Horsetooth Mountain Open Space

West of Fort Collins

The scenic 2,711-acre Horsetooth Mountain Open Space (consisting of Culver, Soderberg, and Hughey Open Spaces) covers 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.

The outstanding Horsetooth Rock is a familiar local landmark visible from the plains. This open space is also known for Horsetooth Falls in the spring, and for tremendous Front Range views. Drinking water is available at the trailhead. Please carry enough for your hike or ride.

Horsetooth Mountain Open Space requires entrance permits, is open year round, and is located west of Horsetooth Reservoir, 4 miles from Fort Collins and 12 miles northwest of Loveland. 

Horsetooth Mountain Open Space main trailhead is closed 11 p.m.-4 a.m.; Soderberg Open Space Trailhead is open sunrise to sunset.

Brochure Brochure (Spanish) Trail Map Entrance Permits Reserve a Campsite Regulations

Features

Biking
Camping
Drinking
Hiking
Horse
Permit
Picnic
Restroom
Webcam

Map & Directions

Horsetooth Reservoir

From Denver:

  1. Take I-25 north to the Harmony Road/Timnath exit (#265).
  2. Turn left (west) continuing on Harmony Road for 7 miles where it becomes County Road 38E at the Taft Hill Road intersection.

  3. Continue west on County Road 38E approximately 4 more miles to the entrance at the south end of the Reservoir.

    The entrance to South Bay (including campground, Group Pavilion, and swim beach) is at the south end of the reservoir. Watch for signs. To get to Inlet Bay (including Inlet Bay Marina and Inlet Bay Campground), continue west on 38E 1 3/4 miles past the South Bay entrance. Watch for signs and turn right on Shoreline Drive.

From Loveland:

  1. From Highway 34 (Eisenhower) go north on Wilson. Wilson becomes Taft Hill Road in Fort Collins. Turn left (west) onto County Road 38E and continue west to the reservoir.
  2. Continue directions from #3 above.

From Fort Collins:

  1. From Harmony and Taft Hill Road turn west onto County Road 38E.

    Continue from #3 above

Horsetooth Mountain Open Space

Follow the directions above to the Horsetooth Reservoir South Bay entrance. Continue west on County Road 38E about 21/2 miles from the South Bay Entrance or 1 mile from the Inlet Bay Entrance (Shoreline Drive). The parking area and trailhead are on the north side of the road.

Soderberg Trailhead

Follow the directions above to the Horsetooth Reservoir Inlet Bay entrance. Turn right on Shoreline Drive, continuing 1.2 miles to the Soderberg Trailhead on the west side of the road.

Trails & Weather

Trails Report

All Trails FacebookTwitter COTrex Logo

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Weather

Air Quality

Updates every half hour.

Webcam

Horsetooth Mountain Open Space Upper Lot Webcam
 

Please note: Due to limited cellular coverage on location, technical difficulties may impact the availability of DNR webcams. Our staff actively works to resolve these difficulties as they arise. We appreciate your patience.

Parking for this popular open space is a challenge on holidays and weekends in particular. The lot does reach capacity, and visitors should expect lengthy delays once the lot has reached capacity. During the summer season, please plan to arrive before 9 a.m. or after 3 p.m. for the best opportunity for parking.

Having an alternative recreation location planned is a best practice if the lot is full and you are unable to access Horsetooth Mountain Open Space.  Check COTREX for other nearby locations. (updated 5-27-22)

Events

Skygazing with Northern Colorado Astronomical Society
Horsetooth Mountain Open Space
Skygazing with Northern Colorado Astronomical Society
Horsetooth Mountain Open Space

Camping

Camping is allowed in the backcountry only at designated sites and is prohibited in the parking lot. You must register by reserving your spot at www.larimercamping.com, calling ahead to 800-397-7795 or in-person at a Larimer County Natural Resources visitor center. (First come, first served.) Check in with a ranger if you have any questions. 

 

A map shows the three backcountry spaces at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space

Photos

Click a photo to enlarge.

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Image Jim Vogl
Image Jim Vogl
Image Jim Vogl
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Image Jim Vogl
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Image © Richard Ernst
Image Jim Vogl
Image Jim Vogl
Image © Jeanie Sumrall-Ajero
Image © Zach Schierl

Regulations

For specifics, ask a ranger or see a kiosk for a copy of the Regulations.

  • Fires and firewood collection are prohibited.
  • Firearms and fireworks are prohibited.
  • Dogs and other pets must be on leash at all times throughout the open space. Loose dogs may be impounded.
  • Drones are prohibited.
  • E-bikes are prohibited on natural surface trails.
  • Hunting or trapping of wildlife is prohibited on all lands and water administered by Larimer County.

Management Plan