Horsetooth Rock
From Coloradohikingtrails
Horsetooth Rock
Located near Fort Collins and Loveland, the hike to Horsetooth Rock (also known as Horsetooth Mountain) offers some of the best vistas of the Front Range and Colorado plains.
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Trailhead Information
Horsetooth Mountain Park Trailhead
Near To: Fort Collins, Colorado
Driving Directions To Trailhead
From Harmony Rd. in Fort Collins, proceed west past Taft Hill Rd. This turns into CR 38E. Follow this road around Horsetooth reservoir, about 6 miles from the Harmony/Taft Hill intersection, to the Horsetooth Mountain Park parking lot. Entrance and parking is on the right hand side. Restroom facilities and running water are available at the parking lot. A park permit is required to access Horsetooth Mountain Park ($6 per vehicle in 2007).
See the Horsetooth Mountain Park Trailhead page for more details on the Trailhead itself.
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Horsetooth Mountain Park Trailhead
Maps & Images Lat: 40.52394 Long: -105.18116
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Trail & Hike Description
Horsetooth Rock is one of the most outstanding features in Horsetooth Mountain Park and is a familiar landmark in Fort Collins and Larimer County. According to Native American legend, Horsetooth Rock is what remains of the heart of the Great Red Warrior slain by the Great Black Warrior in a long ferocious battle.
The Horsetooth Rock trailhead at the Horsetooth Mountain Park parking area is near the end of the parking lot, near the lavatory. There is a large trailhead information sign marking the spot. The Horsetooth Rock Trail heads out from the parking lot to the right (east) of the information sign. This trail is for hikers only. The trail to the left of the sign, that goes behind the lavatory, is the South Ridge Trail, which is the mountain bike route to Horsetooth Rock. Hikers to Horsetooth Rock and Horsetooth Falls share the same trail for the first 1/4 mile or so; the Horsetooth Rock Trail then splits off to the left, and the Horsetooth Falls Trail continues straight. The trail continues up the side of the mountain, and soon merges with the South Ridge Trail. Shortly thereafter, the South Ridge Trail turns to the left and continues its ascent up the ridge. You'll continue straight, on the Soderberg Trail. (It is less confusing than it sounds, and all trail intersections are marked with metal trail signs. Continue up the Soderberg trail, and just beyond a bend to the right (south), about 1.5 miles from the trailhead, you'll come upon the intersection with the Horsetooth Rock Trail. Turn left, and continue the ascent up the Horsetooth Rock Trail. From the intersection with the Soderberg Trail, it's another 1.7 miles to the summit.
The Horsetooth Rock Trail narrows to a much smaller path than the Soderberg Trail, and winds its way up through a ponderosa forest. There are great views back towards Fort Collins and the surrounding foothills, but Horsetooth Rock is not visible until you are immediately below the summit. The trail will merge again with the service road, but keep on the foot trail.
To climb the rock itself, you'll go to its north side, and follow the rock cairns. There is some bouldering required to get to the top, but climbing equipment is not needed. I wouldn't recommend the ascent for those afraid of heights, but the views from the summit are worth the effort. On a clear day, look to the south-southeast for the high-rise buildings in downtown Denver.
A good loop back is to take the Wathen Trail to the Spring Creek Trail, and return by way of Horsetooth Falls. The Wathen Trail intersects with the Horsetooth Rock Trail near the foot of the rock.
Note that this is a moderately short but strenuous hike. Not recommended for flatlanders or inexperienced hikers. For an easier but also rewarding hike, try Horsetooth Falls instead.
External Links & References
Horsetooth Mountain Park Trail Map on Larimer County web site
Horsetooth Mountain Park web site
Horsetooth Rock Picture Gallery
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 Horsetooth Mountain Park Trailhead |
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