get to some of the locals, since we paid for the Open Space with our tax dollars, but maintenance is required for the many amenities. Biking up the dam is free, and on any day you can find people of all ages, shapes and sizes getting in their cardio before an adrenalin-charged ride downhill. Horseshoe Mountain Park nearby, extremely crowded on weekends as it is incredibly popular. Wildflowers in spring are superb.

$7 for a daily entry. Locals, just buy the yearly pass and save money. Try coming in from the backside (Lory State Park) and see a scenic drive over the Poudre.

Horsetooth is a great place to kayak, especially in the winter. On a sunny day in the winter the water is flat and there are no motorboats to create wakes. Park at South Bay and put in at the boat ramp. The Rangers say it is not a problem to use the ramp for kayaks even if a chain is up. You can paddle 7 miles from one end to the other. Look for deer and bear on shore. Listen for Pygmy nuthatch and pinyon jays. It is close to Fort Collins, but in the winter, it feels like wilderness. Happy paddling.

We wanted to drive around the reservoir and saw several nice picture spots. Signs indicate you can only enter the parking lot if you have a paid permit. We proceeded to enter as we were already entering when we read the sign and there was plenty of parking to stop for a few pics. Seems the majority of the people there were for the same.
We saw people mountain biking, enjoying the water on jet skis and kayaks. Not sure where you put into the water. Lovely scenery in all directions. Some signage leading you into the area would be nice, as would directional signs for the various roads around the area. Relied on our GPS tracker to see what road options there were.

Horsetooth is a must see! Whether driving around it or hiking or on the water, it is such a peaceful, beautiful place.

As the water levels rise so will the visitors, but really it's great any time of year. Presently it's cool clear water with a few folks fishing, lots of birds. Around mid June we can swim and drift with the light currents, July and August will bring cold beers, parties and boats zooming about, fall is the best with water still warm, beautiful colors and peace and quiet. Winter; crusty and quiet.

There are so many ways to access this open space on the west side of Ft Collins. Hiking and mountain biking are available up on the ride as well as down near the reservoir.

We like to go year round, although when there is rain or recent rain trails may be closed because of mud.

This is a beautiful area with great opportunities to enjoy the outdoors!

Went here on a hike on second day at altitude compared to our sea level living at Hilton Head, SC.

While we are both in good condition,my wife and I struggled up the hike compared to our much younger adult kids who live out in Fort Collins.

The trail has amazing views, enough vegetation so you can stop and rest in the shade.

This would have been a great hike for us about a week into our visit, but spite plenty of water, breaks, it was hard to complete the trip.

But it was well worth it.

Saw tons of little kids and families on the trail.

Parking was $7.

Must go see if in Fort Collins. I still haven’t been all the way around. Must take in view of water, foothills, and looking back at city and beyond.

Picture perfect place to play in the water, take a hike, enjoy a picnic or just enjoy the outside and beauty of Colorado. One of my favorite spots.

Beautiful lake and open recreation area. Pay to park for the day at the self service kiosks in the parking area. Plenty of rangers driving around to make you feel safe. Nice hiking in the area. Great views of Fort Collins. Lake was not crowded during the week.

I had some free time on my hands to explore and perfect weather so I decided to visit. It turned out to be a highlight of the weekend.

It's pretty crowded in summer with lots of boaters but in off season quieter for hiking and photo ops. Close to north colorado metro area, short drive west of ft. collins. Hiking trails and beautiful large reservoir. Wildlife include mountain lions and rattlesnakes so be careful.

We liked it out here so much we bought a place to live close by!! This whole area is attractive to anyone active.

The dog park and bike trails are excellent. The reservoir is enjoyable and there is camping right at the reservoir.

Horsetooth is the symbol of Fort Collins. The rock formation is visible from almost anywhere in the city and Horsetooth Ave. provides a straight line view. It is has easy access by following Harmony Rd past Horsetooth Reservoir and a $6 daily fee allows access to the trail. At the top, watch children as there is exposure. The view west is wonderful.

My daughter and I went here and hiked up Horse Tooth Mountain. By the end of the day we had covered 9 kilometres, half of that uphill.
We hiked several different trails, some more popular and some with very few people. Most popular seems to be the hike to the falls, although there was also a fair amount hiking up to the top of the mountain.
The trails are all very well maintained and there are lots of places to stop and grab photos of the beautiful scenery.
If you are hiking to the top of the mountain be prepared for a good workout, bring water and have some sun protection.
Definitely worth a visit.

My family and I happened upon the reservoir after spending a couple of hours driving along the La Poudre River. The scenery all around was amazing even under overcast skies. It had been a rainy day but the clouds were starting to break as we approached the reservoir, but it was getting closer to sunset so we didn't have time to stay. We stopped along the way and enjoyed the sites and took some pics. Saw lots of canoes and boats on the river. This would definitely be a cool spot to commit some time to, for picnicking, hiking or boating. I think there were some folks fishing, too. You won't be disappointed by the views.

This was one of my favorite things we did while in Fort Collins. This area is exceptionally beautiful and has lots of paths for hiking. You do need some sort of a park sticker to be here.

Went rafting/tubing on 4th of July.
Paddled around on water which as refreshing as it was hot.
Wear sunscreen and a big hat.
Can also row, paddle board or kayak.
Great fun.
If not in/on the water then take a hike or go mountain biking.
If hiking watch for rattle snakes.
Bring lots of water and snaks as there are no resources.
Remember to carry out what you bring in and be sure to pay your parking fee.

Do not go on the weekend. If you do, go early or later in evening otherwise you will not have a parking spot. You have to pay $6 at the guard or pay station. Part of the trail is open space so be aware of heat during the summer. We took the loop: Horsetooth Rock to Wathen trail to Spring Creek trail to Horsetooth falls. It was approx 6 miles. The trails are well marked and easy to follow. The hike up to Horsetooth rock is an incline most of the way up. Once you are there, the trail is a little dicey on the rocks but manageable. The falls were a disappointment as they were barely dripping.

You can drive by and stop at different places, where there are hikes and paths to the water. You have to buy a ticket for parking/entrance, it cost 7 dollars. I went up early in the morning and it was so nice and peacefully.

The drive up the mountain overlooking the city of Fort Collins is spectacular. Being one with nature is almost spiritual. Cleanses the mind and soul. Add a little music and you'll be in heaven.

Driving around Horsetooth is Specatular ! They also have a swim beach. I usually go yo the Cayon Grill and get a beer & sandwich. Let you're self unwind,

I was very disappointed that the park ranger who took my $10 Day Pass Fee did not tell me there was no water flow when I specifically told her I was coming to do a waterfall hike to see Horsetooth Falls. A 2.2 mile, hour round trip hike in the heat to see barely a dribble. July 26, 2025

I would really recommend hiking up to Horsetooth mountain, it is fun and when you have reached the top you can
see the whole city. For me it was amazing experience I will never forget.

Fantastic drive to Horsetooth Reservoir, the view's are amazing, such a beautiful place to visit even in the snow. We will be back for a walk at some point.

Great place to hike! We took the trail up to the falls and the the rock up to the top of the mountain. The last 10-15 minutes to the top was rock climbing and a great workout! By the time we got back down we put in almost 8 miles in about 3 hours. Good time with the family and would recommend it to anyone who likes to exercise.

Nice to just drive to at lunch or on a weekend to get out of time. Peaceful and it is fun to watch the lake change with the seasons.

Really beautiful place for all types of recreation. Hiking, boating, picnics, etc. Great place to spend the day with the family and friends.

I went hiking in the park over July 4th weekend. It was very crowded as you would expect on a beautiful holiday weekend. I still enjoyed the views and cooler temps. The reservoir provides all the water activities like kayaking, boating & fishing. Camping is also available.

Bring lots of water, but a great place to hike. We hiked to the falls and back with our 7 and 9 year old. Not too strenuous of a hike, but also not super easy. Lots of hills and steps, but it a clear wide path with steps built in at certain places. Totally worth it to make it to the falls. Small 6 dollar entry into the park is very worth it. Several other trails were available.

Much for scenery, a throng of people always gathered despite the high entrance fee. I guess the charm of the place is still there.

