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Horsetooth Mountain Open Space: A Foothills Escape

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

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Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, a sprawling natural area near Fort Collins, Colorado, offers stunning views, diverse trails, and a chance to connect with the area's rich history and rugged landscape. Its iconic Horsetooth Rock formation is a recognizable symbol of the region.

A brief summary to Horsetooth Mountain Open Space

  • 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

Local tips

  • Purchase a daily or annual entrance permit online or at the entrance.
  • Bring plenty of water, especially for longer hikes, as drinking water is only available at the trailhead.
  • Be prepared for changing weather conditions, as the foothills can experience sudden shifts in temperature and precipitation.
  • Keep dogs on a leash at all times to protect wildlife and natural resources.
  • Check the Larimer County website for trail closures and other alerts before heading out.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Fort Collins, head west on County Road 38E. Continue for approximately 4 miles to the entrance of Horsetooth Mountain Open Space. A daily entrance permit costs $10 per vehicle. Parking is available at the main trailhead. Be aware that the parking lot can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.

  • Public Transport

    While there is no direct public transportation to Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, Transfort Route 19 stops at Taft Hill and Harmony, from there you would transfer to Route 31 which stops at Taft Hill and County Road 38E. From there it is still approximately 4 miles to the entrance of Horsetooth Mountain Open Space. A daily entrance permit costs $10 per vehicle. A single ride on Transfort is $1.25 [https://www.ridetransfort.com/fares].

Unlock the Best of Horsetooth Mountain Open Space

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Discover more about Horsetooth Mountain Open Space

Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, located just west of Fort Collins, Colorado, is a 2,711-acre natural haven in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The park's diverse landscape ranges in elevation from 5,430 to 7,255 feet, offering visitors a variety of experiences from gentle strolls to challenging climbs. The park boasts 29 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, connecting to the Blue Sky Trail and Lory State Park. The trails wind through a landscape rich in history, with evidence of human presence dating back 12,000 years. Native American tribes, including the Arapaho, Cheyenne, Ute, and Shoshone, once inhabited the area, followed by fur trappers, traders, and gold prospectors. The park's namesake, Horsetooth Rock, is a prominent pegmatite rock formation that resembles a horse's tooth. According to local legend, the rock is the heart of a giant slain by a warrior. The rock formation is a popular destination for hikers, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also explore Horsetooth Falls, a seasonal waterfall that is particularly impressive in the spring. The park's diverse terrain and waterways create habitat for a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, black bears, mountain lions, and coyotes. Horsetooth Mountain Open Space was established in 1982 to protect the mountain from residential development and preserve its natural and cultural history. Today, it remains a popular destination for outdoor recreation, attracting over 200,000 visitors annually.

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