Horsetooth Mountain Open Space — Attraction in Colorado

I did the Horsetooth Falls Loop, and it was spectacular. People say a lot of varied things about this hike, so I’ll try to provide some clear info for those trying to decide if it’s for them.

The drive from Boulder is breathtaking and not white knuckle driving like the drive to other places.

I am in excellent physical shape but only 1 week adjusted to altitude, and I found the hike mildly challenging on the way up, only because you are hiking straight up. My dog, however, found it extremely hard. It took us about 2 hours to do the loop, stopping every 10-15 to give her water and let her rest. Like some humans would, at some point she sat down and refused to budge for a while. As a side note, she drank an entire hydro flask full of water and half of mine.

The terrain itself is easy for advanced intermediate or advanced hikers (sandy/pebbles/wide paths for a lot of the hike). However, a couple I met at the bottom said they turned around when the path got “narrow.” They had made it at least 45 minutes in. What I think they meant is that at some point, you can no longer hike two abreast.

If you go counter-clockwise, you’ll have some tree cover on the way up. I do recommend going this way, because on the descent, the world opens up on your right to a breathtaking mountain view that reminded me a lot of VT. If my black-furred dog wasn’t having such a hard time, I would have stayed longer just to sit. But, if you’re getting there at a late time when it’s hot, you’ll get just a bit more tree cover hiking clockwise. I think the views are best experienced counter-clockwise, though!

On the ascent, the most difficult part is an all-rock scramble to the top of Horsetooth Rock. However, you don’t have to do this to experience the majesty of this hike. You just keep on the path and begin the descent shortly after coming to another beautiful vista.

If you are not an avid hiker, or not acclimated to altitude, or not in uphill climb fitness, you’re likely to experience the ascent as difficult. If you’re an avid runner/hiker and adjusted to altitude, you’ll find it easy. Without my dog, I probably would have done the loop in 45-60 min, hiking up and running down.

If you’re not an avid hiker or not adjusted to altitude, people’s recs of 2-3 hours are probably right, especially if you like to take breaks & sit at the top.

It’s one of the best-marked trails I’ve ever been on. Impossible to get lost. And so much beauty! I saw 5 different kinds of butterflies and so many birds!

I would definitely tell most people to stick with the hard parts and make it to the top if they can, to experience the amazing views...

A beautiful walk. We took one of the longer routes (a little over 3 miles) and it took us a few hours. The path is not easy, but is considered moderately strenuous. The views are incredible and you can meet a lot of nice people on the paths. The falls were a huge disappointment because there was not a drop of water coming down the falls, but it is easy to imagine how nice and refreshing it would be.

If you are the kind of person who overheats from exertion, I would not do this trail with temps that exceed 80F in the valley, because the tight canyon easily jumps 10-15F degrees. There is no water or bathrooms along the path, but we did find plenty of parking and bathrooms at the parking area which costs about $10 per carload.

There are snakes and wild animals present in the area, but we didn't see any. We did see plenty of animal scat though and prints. In colder weather, or at times very early or very late in the evening, I am not sure I would want to walk this trail on my own due to the presence of animals.

Highly recommend plenty of water, a toilet stop before taking the hike that has about 1,200+ foot elevation change over the entire walk, and maybe a whistle to gain the attention of somebody should you fall. There are some potential dangers like slick rocks or loose gravel areas that could provide a twisted ankle, so being able to signal help should the need arise would be...

Horse Mountain Park is an excellent area for a morning or afternoon of walking or hiking. Mountain biking is also done here. But it is steep and advanced in nature. Sometimes it's crowded or full.

Sometimes a trail or path will be closed because of mud. This is done to lessen the damage to a trail and its nearby vegetation.

A fee is always required. Payment is made either by interaction with an on duty ranger at the entrance station, or by electronic means.

There is drinkable water in the parking lot only during the warmer months. It is unavailable during months of snow or frost. Bring water. There is no drinkable water on any trails.

Outhouses are available at the parking lot.

Wear sunscreen and a hat. Bring a windbreaker or jacket. Prepare for the possibility of weather change. It is often windy and dry here. Carry water!

Trail maps are available and free at the parking lot trail head. Getting lost on the trails is easy to do and can result in a very long hike. Most of the trails have significant changes in altitude. This is Colorado,...