We visited while staying with family in Fort Collins. It was a scenic car ride up and the views were stunning. Peaceful and on the doorstep for Fort Collins residents and visitors. A must see.

This was my first time being on a mountain top. It can be a little bit intimidating and intriguing at the same time. I am so glad I went there. It was such a beautiful and breathtaking view

Easy access and a variety of terrain and trails. This is one of my favorite places to hike in this area.

Horsetooth is a well known local landmark, which draws hundreds of outdoor enthusiasts looking to ascend this big rock visible from most vantage points in the area. However it has become much like many of the overcrowded ski areas, which pack in as many as possible regardless of the practical limitations of the space. To enhance the experience County officials should determine a more realistic carrying capacity for this beautiful place and limit the numbers of hikers. Instead they continue to explore even more ways to pack in more mountain bikes, hikers, etc. by seeking to find other parking lot locations.

There is a very nice drive from the main dam up the east side of the lake crossing 3 other dams. They also just built a county visitor center at the south end of the the lake with neat history of how they built tunnels under the mountain from lakes higher up to fill the reservoir. They also have a topographic map of the lake and surrounding are and trails. If you want great scenic outdoor activity with a trip to the local landmark, this is the trip for you.

There are several options for hiking depending on whether you want something fairly easy or a little more difficult. Lots of people biking there.

We had such a great time here, the water is beautiful and the people are super friendly!! Rent the boat with a slide, kids love it!

Nice area to get out and take an easy hike. Beautiful rocks with waterfall and pond and open spaces with nice views.

If you only get to do one thing in Fort Collins, this should be it. If you are from a mountainous area and used to hiking in that terrain, this could be unimpressive, but if you're not used to that, this could not possibly disappoint. It was a Sunday and there were quite a few people hiking to the falls. However, it felt safer with more people, and not too crowded. The falls were small, and we were told they are bigger at times. But the hike itself offers incredible mountain views and you wind through some rich terrain with opportunities to see wildlife. We had some issues adjusting to the altitude as we just arrived in Colorado, but drinking a lot of water helped. It cost $6 to get in but money well spent!

We drove up her on our way out of town. Beautiful. Very good for hiking and biking. We say a lot of picnics.

Beautiful views. Loved the waterfalls. Definitely worth going to this one. I went during the week and it wasn't very crowded at all. I heard it can be crowded during the weekends, though.

Driving through Horsetooth, is a very pleasant, easy drive. The landscapes are gorgeous. Overlooking the Horsetooth reservoir makes for great pictures. The reservoir itself has Water skiing, and other water sports. I recommend taking a picnic, and making a day of it.

One of the most popular places in Fort Collins for everyone from seniors to parents with young children so avoid weekends or get an early start. Check Larimer County twitter page to see if parking lot is full. This is how they keep the park from being too crowded. The hike to Horsetooth Rock is a right of passage for CSU students (~5.5 miles, 1500 ft. elevation gain.) . Many visitors and locals with children do the shorter hike to the waterfall and pool although this may dry up in August. There are 29 miles of trails plus it connects to Lory State Park. My favorite is hiking to the waterfall, backtracking to the stairs to go up to the pool at the top of the waterfall, then continuing on Spring Creek Trail and Soderberg Trail and making a loop back to parking lot. This is about 3.5 miles but the final .5 mile is downhill. We like to pack a lunch and eat on the trail. Maps are available at the trailhead or online. Some of the trails are open to mountain biking and horses. People spend anywhere from an hour to more than 3 hours depending on the hike they choose and their travel speed.

Horsetooth was great, but Big Thompson River, Big Thompson Canyon, Estes Park, and Rock Mountain National Park were incredible. If you get the chance, fly fishing the Big Thompson, albeit pricey is well worth it.

beautiful place to just escape and enjoy nature. The scenes are spectacular. Trails, water, camping and fishing.

This is one of Fort Collins favorites. Stunning views, hiking, water sports, mountain biking, climbing, photography...you name it you can enjoy it here. For individuals craving adventure you've got it and only 15 minutes from town. For those desiring a more laid back experience take a driving tour and stop at one of the parking areas to enjoy the scenery, a picnic or the perfect sunset. This is a must do!!

On a very warm day, we had a family hike to Horsetooth Falls (I think). We saw some deer munch on some leaves before retreating to a cave. We carefully stepped around a rattlesnake lounging trail side. Some thunder and lightning helped us finish the hike quickly.

New to Fort Collins and went up to tour Horsetooth. We went up on a day when some afternoon storms cropped up so it cut our visit short. There are some trails to hike and of course a wonderful, huge lake. Lot's of boaters, SUP'ers and folks on the lake. Can't wait to get out on it and try some fishing. Beautiful area with creat views.

My adult son and I had a great lake front 60ft rv site with 30/50 amp hook up, no water, bee's and mosquitos were frequent and one disrespectful camper left his two dogs off leash a few times, noticed a few campers arriving and departing after only a few hours which was strange , nice space for a few days but not in Forrest

Such a beautiful place! The lake is HUGE! We did the horsetooth rock trail. It's about 3 miles one way. Most of the trial is an easy hike with some steps and incline with Boulder scrambling toward the end. We saw a bunch of deer on the trail which was nice too.

There are toilets at the trailhead.

Love to hike up to Horsetooth Rock every time I visit Fort Collins. It's a short drive to get there and the views are outstanding.

We rode the Harley's around Horsetooth Mountain open space and it was an excellent ride. The site of the water and mountain side is beautiful. As for camping there really isn't much shade, but people tend to pack in there every year.

Clean water and beaches. Beautiful views in every direction. Large lake with tons of areas to explore. Been there many times and have never been harassed or felt like I was in someone's way. Plus, I can bring my dog and she can swim and kayak with me.

Just next to Fort Collins is the Horsetooth Mountain Open Space/Horsetooth Reservoir. Easy to moderate hiking and a $6 parking fee (which is good at the South Bay and all trailheads for a 24-hour period) make this a nice way to get nature for hikers/nature lovers of all experience levels. My seven-year-olds made the hike on the Horsetooth Falls Trail fairly easily (note-- this is a dry climate in the foothills...it is not a major waterfall even in the "wet" runoff season!). We cooled off in the reservoir and ate lunch in the picnic area at South Bay. Beautiful Day!

Note: It is very dry and sunny in summer in this area. Morning hikes are the way to go, but you need to be prepared with water and sun protection! Also, the reservoir "beach" area is fun, but rocky. If you have sensitive feet, you may want to wear water shoes. We didn't and were fine, but it is something to think about if rocks aren't your thing.

We went to the Horsetooth Reservoir. It's spectacular. Easy to get to and parking is available. Very nice place for a hike, long or short with nice views of the water.

Can you really rate an open space like this?! I don't know!

But if you can, then this would be an excellent one. Horsetooth allows you to drive along the reservoir for free and swim for a nominal fee to park. It takes you just over the hill into a water escape that is only a 10 minute drive from Fort Collin's busy downtown.

If you want to get even further away you can head to the western side to go into Lory State Park and find endless hikes and adventures.

It is well maintained and dog friendly.

I've never done camping myself, but I've heard it's a nice time (albeit not really all that secluded).

A northern Colorado staple!

I love coming here to enjoy the scenery and the wildlife. I have visited the Horsetooth Mountain area during each of the 4 seasons and I was always pleased with my experience. If you love hiking then this is the place to go. Highly recommend.

Been hitting up this trail for years! Always well maintained and friendly people to great on the ride or run. It's pretty busy on weekends but otherwise a Colorado treasure.

We did the hike to Horsetooth Falls, it was around 3 miles round trip and beautiful with the waterfall frozen. It's also a nice place to hike in the summer.

Horsetooth had some beautiful places to hike. Take water if it is warm. The area is very open, with limited shade in areas. If it is hot water is an absolute must.

If you're in Ft. Collins or on the way to Estes Park, this is yet another hidden gem in a state full of scenic drives, national and state parks. Excellent well marked trails for the new or experienced hiker or biker.

The falls trail is a challenging hike which rewards you with an inspirational view where you can sit and just relax without a screen.

