Sponsored Content
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.
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 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.
Bouldering and Climbing
Rotary Park
Location: 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
Location: 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 rope-less climbs that are easier for climbers that are just starting out.
Camp Sites
Boat-In Sites
Location: West of Horsetooth
Max number of people: 8
The boat-in sites provide partial shade for you and your dog to relax under. The sites also come with a fire pit and room for a tent in case you don’t feel like sleeping in your boat.
Cabin
Location: South Bay Camper Cabin
Max number of people: 5
If you want to camp in comfort, the cabins are for you. They have electricity, AC, heating, two beds, lighting, and a fire pit outside. Some are even wheelchair accessible.
Pavilion
Location: Lions’ Open Space, Sunrise, or South Bay
Max number of people: 50, 25, or 150
The pavilions around Horsetooth are great for a day out with friends, family, and pets. It has a grill for barbecues and a place to sit underneath a lean to so everyone can feast in the shade. They are also wheelchair accessible.
Standard Electric
Location: Inlet Bay Campground
Max number of people: 8
Inlet Bay is a great place to park your RV or trailer for the weekend, It has electricity, a place to set up a tent, and a fire pit for making S’mores.
Standard Full Hookup
Location: South Bay Campground
Max number of people: 8
South Bay is the place to park your RV or trailer if you want a few upgrades. It comes with a water and sewer hookup, a grill or fire ring, and a picnic table.
Boat Rentals
Inlet Bay Marina Boat Rentals
4314 S. Shoreline Dr.
Inletbaymarina.com
Inlet Bay provides a variety of boat options for those who are interested but don’t own a boat
Buckhorn Ridge Outfitters
9634 Alfalfa Way in Loveland
Buckhornridgeoutfitters.com
Not only does Buckhorn Ridge have boat rentals but they also have boat tour services that take you on pontoon and fly fishing guided tours.
Water Activities
Paddle boarding
What’s SUP Stand Up Paddle boarding
4200 W County Rd 38 E
970-797-4996
Rent paddle boards and other equipment. They also do group rentals for special occasions
Paddle board at South Bay, Sunrise, Satanka Bay, and South Shore at Horsetooth Reservoir.
Swimming
There are two locations that permit swimming at Horsetooth. One is South Bay ad the other is Sunrise. Both have sectioned off areas designated for swimming.
Both locations are swim-at-your-own-risk
Scuba Diving
High Plains Scuba
115 W Harvard St.
970-493-8562
High Plains Scuba offers high quality lessons and state of the art equipment. Lessons take place in an on-site heated pool.
The most popular place for scuba diving classes are at Sunrise at Horsetooth.
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.
Visit Larimercounty.org for more information about regulations about fishing.
For more information on recreation areas, trails, camping, boating, fishing, and more feel free to visit the Horsetooth Area Information Center. They are located at 4200 W County Rd 38 E., or call them at 970-498-5610.