A Guide to Horsetooth

A Guide to Horsetooth Reservoir and

Horsetooth Reservoir began as a project to help divert water from the western slope to the eastern slope for drinking water, irrigation, and hydropower generation. Now this 6.5-mile-long reservoir is one of Fort Collins most popular destinations for all sorts of outdoor activities including camping and boating. It is located in the Foothills west of Fort Collins at an elevation of 5430 feet.

Located just northwest of the Reservoir is Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, a scenic 2,711-acre park with elevations from 5,430 to 7,255 feet. Its 29 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails connect to the Blue Sky Trail and Lory State Park Trails. Horsetooth Rock sits atop Horsetooth Mountain and is a familiar local landmark visible from west Fort Collins and campus. A hike to the top of the rock offers phenomenal views of the Front Range, Fort Collins, and the CSU campus.

BOULDERING AND CLIMBING

Rotary Park

Located off the east shore of Horsetooth Reservoir Difficulty level based off V Scale: V0 to V9 Rotary Park is one of the most popular destinations for bouldering and climbing at Horsetooth Reservoir. Climbers can enjoy a wide range of difficulty levels with fellow climbers as you take on areas such as Punk Rock, Mental Standard, or Meat Hook.

Duncan’s Ridge

Located off the East shore, south of Rotary Park Difficulty level based off Yosemite Decimal System (YDS): 5.6 to 5.11 Duncan’s Ridge is a very sunny wall with a great view of Horsetooth Reservoir. Most of the routes can be top-roped, making it a great location for beginning and experienced climbers.

Piano Keys

Location: east side of Centennial Dr. V Scale: V0 to V5 The Piano Keys offer ropeless climbs that are easier for climbers that are just starting out.

WATER ACTIVITIES

Paddleboarding

Paddleboard at South Bay, Sunrise, Satanka Bay, and South Shore at Horsetooth Reservoir. Rent paddleboards and other equipment at What’s SUP Stand Up Paddleboarding 970-797-4996

Swimming

There are two locations that permit swimming at Horsetooth. One is South Bay and the other is Sunrise. Both have sectioned off areas designated for swimming. Both locations are swim-at-your-own-risk.

FISHING

Fish for Walleye, Brown and Rainbow Trout, White Bass, Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, and Sunfish. Fishing is allowed all around the perimeter of Horsetooth Reservoir but not within 100 feet of the dam. Go to Larimercounty.org for more information about regulations about fishing.

larimer.org/naturalresources/parks/horsetooth-reservoir

Horsetooth Rock

BIKING,HIKING AND HORSEBACK RIDING

Horsetooth Falls and Horsetooth Rock Trail | 5.7 Miles Difficulty level: Moderate Gain 1,584 feet in elevation As one of the most popular trails, Horsetooth Falls and Rock Trail is often pretty busy so the earlier you go the better. Once you make it to the top, you are rewarded with a beautiful view from the top of Horsetooth Rock. Blue Sky Trail | 6.2 Miles Difficulty Level: Intermediate Gain 525 feet and lose 570 feet in elevation Starting at Blue Sky Trailhead, the trail heads south with great views of the foothills and very few obstacles. The trail links up with some other trails and doesn’t have a lot of steep grades, making it a must-visit trail. North Foothills Trail | 2.6 Miles Difficulty Level: Easy Gain 269 feet in elevation This trail has a beautiful view of Horsetooth Reservoir, which makes it a popular destination for any and all skill levels and their dogs.