$6.00 for a daily pass and credit cards are accepted. Make sure to pay and display your receipt on the dashboard.

Great spot for a nice quick hike!

We like taking our Husky and either hiking from the road all the way up to the reservoir or we go a little further to the left and take the trail around the lake that has areas for birdwatching and spots to fish. If you go up and hike to the reservoir, once you get to the top there’s a rest area with restrooms, a couple picnic tables to sit down and rest at while taking in the view, I believe there’s a grill, a small parking lot (you have to pay!!!)... Either way, it usually takes us about 45 minutes to an hour from start to finish, but I will say the trail around the lake is much more leisurely than hiking up&down to the reservoir!

* If you go during the summer/fall months BEWARE OF RATTLESNAKES!!! We encountered Rattler’s MANY times, one of our hikes we actually came across 5 or 6 just a few feet apart, sunbathing along the trail going up to/down from the reservoir😳

* * We’ve been here so many times, I tried to include pics from different vantage points as well as different seasons. Enjoy!

We are just in town for one day, and enjoyed driving around the lake, hiking a trail to the water, and stopping for pictures. Beautiful!

Went there especially for the sunset and was truly not disappointed! The views are amazing. Beautiful and so peaceful!

I rode from denver and up through boulder and then took hwy 38 around horsetooth
Reservoir. Was a fantastic ride.

Horsetooth Reservoir is a beautiful lake for boating, hiking, picnicking, etc.. It has beautiful views and camping sites. Great coves on the lake with calm water to anchor your boat, swim and enjoy the scenery. I love Horsetooth Lake. I try to go every weekend!!

Camped at Horsetooth Reservoir, South Bay campground. Very clean with lots of water for visitors to enjoy. Took two day excursions - lots of beautiful mountain scenery to see!

Nice hike that took a couple of hours. First part more rugged, second on a road. We started towards the falls, but they were dry. Therefore we veered off and hiked a big circle.

we rented a motor boat and went tubing. It was so much fun and a highlight of our Fort Collins adventure. HIghly recommend.

I live across the open space ranch( over 30 years) it's a very beautiful area and well marked trails, one trail to Horsethooth rock and another trail to Lory State Park. Plenty of trails for hiking, mountain biking and Horse. Just be on look 👀 out for snakes during warm months

How about a walk on an interesting trail in the hogbacks? We go here for the easy going grassy paths and pleasant views over the water or the plain at the foot of the Rockies. This place is perfect for anyone looking for something accessible but wild and for a bit of a relaxed day hike. You'll find a distinctive ecosystem and a marvelous opportunity to examine unique hogback geological features. This is the place where the ancient sedimentary uplifts touch the emerging Rocky Mountains. Exciting!

Took waterfall trail only to find just a small trickle in late August on our hike. Nice parking lot by trail head.

We only had an hour of so to enjoy the view and a quick hike down & then back up the east side. For a $7 parking pass it was worth it. Whether you have a full day, half day or just a couple hours, if you're in Fort Collins it's worth your time to check it out.

Love this area! For a very relaxing day go to this area. Love the natural spaces and fresh air. Beautiful!

We had a wonderful day for a short hike on the well marked trails. Lovely boulders and several boats out on the water added to the beauty of this area. Very close to Midtown Fort Collins.

This resevoir is breathtaking to look at! Especially from dunkins ridge! And its super cool looking at people rock climbing under you!

Wonderful area to relax have a picnic or simply watch the boats, ride a bicycle, hike, etc.
Easy access

Great for boating, jet skis, etc. and camping. They're kind of sticklers about where you can swim though. If you're just looking to get in the water the river is a better choice.

Very good trail system. I don't get as excited as most with the area next to the reservoir.... it's obviously a man made reservoir and not a natural lake, so I don't really see it as natural beauty. But the trails that go into the mountains away from the reservoir are very nice. Good for both hiking and mountain biking, and mileage can be increased by connecting to the adjacent Lory State Park.

We stopped by when we were visiting CSU. I didnt know this was there and was pleasantly surprised. We did not do any water activities, but looked like there was a lot going on.

Great spot for picnics, hiking, swimming, mountain bike riding, exploring. Clearwater, albeit rocky terrain, makes for good swimming. Open space offers soft breezes and a lot of nooks and crannies offer privacy if desired.

Well maintained trails with lots to chose from. Flush toilets, water and picnic tables at base. Downside was we had to pay for parking but it was for 24 hour period. We went up to the falls and another day did a sunset hike up to Horsetooth Mountain. The view was spectacular at the top!

What a great place to spend the day!!! Hiking, biking,fishing, enjoying the beach and BBQ grills, kayaking... Beautiful serenity......pack a lunch and lots of water......spend the entire day and make new friends

We were recommended to take a drive through here. Man, we were not disappointed! It was stunningly beautiful. We wish we had more time to stop and take a hike and be able to truly enough the area. We will definitely be back.

Totally awesome hiking and mountain biking - just 15 minutes from Fort Collins. A real "gem" for those who love the outdoors.

This was a beautiful and relatively easy hike. You would need to be able to walk uphill, steps and generally over roots, rocks, etc. to be able to do it. It was pretty icy out when we were there, but the views were awesome! I would love to go back in the summer to do it.

Let me first start with I am 57 years old and NOT in any kind of shape. There are different trails, but all seem to have a lot of walking up. We ended walking 3.7 miles in an hour and 45 minutes. I was a little out of breath to start but got easier. Don't eat a big breakfast before you go, that was my mistake. Go in the morning when it's cooler.

Accidentally passed the trail head, but found an alpaca farm! Quite a few of those interesting and cute creatures. Finally found the trail head and headed up to the "falls". You'll be disappointed if you want to see any water! Good hike anyway, took about 1 1/2 hours with stops here and there, got the heart pumping. Be on the lookout for rattle snakes! Came right up to one sunning itself on a stair. It did rattle at me! Suggest going early in the day as the weather in Colorado is unpredictable in the afternoon. We barely made it down and got on the road and it started hailing and raining very hard.

Short drive from Fort Collins. Beautiful Lake! Many enjoy boating, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming, camping etc... Also great for hiking and BBQing. The water is pretty calm in the am, but gets windy in the PM. So wake board early. Afternoon thunderstorms can kick up in the pm too.

Had a great hike with bride and friends! Not super difficult but top section you need to be secure on your feet balance wise. Saw a guy carrying a 4 year old part of the way and she hiked some as well. Mostly friends and couples on the path. No water once u leave parking lot and you definitely need to take water with you. Great views along the way with a some shade and breeze but not a lot. Left around 10:30am and got back to lot by 1pm to do entire hike, slowly with a few rest stops (we were in no hurry and just enjoying the day and views). There are bathrooms and drinking fountains as well as maps and info in parking lot where the trail starts.

This is a must stop while in Ft Collins! It is so pretty and great views and scenery. Perfect place for photo opportunities!

The reservoir was a nice place to visit while vacationing. We enjoyed walking along the "beach" area and taking in the beauty of nature all around. However, my family was unable to stay too long or walk the trails because we have two small children. The views are gorgeous and it seemed like a very nice place to go trail walking or take pets too.

Spent the day on a pontoon boat floating on the Horsetooth Reservoir and exploring some of the smaller coves. The reservoir appears quite full, the water is cold (but still temperate enough for swimming) and we saw quite a few deer coming down to drink during the day. It did rain on us off and on, but not a problem since we were all wet anyway. A very fun day with family and friends. The $7 entry fee was well worth the stay.

We went hiking at Horsetooth over the Thanksgiving day holiday. While the parking is fairly limited, the hiking trails are great. We really enjoyed it.

Enjoyed this open space and our afternoon walk. Near Fort Collins and nice parking area. Restrooms at trailhead. You do have to pay if you are not a local pass holder for trail maintenance, which i find fair. I think it was $6. They have a machine. Take a lot of water and a hat and walk away!

Love the well groomed trails and everyone was extremely friendly! I loved that we could bring the pups. Plus we took so great graduation pictures there!

We did the horsetooth mountain hike and it was wonderful! Definitely a challenge once you got closer to the top but a decent challenge for moderately experienced hiker. Beautiful views!

