Horsetooth Mountain Park Trailhead
From USHikingtrails
Horsetooth Mountain Park Trailhead
The Horsetooth Mountain Park Trailhead, located in Horsetooth Mountain Park west of Fort Collins, is the central trailhead for the Horsetooth Falls, Horsetooth Rock and South Ridge Trails. It is the main trailhead providing access into the park from County Road 38E.
Hikes Originating From Horsetooth Mountain Park Trailhead
|
 | ||||||||||||
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 (North) side of the road. 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).
|
|
Horsetooth Mountain Park Trailhead Maps & Images Lat: 40.52394 Long: -105.18116
|
Trailhead Description
Horsetooth Mountain Park, along with Horsetooth Open Space (consisting of Culver, Soderberg and Hughey Open Spaces), is a scenic 2,711 acre park located on the west side of Horsetooth Reservoir. It is located 4 miles from Fort Collins and 12 miles northwest of Loveland. Elevations vary from 5,430 feet at Horsetooth Reservoir to 7,255 feet at the top of Horsetooth Rock. Horsetooth Rock (atop Horsetooth Mountain) is one of the most outstanding features in the park and is a very familiar landmark in Fort Collins and Larimer County. Horsetooth Rock is often used as a symbol of Fort Collins, appearing in the official city seal.
In addition to Horsetooth Mountain and Horsetooth Rock, the park is also known for waterfalls and tremendous views of the Front Range. Horsetooth Mountain Park offers over 29 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding. The mild foothills climate offers year-round opportunities.
Horsetooth Mountain Park lies adjacent to Lory State Park, operated by the State of Colorado. The Mill Creek Trail in Horsetooth Mountain Park connects to the Mill Creek Link Trail in Lory State Park.
The trailhead at the Horsetooth Mountain Park parking area is at the end of the parking lot, near the lavatory. There is a large trailhead information sign marking the spot. The Horsetooth Falls Trail and Horsetooth Rock Trail head 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. Note that mountain bikes are not permitted on the Horsetooth Falls Trail.
External Links & References
Horsetooth Mountain Park Trail Map on Larimer County web site
Horsetooth Mountain Park web site
Horsetooth Mountain Park Trailhead Picture Gallery
|
Click on the picture to see a larger version. Contribute additional pictures - the more the better! |
Horsetooth Mountain Park Trailhead |
 Trail Signs At Horsetooth Mountain Park Trailhead |
