Horsetooth Reservoir – Fort Collins, CO | Biking, Boating, Camping, Fishing, Hiking

Horsetooth Reservoir is nearly 6.5 miles long when full. The park is surrounded by 1,900 acres of public lands, in the foothills west of Fort Collins.

Managed by Larimer County and open year-round, you can find loads of things to do at this northern Colorado park. Multi-use trails surround the lake while fishing and boating are some of the most popular activities are Horsetooth. Furthermore, the campsites are as scenic as they are convenient.

Additional hiking opportunities can be found at Lory State Park, located on the other side of the lake, just a few minutes away.

Horsetooth Reservoir Summer Sunset — Satisfying summer sunset over Horsetooth Reservoir. Photo: AJ Schroetlin

Activities

Biking: Several miles of multi-use trails exist for mountain bikers.

Boating: Open to powerboats of all types, including jet and water skis. Capacity is usually reached during summer weekends. Boat rentals available at the Inlet Bay Marina.

Camping: Electric and non-electric campsites, as well as waterfront camper cabins, are open year-round for a nightly fee.

Fishing: Shore, boat fishing, flies, lures, and bait are permitted. Walleye, Small-mouth bass, perch, and trout are common.

Hiking: There are a number of trails along the foothills in Larimer County, open to hiking, biking, and horseback riding. You can access Horsetooth Mountain Open Space and its 29 miles of multi-use trails.

Horseback Riding: Permitted.

Rock Climbing: Permitted.

Scuba Diving: Permitted.

Swimming: Permitted at swim beaches only.

North from the dam.