We drive the Horsetooth ever time we are in FoCo. Love the view and the smells of nature. We did hike down to the water once and fished but didn't stay long. It was very busy that day. Love the drive from the Damn to Watson Lake. The sun sets are amazing and its looks so pretty when there is snow on the ground

Even though a mountain lion recently attacked a jogger, for the most part this is a very pleasant and safe area to hike. As in any area of Colorado, you are naive if you hike without bear spray and a knife. Make noise by talking or with music. Go with a partner. Avoid dawn and dust. This is the wild so stay aware of your surroundings.

Horsetooth Mountain Open Space has some great hikes, even up to Horsetooth rock itself. The trails up to the rock and around the falls loop are well maintained, but there is very little shade. If you are prepared, there are some great hikes. Be sure to have lots of water and if you plan to be out longer and walk by the creek a good filtration system (stores like REI and Jax are where I usually go for the best help, I have not tried Sierra Trading Post, GoJo, or Big 5 for hiking equipment).

Besides water, make sure you are well prepared for changes in the weather. If storms are predicted for the afternoon, go early. You do not want to be caught up on the mountain when a thunderstorm comes in. Decide where you want to go and give yourself enough time to go and get back safely. Always go in groups, there are occasionally mountain lions spotted in the area. If you stay in a group and do not run by yourself, you will be fine. Sometimes REI has hikes to these areas, the first time up it is sometimes good to go with a person who knows the area.

The views are spectacular from any of the areas. This includes the roads that go around Horsetooth Reservoir. Enjoy your trip. The amount of physical activity required can vary. Staying on the roads and going to the picnic areas can be very easy. Going up to Horsetooth rock or the falls loop does require some exercise with quite a bit of uphill climbing (and downhill if you have some knee problems).

Horsetooth mountan was beautiful. What else is there to do in Fort Collins, besides hiking & brewering!

Followed the signs and found a Piece of Heaven! Spectacular setting with beautiful views of the reservoir and mountains! Feelings of peace and tranquility fill the Soul in this one of a kind place!

This is a gorgeous spot and I'm so glad I made my way to it! It was such a nice crisp (more like Spring) day! I took photos of the views, foilage and various interesting things and went down to look at the beach, which seemed very inviting. You'll have to stop in one of the areas and purchase a parking pass to place on your dash at one of the self service kiosks. It's only $7...and it was worth it!

this a must go awesome views. Our visit was quiet, cool weather, gorgeous skies, and those that were there we very personable.

A very beautiful place just a short ride from Fort Collins. The views are outstanding, and there are hiking trails and picnic areas.

Horsetooth Mountain Park Open Space is such a wonderful place to find nature's best just west of Ft. Collins. It offers an assortment of hiking/biking trails that can enjoyed during all seasons of the year. These trails also accommodate varying family needs from young children to older grandparents. It is a nice way to explore the various flora and fauna in the area as well.

This area is well worth your drive, you can get there from Ft. Collins or west of Loveland on Hwy 34, turn at the Masonville School and go north, it is such a beautiful drive through rugged mountains and you come out just above the reservoir, next, trave over the dam and up to the top and what a view! There are NO WORDS to express the beauty of this mountain and huge lake.

What a fun place to go! If you have a boat jet ski, long board canoe etc this is the place to go! You can camp, hike ,picnic or just hang out. I was fortunate to have met up with friends that had a boat, docked it in the lake and all these other boats came along and hung out with us while listening to music. The scenery was so beautiful the sunset amazing! Another great find in Colorado

We loved walking and climbing horsetooth area, what a wonderful activity for a sunny day. Highly recommended, but be sure to bring plenty of water.

Just a note- I heard a lot of people saying that the Horsetooth Falls hike was supposed to be easy and flat. We heard: " I thought this was a FLAT hike!" It's not. But, it won't kill you, if I can do it! My husband, an advanced hiker and 15 year old son ( football player) both felt like this had good variety and awesome views. I had to stop on some of the inclines to make sure I could keep my footing, but there were lots of kids and dogs on the trail, so I'm sure you can too!
Great variety, and beautiful falls at the end. We can't give it 5 stars because of the other places we have been in Colorado! Bring your lunch and eat at the picnic tables there at the parking lot, they are covered.

On our way back from Cheyenne to Denver we visited Horsetooth Reservoir. The scenery alone was worth it. The Reservoir is six miles long and a mile wide. Great venture for the entire family with plenty to do and plenty to see. A must see for the outdoor and boating enthusiast.

This is one of my favorite spots to wakeboard and camp. I love the outdoor space and if you drive further, you hit Estes.

Nice hiking trails! Great view. We reached the water and went swimming. The way up the trail was not too bad.

Spent the day at Horsetooth Reservoir and Mountain Range. Beautiful views at both places but be prepared to do some major walking to get to Horsetooth Mountain Peak. The trails are great for both mid level hikers and mountain bikers.

We came to enjoy the beach area. There are two, defiantly use the South Bay Area, it is much bigger. It is a mix of rocks and sand but the water was cool and relaxing! Plus the views of the reservoir where great!

Pack a lunch, pick up some peaches on the way, go up to the reservoir, skip stones and watch the boats, paddleboarders, kayakers go by!

This is the best place in Fort Collins to hike. Anywhere from a few mikes to 12+, the views are beautiful from the top and, bonus, it is dog friendly! Parking is limited, so get there early, and there is a fee of $6.

It is the best place to find yourself immersed within the nature. The peacefulness makes you never wanting to leave. There are many rest stops along the drive providing amazing view and small hiking trails. I have been here during most of the meteor shower events (usually in fall) and hands down, no other experience will be worth to this!

The best thing about my trip to Horsetooth was that my wife and I hiked it on a weekday. There were not a lot of people hiking, so that was nice. I imagine that on the weekends this may not be the case. We went in August so it was pretty dang hot. This is not way up in the Mountains more or less the foothills, but it is very scenic. There is river that runs through it but it was dry in August. Spoke with a local who said it was best to view the river in the spring and the run off is in full effect. Other than that there is plenty of different trails to hike and you could spend a couple of days doing them all. They have camp sites you can hike into, they have horseback trails and mountain bike trails.
The Hiking is pretty easy so if you looking for something more strenuous this might not be the place. But if you looking for a easy to moderate hike the whole family can do then this is the place. Plus, there is nothing like the outdoors in Colorado.

Went there to hike around and take pictures. Amazing beauty and great hiking trails! Everyone is so friendly there! Saw a lot of cyclists too.

Our daughter took us up to visit horsetooth reservoir at sunrise. The area is just beautiful. Peaceful, clean, well designed parking areas and walkways. Wish we had more time, but we were flying out of CO that morning. Maybe next time....

There's many trails on Horsetooth. We decided to do Horse tooth Rock which was a bit hard with an uphill climb and even harder climb on the rocks just to get to the top view! It was worth it and the sense of satisfaction felt good. Bring lots of water and a cliff bar, especially on a hot day.

I use the Horsetooth Mountain Open Space weekly for hikes with my dog, mountain biking, access not too far away for my kayaking and paddle boarding addictions. I am a retired environmental management professional and places like this are why I struggled for 40 years to protect and keep them. My only complaint is that it seems like the crowds over the last few years are starting to love places like HMOS to death. It's showing a lot of wear and tear and it's getting harder all the time to find a little quiet there. But that's the price I guess for close and beautiful.

I wish we had been able to stay and take advantage of this beautiful area. we discovered it early in the evening on our last day in town. all we did was take a drive around the area and it was gorgeous, later i found a brochure and really wanted to go back and do SUP but alas we had no time

I purchased my fishing license, signed my fishing license, paid to register my boat, paid to register my trailer, paid for a parking pass for my truck, paid for a parking pass for my trailer (🙄), and obeyed what seemed like an endless number of “no wake” zones.
The ranger gave me a ticket for driving (wakeless) in a “no engine” zone. I showed him that the no engine bouys were ALL half sunk. It was very difficult to see that they said “no engines”. Any reasonable person would have guessed they were just more “no wake” bouys. Very frustrating for a person who sincerely tries to follow all the rules

This is a great, short drive from downtown Fort Collins and offers unbeatable views for the region... You enter the foothills of the mountains and tucked away between the ridges is a large lake! Boating and jet skis abound... But the best part is just taking in the view as you drive around the lake to the marina/campground.

