Horsetooth Mountain Open Space: A Foothills Escape

4.8 (1662)

Explore the trails and stunning views of Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, a natural escape in the foothills of Fort Collins, Colorado.

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Horsetooth Mountain Open Space

Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, nestled in the foothills west of Fort Collins, Colorado, offers a stunning natural escape. This 2,711-acre park features 29 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, all set against the backdrop of the iconic Horsetooth Rock formation.

A brief summary to Horsetooth Mountain Open Space

6550 W County Rd 38 E, Fort Collins, Colorado, 80526, US
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Monday 4 am-11 pm
Tuesday 4 am-11 pm
Wednesday 4 am-11 pm
Thursday 4 am-11 pm
Friday 4 am-11 pm
Saturday 4 am-11 pm
Sunday 4 am-11 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Horsetooth Mountain Open Space.

Purchase entrance permits online or at self-serve stations to avoid delays.
Bring plenty of water, especially for longer hikes, as drinking water is only available at the trailhead.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes and be prepared for rocky terrain and steep climbs.
Be aware of wildlife, such as mule deer, black bears, mountain lions, and coyotes.
Dogs must be on a leash at all times.

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The 'A' Mountain of Fort Collins

Getting There

Driving

From Fort Collins, head west on Harmony Road, which turns into County Road 38E. Continue for approximately 8 miles until you reach the entrance to Horsetooth Mountain Open Space on the right. A daily entrance permit costs $10 per vehicle, payable at self-serve stations, in-person at visitor centers, or via the Text2Park mobile app. Parking is available at the main trailhead lot.
Public Transport

While there is no direct public transportation to Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, Transfort Route 19 stops at Taft Hill Road and Harmony Road in Fort Collins. From there, you would need to take a taxi or ride-sharing service (Uber/Lyft) approximately 7 miles west on County Road 38E to reach the park entrance. A ride-sharing service will cost approximately $20-$30. A daily entrance permit costs $10 per vehicle, payable at self-serve stations, in-person at visitor centers, or via the Text2Park mobile app.

Discover more about Horsetooth Mountain Open Space

Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, a sprawling 2,711-acre park in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, is a beloved destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Located just west of Fort Collins, Colorado, the open space provides a quick escape from city life into a world of rugged terrain, diverse trails, and breathtaking views.The park's namesake, Horsetooth Rock, is a prominent pegmatite rock formation that sits atop Horsetooth Mountain. Its distinctive shape, resembling a horse's tooth, has made it a recognizable landmark and a symbol of the Fort Collins area. According to local legend, the rock is the remains of a giant's heart, slain by a brave warrior.Established in 1982, Horsetooth Mountain Open Space was created to preserve the mountain's natural and cultural history and protect it from residential development. Over the years, the park has expanded to include the adjacent Culver, Soderberg, and Hughey Open Spaces, creating a contiguous area for recreation and conservation. These areas were once home to the Wathen, Herrington, Soderberg, and Culver families, who homesteaded in the area in the early 1900s.The open space boasts 29 miles of trails catering to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders of all skill levels. The trails wind through diverse landscapes, from rolling hills and meadows to rocky canyons and steep climbs. Popular trails lead to Horsetooth Falls, a seasonal waterfall that flows in the spring, and to the summit of Horsetooth Rock, where hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of the Front Range and the surrounding plains.Visitors can explore the area's rich history by discovering remnants of old sandstone quarries, mysterious low rock walls, and the original road to Estes Park. The landscape has been shaped by human activity for over 12,000 years, from the indigenous tribes who hunted and gathered here to the fur trappers, miners, and settlers who followed.Today, Horsetooth Mountain Open Space continues to be a vital resource for recreation, conservation, and education. It provides opportunities for people to connect with nature, learn about the area's history, and enjoy the beauty of the Colorado foothills.