Horsetooth Mountain Open Space
Horsetooth Mountain Open Space (consisting of Culver, Soderberg, and Hughey Open Spaces) is a scenic 2,711 acre park located on the west side of Horsetooth Reservoir. It is located 4 miles from Fort Collins and 12 miles northwest of Loveland. Elevations vary from 5,430 feet at Horsetooth Reservoir to 7,255 feet at the top of Horsetooth Rock. Horsetooth Rock is one of the most outstanding features in the park and is a very familiar landmark in Fort Collins and Larimer County. According to a local European legend, Horsetooth Rock is the remains of the heart of an evil giant, cut in two by the powerful Native American, Chief Maununmoku, thus protecting his people from the giant's wrath. The open space is also known for waterfalls and tremendous views of the Front Range. Horsetooth Mountain Open Space offers over 29 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding. The mild foothills climate offers year-round opportunities.
Parking is available at two locations: the Horsetooth Mountain Open Space trailhead parking area, immediately off CR 38 E approximately 5 - 6 miles west of the intersection of Harmony and Taft Hill in Fort Collins, and the Soderberg Open Space trailhead parking area, accessed by following signs to Inlet Bay off of Shoreline Drive. Drinking water is available at the trailhead. Please be sure to carry enough for your hike or ride. This is a very popular open space, so if you should arrive and find the parking lot full you will know that the trails are at maximum capacity. Please consider one of our other open spaces, such as Devil's Backbone Open Space or Rimrock Open Space for your outdoor enjoyment that day, and come back to Horsetooth Mountain Open Space another time.
General Regulations
For specifics, ask a ranger for a copy of the
Regulations Brochure.
- Fires and firewood collection are prohibited.
- Firearms and fireworks are prohibited.
- Dogs and other pets must be on leash at all times throughout the park. Loose dogs may be impounded.
- Hunting or trapping of wildlife is prohibited on all lands and water administered by Larimer County.
- Camping is allowed in the backcountry only and is prohibited in the parking lot. Check in with a ranger.
- 29 miles of trails ~ easy to difficult
- Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding
| Easy | Moderate | Difficult |
|---|
Soderberg
Horsetooth Falls
Carey Springs
Nomad
Swan Johnson |
Spring Creek
West Ridge
Wathen
Herrington
Stout
Sawmill
Logger's
Horsetooth Rock
Audra Culver Trail |
Mill Creek |
Hiking Suggestions
- Easy Hike - To Horsetooth Falls and back - 1½ to 3 hours round trip. 2.25 miles
- Moderate Hike - Soderberg Trail to Spring Creek Trail to end of Wathen Trail, and return - 2 to 4 hours round trip. 4 miles
- Moderate Hike - Soderberg Trail to Horsetooth Rock Trail ending at Horsetooth Rock. Some bouldering required to get to the top - 3 to 5 hours round trip. 5 miles
- Hard Hike - Soderberg Trail to Horsetooth Falls to Spring Creek Trail to end of Mill Creek Trail, and return - full day trip. 9.2 miles
- Required of all visitors.
- Valid at Horsetooth Reservoir, Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, Carter Lake, Pinewood Reservoir, Flatiron Reservoir, and Ramsay-Shockey Open Space.
- Annual Park Entrance Permits (valid for the calendar year) are available at The Bison Visitor Center, at entrance stations prior to entering the park, at nearby retail outlets, and online.
- Daily Park Entrance Permits (valid from day of purchase until noon the next day) are available at The Bison Visitor Center and at entrance stations and self-serve stations prior to entering the parks and open lands.
Management Plan
The management plan for the Culver Open Space will be completed in conjunction with an update of the Horsetooth Mountain Open Space Resource Management Plan in 2005. Current management activities include weed control and working with Colorado State Forest Service in the development of a Forest Stewardship plan.
Property Information
| Type of Acquisition |
#Acres |
Property
Value |
Partnerships
Bargain Sales
Donations |
Date
Acquired |
Public
Access |
| Fee Simple |
287.9 |
$ 1,500,000 |
Larimer Co. - $ 1,175,000
GOCO* - $ 325,000 |
2003 |
Potential Future
Public Access |
* Great Outdoors Colorado
Management Plan
Management plans for this historic homestead and open space area provide a second trailhead and a trail access into the popular Horsetooth Mountain Open Space as well as a trailhead for the future Front Range Trail. Educational and interpretive materials at this site will provide information on the historic buildings still present as well as the ranching heritage of this area. The complete Soderberg Homestead Draft Management Plan can be found online.
Future Vision
The bulk of Horsetooth Mountain Open Space was purchased from the Soderberg family in the mid-1980s. This site is the historic location of the Soderberg Ranch homestead. The acquisition of the homestead will accommodate a new trailhead and parking areas for visitors further expanding the points of access to Horsetooth Mountain Open Space. It is anticipated that this trailhead and trail will be open in late 2004.
Property Information
| Type of Acquisition |
#Acres |
Property
Value |
Partnerships
Bargain Sales
Donations |
Date
Acquired |
Public
Access |
|---|
| Fee Simple |
114 |
$ 460,000 |
Larimer Co - $ 460,000 |
1998 |
Opening 2004! |
Management Plan
Because this property is an extension of Horsetooth Mountain Open Space it will also host all of the same recreational opportunities found around the rest of the park. This will be accomplished by integrating the trail system to this area of the park. The Hughey Property is managed as part of Horsetooth Mountain Open Space.
Property Information
| Type of Acquisition |
#Acres |
Property
Value |
Partnerships
Bargain Sales
Donations |
Date
Acquired |
Public
Access |
| Fee Simple |
282.0 |
$ 310,000 |
Larimer Co - $ 129,000
Landowner - $ 31,000
GOCO* - $ 150,000 |
1998 |
Yes |
*Great Outdoors Colorado