Took a drive to see what everyone was talking about. It is such a scenic and pristine view. The drive had panoramic view of the skyline and cityscape.

What a view... the landscape is breathtaking. You can drive around to enjoy the view or hike. During summer, you can paddle boat, sail, fish, swim etc...

Hike is short but the uphill part can be difficult. It could have just been because we were hot and tired. My husband and I decided to check out this trail after biking for 7 miles. I wouldn't go on this trail in the dead of summer because the water for the falls will be all dried up. Learned that the hard way. Definitely go in late spring whenever the snow from the mountains is melting.

It is a reservoir, but the feeling is of a Swiss mountain lake. Lots of places to hike and drive around. It is very close to Fort Collins.

A fun hike, not TOO far, however, in August the falls are just a trickle. Kinda bummed me out because if we had known we might have gone on to the lookout instead.

Very scenic area with several places to pull over and stop. Many with picnic tables and grills along with a toilet (latrine).

Not much in the way of shade around the tables. Hiking trails & boating.

Just a gorgeous area to spend the day and less than a 1/2 hour from Fort Collins.

I was visiting Fort Collins and had heard that this area is beautiful but that it can get crowded. I went on a Thursday morning about 10 am. My friend and I hiked the Horsetooth falls trail and completed the loop back to the parking lot by spring creek and other connecting trails. We probably saw a dozen people either as singletons or small groups. We spent about 2.5 hours, but we dawdled and also spent a long time at the base of the falls. Nobody expected it to be flowing, but a recent snow (three days previous) resulted in a lovely falls. The hike was very easy, with beautiful views and rock formations.

If you live in Fort Collins or close, Horsetooth is great quick access to the foothills and mountains. Nice picnic areas and hiking trails. Great place to spend the day.

It is as beautiful as it sounds! Be sure to go all the way to the top of the ridge. Be sure to stop and walk around.

After a 10 hour car ride and 2 days shopping and visiting CSU, a nice long hike and some sunshine was in order. The trails are very well marked, easy to navigate and very family and pet friendly. The views are gorgeous and fellow visitors were very nice. Highly recommend for families needing to expend some energy and help wear out the kiddos!

wonderful for some outdoors time and views of the wonderful horse-tooth and surrounding areas! worth a stop and gander

We drove up to Horsetooth Reservoir to check out some trails on a very hot day in July. We were prepared with water, hats, boots, etc., but decided to walk along the lake perimeter due to the slightly cooler breeze off the water. The area was teeming with campers, boaters, and picnickers. There were not many people walking or hiking. We got in a moderate walk, but called off any trail hiking due to the heat. It just wasn't worth it. The area is beautiful in many ways and perfect for boating. We'll check out the trails at another time.

I used to live on the West ridge of Horsetooth reservoir for many years so I speak from experience.

Hikers and mountain bikers should be aware there is a serious rattlesnake population in the area. If you go climbing into the hills be very wary of where you step and place your hands.

In addition, very few people ever venture to the peak of the unpopulated bluffs on the western side and there is an active mountain lion population as well. The only time I've ever seen a mountain lion up close was on Continental Circle.

The drive was windy and sort of scary for my husband agraid if height. Could not see much because it was overcast and snowing. We saw the reservoir but not.much else....must be beautiful when not overcast.

Old Town Yoga in Ft. Collins offers paddle board yoga classes here during the summers which BTW fill up super fast. They meet at the reservoir and then paddle over to a nearby cove.

There's also great fishing on the lake from what I have seen along with hiking and biking trails. For my fellow history nerds, there's an actual Grange building as you enter Bellvue headed towards Horsetooth.

If you have never tried paddle board yoga, this is a great place to have a peaceful practice.

We visited on a clear, windy, 55 degree day in February. Drive up was easy and quick, and the views were great. REALLY windy on the top of the ridge. Some hard-core bicyclists were making the climb and dealing with the wind successfully, but we wouldn;t have tried that!

Had a friend in town, he wanted to see Horsetooth, we stopped at an over look for 10 minutes, cost $20.
There should be 15 minute parking w/ out a pass.
Ranger was was a jerk as well.We told him is was just 10 minutes,
He said " do you know how many people have told me that"

Horsetooth has a variety of offerings. There are multiple hiking trails, campgrounds and boating with a great marina. The views from there are stunning.

Fantastic hiking trails, and a lot of them. Some trails are shared with bikers. Absolutely great views at the top of the mountain. The final phase is steep but not difficult.

The Horsetooth Mountain Open Space is great for taking nice pictures and making a barbecue with friends or family. You can still enjoy the quietness and the fresh air.

To get more details like maps, regulations (no firewood, no firearms, etc.) you should visit larimer.org for an easy-to navigate website.

If you live in the neighborhood of Ft. Collins, Colorado or even as far away as Denver or Cheyenne, Wyoming, this is a good park to visit on a nice day. Technically this open space is a cluster of three smaller entities, but that is for the lawyers and jurisdiction hounds to fuss about.

I have been visiting this pace since 1973 and it never fails to amuse me, delight me and occasionally surprise me. There is always something new I note and enjoy. I strongly recommend this when you are in an outdoorsy mood.

This park and the adjoining Lory State Park offers a diverse playground for hiking, trail running or mountain biking. The trail system almost surrounds the park. Most extensive on west and north side of resevoir and includes areas along the eastern edge of Horsetooth resevoir offering beautiful vies of Ft. Collins for day or evening activities. Miles of beautiful trails from easy to semi expert (for biking). Road biking is also beautiful along the eastern "dam" hills as well as south to Masonville along the Buckhorn creek.

I took the fairly short walk to Horsetooth Falls (trickle would be a more apt description) then combined combined sections of several other trails to make a three mile loop. For the most part the trails are wide and well maintained, especially near the parking lot.

Some interesting wildflowers and great views.

Will definitely return next time I'm in the neighborhood.

Beautiful place to hike, drive , swim , bike.... whatever it is you like to do in the outdoors. Take the time to explore if you are in the area.

Took the short road up - about 2 hours up/back. Great trails and the views are amazing! A must see if in the area!

After being on the road for over 10 days this was a nice place to relax and wine down. Our boys enjoyed a dip in the lake. Lots of places to park and the marina was great place to rent some water stuff. Beautiful area!

The Horsetooth Park and open space are beautiful places.. and very convenient. Really enjoyed the winding (but safe) roads and the fresh air.

This beautiful area is in high use with the locals but it never feels crowded. You can rent boats of all kinds at the marina or sail your own. You can swim at two marked beaches or just hike down wherever you can get to. There is a campground and several day use spots along the road. The views are gorgeous and the roads narrow and steep in places, so drive with care, keeping an eye out for the ubiquitous Fort Collins bikers and joggers and the occasional deer. Day use parking is $6 for the day, but many people just park, have a picnic (there are grills at many of the stops), and leave.

The rest areas also have seasonal portapotties.

Please pick up your trash!

If you are around and about in Fort Collins- this is a beautiful reservoir and open space. Although we went in winter- we still had remarkable views of the city below and the mountains around. Because it’s a park- the roads were snow removed better than some of the main streets. A definitely must see!

We wanted to showcase a little outdoor Colorado when family was visiting, so we took them on a hike to Horsetooth Falls. The hike itself is often described as easy -- good for small kids. It is, but it was a little more challenging than I remembered from last summer. There are some steep, rocky areas that were tough going for my senior dad. And it can get hot -- so be sure to bring plenty of water and take breaks -- there are some nice, shady areas to stop and rest if you have young (or older) hikers. The waterfall does dwindle as the summer progresses -- so late-summer hikes won't yield a lot of activity. But it's still a nice hike -- approx 2.5 miles roundtrip -- but definitely not all easy, wide-open pathways. We saw a deer and lots of humans.

