How Long Of A Hike Is Horsetooth?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

The trail to Horsetooth Rock is

2.5 miles

long and takes about an hour and 45 minutes to hike with a child in a child carrier. It is a moderately difficult trail with primarily smooth trail surface and an approximate elevation gain of 1,400 feet; from 5,800 to 7,200 feet.

How many miles is Horsetooth Rock?

Round-Trip Length:

5.0 miles
Elevation Change: +1,441′ net elevation gain (+1,526′ total roundtrip elevation gain) Skill Level: Moderate Dogs Allowed: Yes Bikes Allowed: No

What is the longest hike in Colorado?


The Colorado Trail

It runs 486 miles from Waterton Canyon to Durango, topping out at 13,271 feet and spending a good portion of time above treeline. The trail traverses six national forests and six wilderness areas – and for most hikers, takes between four to six weeks.

Can you walk around Horsetooth Reservoir?


Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 35 min to complete

. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and horseback riding, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are March through October. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

Can you swim in Horsetooth Falls?

Six and one-half miles of water beckon visitors to come out and play! Surrounded by 1,900 acres of public lands, this reservoir has it all: fishing, boating, camping, picnicking,

swimming

, scuba diving, rock climbing, and water skiing.

Is Horsetooth Falls trail open?

Horsetooth Mountain Trailhead is

open 24 hours a day

; Soderberg Open Space Trailhead is open sunrise to sunset.

Do you have to pay to hike Horsetooth Rock?

Horsetooth Falls is an ideal hike for family and pet owners.

Horsetooth Mountain Park requires a $6 day pass or $65 Larimer county resident year pass

.

Are dogs allowed on Horsetooth Rock Trail?


Horsetooth Mountain Open Space requires all dogs be on leash at all times

. Dogs are not allowed on trails in Rocky Mountain National Park, and must be on 6 foot long leash or shorter in the Pawnee National Grassland and Arapahoe and Roosevelt National Forests, which includes areas in and around the Poudre Canyon.

Is Horsetooth Falls in Lory State Park?


Lory State Park lies adjacent to Horsetooth Mountain Open Space​ trail system

, operated by Larimer County Parks and Open Lands.

How difficult is hiking the Colorado Trail?

However, because of its length, altitude — and in many places, sheer ruggedness —

the Colorado Trail can be hard to get your hands around at first

. It can take four to six weeks to hike the whole thing, but you can hike it in smaller segments.

Does the CDT follow the Colorado Trail?


They do overlap in Colorado

, but the CDT takes 4 – 6 months to hike over 3,000 miles in 5 states.” Despite all the potential for confusion, it’s amazing to have two different, well-known long trails running through the same state.

How many people hike the Colorado Trail a year?

A thru-hike generally takes 4 to 6 weeks to complete. Some people complete the trail by “section-hiking” or “segment travel” over the course of several seasons. We estimate that

500 people

complete the CT each year, with many thousands of people hiking, bicycling or horseback riding portions of it.

Can you drink at Horsetooth Reservoir?

Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. ◆

Alcohol is only allowed in campsites and on boats

. No alcohol in day use areas. Pets must be leashed at all times (10 ft.

Is Horsetooth open for boating?


All other coves (excluding Satanka Bay) at Horsetooth Reservoir remain open to mixed motorized boat and paddlecraft use during the high recreation season

.

Can you hammock at Horsetooth?

well take a trip up to

Horsetooth Reservoir to one of the best hammocking site in the city

. To find it head up to Horsetooth on County Rd. 24C until you start heading up to the reservoir.

Is horsetooth frozen?

Because it

typically doesn’t freeze

, you can fish Horsetooth from shore, a kayak or float tube year round. Caughlan also mentioned that with kids back in school, the weather cooling and the Broncos playing the reservoir is not crowded and the fish are not being pressured making for some great outings.

Do you have to pay to park at Horsetooth Reservoir?

This is a fee area so I paid the

$9 day use fee

before setting out. I first wanted to hike down to the reservoir on the Lake Access Trail. This is a short, steep trail that heads west from the parking lot, switchbacking down to the water.

Can you paddle board on Horsetooth Reservoir?

Horsetooth Reservoir offers seemingly endless shoreline to explore and access to Horsetooth Mountain Open Space as well as Lory State Park.

The Cache la Poudre River offers a different type of stand up paddle board experience

.

Why is horsetooth closed?

The closure is

to allow crews to place concrete girders, or bridge supports, over Vine Drive and the BNSF Railroad

. Placement of the girders will occur from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. No overnight work is expected. Residents and drivers in the area should consider alternate routes during the closure.

Is Arthur’s Rock Open?

Arthur’s Rock Trail: 3.4 Miles Round Trip | 1,155 Feet Elevation Gain. This is the most common route up Arthur’s Rock and begins at the Arthur’s Rock Trailhead parking (directions below). This lot is

open year round

, and can fit quite a number of cars. The trail is well marked, easy to follow.

How far are the mountains from Fort Collins Colorado?

Fort Collins is the perfect base camp for your trip, located just

35 miles

from the peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park that soar to more than 13,000 feet and form the Continental Divide.

Why is it called Horsetooth Rock?

Horsetooth Rock Trail near the beginning. Near the trailhead. Horsetooth Rock,

named for the profile of its east face

. Hikers are visible on the summit.

Do you have to pay to hike in Colorado?


All Colorado State Parks have entrance fees

. All vehicles are required to have an entrance pass and some parks have walk-in fees.

Are dogs allowed at Lory State Park?

Pets:

Yes and must be under control and on a leash not exceeding 6 feet in length

. Comments: Following old jeep and fire roads, this 1.5-mile trail takes you along the west border of Lory.

Are dogs allowed at Horsetooth Falls?

In sum,

all three trails (Horsetooth Falls, Spring Creek, and Soderberg) are family friendly and dog friendly

because they are short, include mild changes in elevation, and offer varied terrain and landscapes.

What time does Carter Lake close?

It’s open daily from 9 am –

5 pm

starting April 1st.

Is Hewlett Gulch Trail open?

The Basics. The Hewlett Gulch Trail is

open all year

. It is open to hiking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, mountain biking and horseback riding. Dogs are welcome.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.