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A beautiful trail through ponderosa forest with views of Long's Peak and Fort Collins.


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Map Key

2.5

Miles

4.0

KM

76%

Runnable

7,129' 2,173 m

High

5,819' 1,773 m

Low

1,311' 400 m

Up

32' 10 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

28%

Max Grade (16°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

There is an entrance fee of $9.00 per car. Fires prohibited. Camping in backcountry only.

Runner Notes

Some roots and loose rocks can be dangerous for runners.

Description

Start by follow the well signed trail through some scrubland and begin to steadily climb into the ponderosa forest. Continue through the beautiful rock outcrops and trees until you poke out onto a slope with a wonderful view of Horsetooth Reservoir and Fort Collins.

From this slope there is an option to scramble up the north or south end of Horsetooth Mountain to reach its peak. If you choose to scramble to the top, you'll discover an incredible view of Long's Peak to the west and Fort Collins to the east.

On a particularly clear day you can look down along the front range all the way to Denver.

Flora & Fauna

Mule deer are common along this trail and in the spring wildflowers found in ponderosa forests are prevalent.

Contacts

Land Manager: Larimer County, Colorado

Shared By:

Nicholas Shannon with improvements by A Smith

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 43 votes

#69

Overall
  4.4 from 43 votes
5 Star
47%
4 Star
44%
3 Star
9%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#18

in Colorado

#69

Overall
44 Views Last Month
10,722 Since Jan 30, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate

2%
2%
67%
14%
14%
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Photos

Northern Colorado summer wildflowers. This is called "Chiming Bells".
Jul 27, 2019 near Bellvue, CO
Horsetooth Mountain Park, Fort Collins, CO.
Feb 23, 2019 near Bellvue, CO
Shot of the ridge crest from the peak of Horsetooth Rock
Aug 3, 2017 near Bellvue, CO
Once over the incline, traverse along this edge, right, to the summit of Horsetooth Mountain.
Jul 27, 2019 near Bellvue, CO
Northern Colorado summer wildflowers. This is called "Old Man on the Mountain".
Jul 27, 2019 near Bellvue, CO
The last 200 feet up to Horsetooth Mountain.
Jul 27, 2019 near Bellvue, CO

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Check-Ins

Mar 5, 2021
Josh B
Nov 23, 2020
Private User
Apr 22, 2020
Charly Jackson
Sep 1, 2019
Tim Chapman
Great hike with an exceptional peak and 360 view!!
Dec 17, 2018
Natalie Hyde
Oct 13, 2018
John Farinelli
May 6, 2018
Heather Mcp
9.3mi
May 28, 2017
Kristina Ostrowski
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