There are sooooo many trails. Unfortunately, the entry fee for this is separate from the state park pass and the national park pass, so we have a ton of passes. But I think the daily pass in $9. I really enjoy doing the hike to the top of Horsetooth rock which is about 7-7.5 mi round trip. It's up for half and down for half (so not rolling). You have the choice of going back the trail route or the service road. Both are nice, but we prefer the trail. It's a great place to watch the sunset. You get a great birds eye view of Fort Collins to the east and have nice visibility of peaks to the west. The tippy top is a bit of a scramble, but you can get fine views with out scrambling up that.

The little side parks around the reservoir are great, too! If it's a nice day though....best get there early.

You can spend 20 minutes here or the entire day.

Great place to hike with many trail options! Great views from the top of Horsetooth trail. If you like to hike, this is the place for you.

Great place to hike, run or mountain bike. If you start at the Soderberg trailhead, there are options for flatter terrain (and you can wander into the adjacent Lory State Park to extend your mileage).

We swam in Horsetooth, fished and took a hike while camping over the weekend! Nice trails and beautiful all around.

This place is wonderful. Nice hiking trails ranging from easy to hard for all hikers exp level. Will be going back for sure, loved this area.

What a fun hike! The wife & I did the Horsetooth Falls trail & cut across just below Horsetooth Rock. Took lots of pictures. There wasn't much wildlife so the majority was on scenery. $6 to enter & parking was very limited so I'd recommend going early. Lots of trails, hope to come back.

Hiking can be short or a long hike. Great views of Fort Collins. Parking can be difficult. The parking lot can fill up on spring break day or weekends.

I didn't even realize this reservoir was here when I first visited, but after a business meeting I took a quick drive up the hill and was very impressed with the beauty of this place. It was raining during my visit, but I will definitely come back here if I get another opportunity.

Great place to hike far enough away from the city yet close enough to get away. Different places to explore and hike.

The family went here as a quick break from moving into CSU. Very close alternative to Cache Poudre trails and Rocky Mountain Park. Trails are well maintained.

Not the Rocky Mountain national Park by no means but it was worth the visit Had a nice hike and saw some nice scenery but go early place is short on parking

Get there early especially on weekends parking lots fills fast and your hike us better when cool anyway. You have a choice of a number of hikes with various lengths and difficulties. Short hike to the waterfalls or longer hike to Horsetooth rock. Very kid friendly.

I camped at Horsetooth for a week in May. Overall, it was a reasonably good experience during the week but got way, way too crowded and noisy on the weekends. There are pit toilets near campsites or you can walk a ways to flush toilets, sinks, and (pay per use) showers. The best thing is being able to hit the trails directly from camp sites. Caters more to trailers then tents.

Take a very short drive above Ft. Collins and you'll find this great lake with it's many boating and fishing areas plus numerous trails and hiking opportunities. Or just drive around the long skinny lake and enjoy the mountain ambiance!

It's a small park around the reservoir of the same name. Some good opportunities for taking photographs of landscape and some wildlife.

We love hiking Horsetooth, the view from the top is breathtaking, and it's not far from town. There are a few options for your hike, which is nice. Dogs are allowed as long as they are on a leash. Come check it out!

From some technical biking, to an easy hike with views, Horsetooth Mountain has it all. The iconic horsetooth rock hike took us about an hour to get up then less then an hour to return to the carpark. Parking can be sparce on weekends, but well worth the hike!

Hike, swim or boat, grill some food, see elks etc. We are very lucky to have this great recreational area close to city.

Probably would be nice on a quiet midweek, but on weekends and holidays be prepared for boats with drunks, loud music and Trump-eters with their annoying political signs strung on their boats and trucks. Sigh.

It's amazing to have access to wilderness this close to a major town like Fort Collins. I live near Horsetooth Mountain Open Space. I've hiked there nearly every week for more than two decades, and I never get tired of it. There are still areas I've never seen. If you're visiting the area and want to get out to hike in a natural area with great views, check it out.

This is a large reservoir with boating, paddle boarding, swimming and scenery. The drive around is so nice and gives you a great view of the town of Ft. Collins. There are some nice easy hikes up to Horsetooth.

We went paddle boarding, hiking, and had a great bike trip once I unloaded my bike on a trail...I could not make it all the way up the hill, but many do...challnage yourself.

I love running the trails, watching the sunrise/sunset, walking the dog, paddleboarding and kayaking. It is an all season place! Tremendous views, it is hard to belive such a gorgeous place is so close to town

We had friends come to town with their children ages 5, 7, and 9. We decided on a hike up to Horsetooth Rock. Everyone enjoyed the beautiful views and besides the 5 year old, all made it to the rock!!!

This is my favorite place in the Fort Collins area. The picnic grounds are a great spot and even on busy holiday weekends you can get a table. The Sunrise Picnic spot has swimming and easy put in for stand up paddle boards, kayaks or canoes. There are grills but we usual bring our own portable gas grill. This is only 15 minutes from downtown Fort Collins but you will feel very far away. There are Lots of bicyclist both road and mountain bikes. It's a must stop on any visit to Fort Collins. The view back to town once the sun sets is also magical.

The reservoir is easy to access from Fort Collins. Wonderful views of the water on one side and the valley on the other. It’s a great way to feel like you’ve gotten away from the ordinary without a long drive. We loved it and look forward to spending more time there, especially to hike.

I had just moved to Colorado and was itching to take my first hike. Horsetooth rock was recommended by multiple people, so on a sunny Wednesday, we made our way up the mountain. There is accessible parking, but I believe it is $6 for the day. They have a credit card machine so you don't need to worry about cash. Being that we just moved to Colorado from the east coast a few days prior, we heard the elevation would definitely make this hike difficult for us. We brought lots of water, a few protein bars, and dressed in layers. Most of the hike is in the sun, but it can be cold when you are in the shaded areas. We took the trail up to horsetooth rock, and although we are in pretty good shape, we did stop frequently to catch our breath and enjoy some water. The hike is moderate in difficulty, but the views throughout are quite beautiful. We wore just typical sneakers, but hiking shoes would probably have been beneficial as well. As you get closer to the summit, the trail becomes a little more difficult to find, so just make sure you are paying close attention so you can retrace your steps on the way down. I recommend going all the way up, the view is like none other!

This is a great place to pull over and just enjoy the scenery. There were several hiking paths and the view of the lake was great.

Staff were really friendly and helpful. You can tell they enjoy their job and want to help.

There were only 2 campsites for tents and they were really close to each other which would have been an issue however we got the place to ourselves. Also, You have to park about 30 meters away from the site which was difficult for us with a large blow up bed.

The toilets near the tent camping are vault toilets however a 30 second drive or 10 minute walk are some really impressive facilities with flush toilets and showers. They were really nice and clean.

There's a lake right next to you that you can swim in if it's hot enough.

The highway is close but traffic dies down early around there so it's not a problem.

Horsetooth Mountain Open Space is one of the treasures of Northern Colorado. I have run the trails and biked the road for years, and each time it is a pleasure. I particularly like the late fall because the trails are fairly empty and the air is cool. However, the views remain magnificent any time of year or day, although my favorite time is early in the morning.
As a runner or cyclist, you will "appreciate" the hills, including the Dam Hill. Fun downhill on a bicycle and a test of will uphill on the run. Bottom line, a great place to be outdoors.

Plenty of things to do at this great Fort Collins attraction. Hiking trails are great, and if it's a nice hot day you might even spot yourself a rattler! Good place to drive around also and catch a swim if you so desire.

Love to drive up to the reservoir with a nice basket to enjoy the amazing sunsets here in CO!! Peaceful, beautiful, relaxing place to enjoy!! Multiple hiking trails, wild animals, wild flowers... pretty place!

Awesome place to see and visit. Wished it was warm and sunny to do some walking or fishing. Maybe next time. Well worth a half day side trip. Maybe a nice picnic!

Loved this.
So beautiful and you can drive it and take in the sights or hike/ bike this area. Lovely area to hike with dog. They have a variety of hiking from 1 mike to 5 miles. Sights are worth a visit.

What a great place to enjoy the day. Boating, swimming, wave runners, RV camping and more, oh my!! Lots of space for everyone. Beautiful surroundings and FC is minutes away with lots to do. Come enjoy the water!

