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

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

It’s 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. The fishing and boating is outstanding. And the campsites are as scenic as they come convenient.

Additional hiking opportunities can be found at Lory State Park, located on the other side of the lake. It’s only a few minutes drive from the park.

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

Activities at Horsetooth Reservoir

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

Boating: Open to power boats of all types including jet and water skis. Capacity is usually reached during summer weekends.

Boat rentals available at the Inlet Bay Marina. 4314 South Shoreline Dr, Fort Collins, inletbaymarina.com

Camping: Both electric and non-electric campsites are open year round, nightly fee. Waterfront camper cabins for nightly rentals too.

Fishing: Shore and boat fishing; flies, lure and bait 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.

Swimming: Permitted at swim beaches only.

North from the dam.