Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, Fort Collins Travel Guide

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Explore the trails and scenic beauty 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, a sprawling natural area near Fort Collins, Colorado, offers stunning views, diverse trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, and a chance to connect with the area's rich history and natural beauty. The iconic Horsetooth Rock formation crowns the landscape, making it a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

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 in advance online or at self-serve pay stations to avoid delays, especially on weekends.
Bring plenty of water, especially for longer hikes, as drinking water is only available at the main trailhead.
Be aware of wildlife and keep dogs on a leash at all times.
Check the weather forecast before you go and be prepared for changing conditions.
Consider visiting on weekdays to avoid crowds, as parking lots can fill up quickly on weekends.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Fort Collins Museum of Discovery

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Museum of Art Fort Collins

Twin Silo Park

Explore Horsetooth Mountain Open Space on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From Fort Collins, head west on County Road 38E. The main entrance to Horsetooth Mountain Open Space is approximately 4 miles west of Horsetooth Reservoir. Parking is available at the trailhead. A daily entrance permit costs $10 per vehicle and can be purchased at self-serve pay stations or online. Be aware that the main trailhead parking lot closes between 11 PM and 4 AM.
Public Transport

Transfort Route 19 provides service to the intersection of Harmony Road and Taft Hill Road. From there, you would need to travel ~4 miles west on County Road 38E to reach the entrance. Consider using a ride-sharing service from the bus stop to the park entrance. Ride-sharing services may cost approximately $15-25.

Discover more about Horsetooth Mountain Open Space

Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, encompassing 2,711 acres, is a natural haven located just west of Fort Collins, Colorado. The park's diverse landscape ranges in elevation from 5,430 to 7,255 feet, offering a variety of trails and terrain to explore. The park consists of Culver, Soderberg, and Hughey Open Spaces.The open space boasts 29 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, with connections to the Blue Sky Trail and Lory State Park. The trails offer access to various points of interest, including Horsetooth Falls, which is particularly scenic in the spring. The park's most recognizable feature is Horsetooth Rock, a large pegmatite rock formation that sits atop Horsetooth Mountain and serves as a prominent landmark for the city of Fort Collins.Horsetooth Mountain Open Space has a rich history, with evidence of human habitation dating back 12,000 years. Native American tribes, including the Arapaho, Cheyenne, Ute, and Shoshone, once traversed the land, hunting, gathering, and camping in the area's canyons. Euro-American fur trappers and traders arrived in the early 1800s, followed by prospectors seeking gold and silver in the Horsetooth Valley. In 1982, Larimer County established Horsetooth Mountain Open Space to preserve the mountain and its natural and cultural history from residential development.Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, camping, and wildlife viewing. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, American black bears, mountain lions, and coyotes.