My family and I wanted to take a quick hike but have a little challenge to it. We did this in the morning and broke into lunch right after. Saw some amazing wildlife and took some really nice photos of the Poudre valley. Good hike but take lots of water

Drove there with my sister, she wanted me to see it. WOW.. I was blown away. It was amazingly beautiful. There were lots of people around, but the area is SO vast, it didn't feel crowded at all. Great place to unwind, relax, meditate, exercise, or just commune with God. If I ever win the lottery, my dream home would be built in that area.

We love Horsetooth Reservoir. Boating in and out of the inlets is beautiful and refreshing for a dip. Canoeing/kayaking in the inlets are really fun, especially when the lake is full. I'm not really too picky on my camping facilities, but I'd say they should put more money into bigger recycling bins, more frequent outhouse cleaning, cheaper showers, and less money into a huge (useless) visitors center.

My husband and I are not from Colorado and we are not experienced hikers. We found the hike challenging and rewarding but not incredibly hard so it was great for us! We took horsetooth Rock trail.
The view from the top is absolutely breathtaking! There are many views along the way that were amazing as well!
Great hike!

This lake is worthy of a look whether you just drive along it or get out and hike any of the many trails available. You can do any water sports and we saw many canoes and fishermen. Pretty views of the city and the valley. It IS very crowded on the weekends.

We took the scenic route and love it. If you are a nature lover this is a place ypu want to see very peaceful and relaxing. They have a lot of places where you can stopo and take picture or you can explore.

This is a great place to get out of Birmingham for a road or mountain bike ride and a quick swim. There is an entrance fee of a few dollars but it's worth it. There is also a campground there with car, camper and tent camping.

We hiked to Horsetooth Falls in March and it was lovely. The walk was easy, but not THAT easy and the scenery was good. The falls were really lovely and a great place to sit and enjoy.

I live right next door to Horsetooth Park and we don't even go there anymore. Way too crowded. Often the parking lot is closed due to being full. Not remotely enjoyable to hike in those conditions, especially if you have a dog. Everyone else has a dog too and they rarely use a leash even though it's the law. It would be a nice place if not for the crowds and steep entrance fees.

The roads are twisting and up and down. I do wish there were more locations to pull over and look at the vistas. The rangers are very serious about paying for entry on the self pay stations, so do it or pay more. Gorgeous, did not love the big presence of motor boats as it can be noisy.

Everything we hoped for to spend a day out as a family. Would recommend to anyone wanting to get out and relax

Enjoyed a quick hike to the falls at dusk. Was not too busy, but the falls were a wonderful experience.

Had a little trouble finding the swimming beach. Heading north from FoCo it was the second parking area and you follow the road downhill to the beach. Small beach, kind of rocky, but water was warm in Aug and it felt great to swim.

The beauty of nature at it’s finest. Amazing views of the water and mountain backdrops, the wonder of God’s creative hand. I drove up and down the top of the mountain along the resivor all the way from Platt River Power Station, out past Stout,CO (population 47 1/2) and up on the other side. Beautiful photo opportunities. Nice relaxing ride.

Great hikes close to town. We did the Horsetooth Falls Loop with 3 kids and a dog. Trails are leashed-dog friendly, a great alternative to Rocky Mountain National Park which is not dog friendly. 3 1/2 miles, slow leisurely pace with lots of stops to take in the scenery. Falls are about 1/3 of the way through. Nice little waterfall. Dont drink it! We saw lots of people drinking it which is a good way to get giardia. There's a stagnant pond above where the falls are coming from that you see if you continue the loop. Moderate difficulty hike with some steps and 600+ ft elevation gain. Took about 3.5 hours. Started at 8:30 am and had the falls to ourselves June 2nd, Thursday morning. Just 20 minutes from town, very convenient. Large groups started arriving around 10-11am. Highly recommend for families.

My wife and I have never been to the Horsetooth Area before. What a neat place to boat and enjoy the views.. Makes you want to get a boat and water ski.

I didnt know this was only a short drive from Fort Collins!
So many people come out here to kayak, camp, and hike up the mountain. I can see why: we hiked up Horsetooth (moderate hike) and the view was absolutely breathtaking.
Even the drive up the mountain was beautiful. I definitely recommend going here and taking the hike or even going down to the reservoir and spending some time in the water.

One of my favorite day spots in fort collins, I go there all year long! It's great to hike in the winter and there's even more in the summer from swimming to biking to hiking :)

Lovely place, not far outside of Fort Collins. Great scenic views and a good chance to enjoy the beauty of the Rocky Mountains without having to go through ridiculous traffic. Enjoy.

Horsetooth is a great place to have some fun or relax in a cove. Saturdays are always pretty busy. Fun to hang out at the swim beach.

We drove in late afternoon along Centennial drive along the East Ridgeline going Northbound to the town of Bellvue. There were great views looking West over the lake toward the mountains, and good views looking East toward the city. There were a few parks on Centennial drive, however they have a nominal cost if you would like to stop there to hike, picnic, or use the toilet facilities.

Very open area with expansive views of resevoir and Fort Collins. Not sure we knew exactly where we were going- signage is a little limited. When you find a parking area- you can just start walking in any direction. Make sure you pay the $7 use fee (unattended machine takes your credit card swipe). There were Rangers ticketing cars when we were there- so best to pay the fee! The Rangers were also very informative and knowledgeable about the area :)

You have to experience the location as it offers hiking trails, biking trails, boating and water activities as well as getting out and running the trails if you like. There's something for everyone including a great top-down view of Fort Collins and surrounding areas. What are you waiting for as it is a 365 area to visit and enjoy?

I hiked up to the top with my nephew, who lives nearby. He does this hike a lot, which is an endorsement. My favorite type of hike : moderate effort and spectacular views. It’s a little unsettling at the top, but I did it, and I have a moderate fear of heights. I would say the top of the rock is twenty feet wide or, so. We got to the top in around two hours, and down a bit quicker. Stopped twice, briefly, on the way up. We bright bear spray, as I read of two mountain lion attacks earlier in the year. My nephew has seen a rattlesnake before, descending. Not to be alarmed, but aware. Scan ahead as you walk and listen. Snakes will warn you, usually.
If it’s a particularly hot day, bring swim gear, as you pass the reservoir on the way. There are several public swimming areas and a marina with boat, kayak, and jet ski rentals.

If you're just looking to be outdoors and get some exercise in, this place is great, even with the $6 parking fee. If you're hoping to get some insane views, it's probably better to go on another hike. Apparently it's a staple hike for anyone visiting Fort Collins.

Decided that it would be a nice hike to see cascading falls before going into Fort Collins. The hike into the falls is almost two miles, with the second half very difficult. I would not recommend for very young children and suggest plenty of drinking water. When finally reaching the falls, I was very upset to see only a trickle of water. THERE WERE NO FALLS!

If you're in the Ft. Collins area this is a must-see place. Beautiful outdoor scenery, lots of outdoor fun and great for families!

Had to burn off some turkey and dressing and on Black Friday Colorado offered free admission to all state parks. A hike on the Shoreline trails was a nice out and back hike.

I have hiked Horsetooth Mountain a number of times and each experience has been marvelous. The hike is not a piece of cake,but it is not a killer either. The views of the reservoir and city below are gorgeous. I have hiked in the spring, summer, and autumn and loved each experience. We have seen deer on the mountain. Countless wild flowers. Taking visitors to the area is special for all.

Great place for exploring and challenging technical fun; not the best system in the front range for flowy fast singletrack if that's your preference.

Beautiful mountain landscape. Free to drive around, you pay to park. Families can picnic, hike, paddle board, water ski.

Horsetooth open space provides for many fun recreational activities right in Fort Collins. Take a scenic drive or hike, or just enjoy the beach.

We drove about a hour, nice scenery on high way 287. We drove up and toured the cabins, looked at water and drove by the marina. They rent kayaks and paddle boards. Fun and close location in the Bounder area. Larmier county. Ft Collins area.

Nice to take a walk , chances are you won't walk into a rattle snake but people have been bitten, before dusk when it's just getting dark they warm up on the roads or dirt trails, not a good time to walk with little kidos. Other wise thru out the day u won't see them. Gets crowded at the boat ramp during summer, I like the south side, water is clean, nice to swim in. There are some beach areas - not like a Florida beach , but for a lake it's ok. Picnic - less crowded then Carter lake. Good for boating , nice long stretches .

What a scenic hike although signage missing at a few crucial areas where u really need to know L or Right?! Asked directions from local hikers.

It was a great place to drive around and absorb the scenic beauty. The reflections in the water with the mountains and the sky were breathtaking.

Wear comfortable hiking shoes and enjoy the view. We took some gorgeous pictures for our 2016 Christmas card.

This is a fantastic activity and so close to campus. We drove around the reservoir to see the sights and then parked and hiked and watched our son climb boulders while we anxiously waited for him to come down. The beauty of this place is awe inspiring. We will return each time we visit our daughter at CSU.

We visited this park while visiting CSU. My wife went hiking and my son went fishing. Even for an overcast day and not real warm, the lake was hopping. Lots of boats and activity. My son didn't catch anything. I was just exploring and following him around. Saw mountain lion tracks and deer tracks. Saw a few deer from a distance. Made some rock sculptures to kill the time, but absolutely breathtaking views.

Beautiful open spaces to hike, bring a basket and have a picnic. Have a boat? Great lake for boating out to the middle and go fishing

We didn't camp or stay out near the reservoir but it's super pretty even just to visit . The campground there is one of those campgrounds where you are right on top of each other, but if you don't mind that , it's a great choice . We stayed in town at a Hotel, but wanted to check out the reservoir .

We hiked the horsetooth falls trail and it was great! It says it's an easy hike but just make sure you have hiking shoes on, don't try to go in regular sneakers. There are some sections where you need the extra grip on the rocks other than that it was a nice hike. It was great in the morning because it was still cool and we got to see the sun peak over the mountains. Cannot beat the view. The falls were just a trickle but it's Colorado and it's been pretty dry so I didn't mind.

Nice, relaxing area for getaway from Fort Collins proper. Keep eyes open for mountain / road bicyclists on roadways! Several areas to park and hike, picnic, boat, or camp.

Horsetooth trails in Ft. Collins, CO were very scenic but somewhat difficult hiking trails for over age 50 in good health. Less strenuous options available but map n signage somewhat confusing. Took wrong turn where there was no sign when one needed to make a definite choice so ended up hiking for over 3 hours until I asked locals hiking for directions😱. Lovely views and well worth the time for sure.

I was looking for something with pretty scenery and not too strenuous or long and decided to go on the Horsetooth Falls trail. It was fairly easy not too long of a out and back. It was the middle of the day on Monday and I encounters people and their dogs but not so many that I didn't achieve the peace I was looking for. There's no climbing involved unless you want to boulder some of the rocks at the Falls. Overall a good brisk hike.

Horse tooth is a great place to get away from it all close to Fort Collins. Great views of Longs Peak and the mts and plains. Tons of interconnecting bike and hiking trails where u will hear wild turkeys squawking in the trees. Also great views of Horsetooth reservoir

We were there during mid September 2018. It was unusual as it was HOT. However, if you have your water in your pack and are dressed for hiking, then was fine. Be aware. This is not a stroll. You must be able to hike some elevation. You will need a good pair of Athletic Shoes, or Hiking Boots. The trails are very well maintained, there are rocks and decomposed granite the entire trail. We used our walking stick, but many people had them, while many did not. The parking is plentiful. They have water at the beginning of the trail, should you need to fill your bottles. The cost for the day was $6. You pay as you enter the area. We hiked the Horsetooth Falls trail, which connected to the Spring Creek Trail, which then connected to Soderberg Trail and finally connected back to Horsetooth to go back down to the trailhead. It was 94 degrees, so we took it easy, found shade as we went and were able to complete it in about 2 hours. Lots of views, vistas. We had binoculars and were able to see the many bodies of water. Caution. They allow you to hike with your dog. Be sure to bring enough water for the dog. We ran into a young woman and her child and an old dog that needed to be done with the hike. We gave them water, as they had run out. Always take more than you need. One thing that would have been nice for the county to do for hikers is to put the igloo water containers at the connecting trails, so that hikers can refill if necessary. Other than that, this is a well maintained county area and the people who live here are lucky to have such a great recreational opportunity.

The city has put its efforts into keeping open natural spaces throughout the city and the county. You can easily spend a week here and never tire of the beauty. I took my grandchildren on a hike near The Ponds off Overland Drive where locals hike for a view of Horsetooth Reservoir. It is a bit steep with rocks along the trail. If you go a little further South on Overland there are areas to park and walk along small lakes. If you want flatter areas you can go on Spring Creek Trail. There is much variety. If you are biking or hiking pick up maps at the Welcome Center. First adjust to the elevation and make sure to use hats and sunscreen as the sun can get strong.

This is a lovely space for some hiking close to Fort Collins, with plenty of trails, sites to discover, and best of all (for pet owners) it's dog friendly.

Beautiful views, but trails were not well marked. I strongly recommend a hiking app such as All Trails to keep you on trail. We got off accidentally and thankfully we had an app that could help us get back on track. There is so much to see and do. We ended up hiking 9 miles. I recommend the falls. They are small and shallow, but prefect for a picnic and cooling off. This is a heavy traffic area. Bonus: water spigot at the onset of the trail-heads. The water is great! We filled up our camel backs coming and going. Parking is $9 but worth it.

This is so pretty. Take the drive. Just be careful where you stop because in some places you're expected to pay for use of the little beach areas, etc. Lovely brief drive. Wish there'd be more spots just for folks who wanted to make photos.

Fun place to boat. Beautiful surroundings. Water is a little chilly until mid to late summer due to snow runoff. Several areas around the lake to hike and mountain bike.

We went on a short hike to Horsetooth falls on a Sunday morning. We arrived by 7am and found it easy to find parking. The trail was not difficult, and didn't take long to complete. Parking for the day is only $6, and easy find a spot if you come early enough. The bottom of the falls was. It terribly impressive, however I did enjoy the top better. You can't go wrong spending a couple hours on this trail!

Best hiking experience in the area. Beautiful trails and wilderness - one of my favorite places in Fort Collins area

My wife and my parents stopped here while we were staying in Ft. Collins not really knowing what to expect. Wow! Were we surprised at how beautiful this place is! We just enjoyed the afternoon taking pictures around the reservoir and going on a light hike down to the water. Now that I'm looking at other pictures on here I'm sad to see that there was a waterfall too. Wish we would've known! Still not disappointed in our experience by any means. If I'm in the area again I will certainly be back!

Went for a day trip. Was awesome and the sights, wow. Stopped at the Reservoir and we kayaked and the son and husband tried paddle boarding. Meet up with family and just had a great time.

You will definitely want to visit here for at least a day. bring a lunch, swim suits and the pets all will have a great time. Lots of sunshine and water.

If you love the outdoors this place is a must. There is allot for the whole family and if you make it to the mountain park then there is amazing hiking opportunities.

Went to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs. It was amazing. It has plenty of benches and sitting areas for picnics. We packed lunch and spent most of the day there. Up at the top it overlooks the town and the views are breathtaking.

Good beginner to intermediate hiking area. Some steep stretches on the way to the top of Horsetooth Rock, but nothing technical. Plenty of wildlife, especially deer. You may also see coyotes, bobcats, and an occasional mountain lion. Beware of rattlesnakes--they are common in this area. Gets crowded early on weekends so plan on an early start.

Close to town (Fort Collins), easy access, lots of parking, many trails, great fishing, hiking, cycling and boating, all with beautiful scenery.

We've hiked up to Horsetooth Falls at least half a dozen times, most recently in February with snow on the ground. In the spring, its a nice hike for wildflowers, almost as good as Well Gulch in Lory State Park. In the summer, the views out to the plains are pretty and it is a colorful hike in the fall. There are two or three places that are steep enough that steps have been provided, but most of the hike is gentle slopes. If you are more energetic, you can go up above the falls just a little ways to see a pretty little lake in the valley.

A good hiking trail. We climbed up and then crossed over where we could see the reservoir. Then we walked out on the horse tooth falls side. Good trails for the dogs.