Horsetooth Mountain & Falls from Lory State Park

We’ve done the Horsetooth Mountain & Falls hike a number of times from Horsetooth Open Space Park. But let’s save on the $10 fee at Horsetooth and start from Lory State Park instead. Most of us have the state parks pass…so if you do, then parking in Lory State Park is free.

FEE: If you do not the annual Colorado State Parks pass, there is a $10 fee for a day pass.

Difficulty: about 13.5 miles with about 2,400+ feet elevation gain.

We hike as a group and hike at an average moving pace of about 2.5mph (slower up…faster down). Everyone is expected to wait at all intersections, stream crossings & periodically otherwise so that no one is left behind or hiking on their own for safety purposes. We will plan to have lunch at an appropriate spot & we will stop as needed along the way for water, snacks, pictures, etc.

Hikes are always subject to date/time change or cancellation due to weather, trail conditions or closures, or other unforeseen circumstances.

HIKE DESCRIPTION: The large jagged peak of Horsetooth Rock is one of Fort Collin's most iconic landmarks. We will start in Lory State Park and hike to both Horsetooth Rock and to Horsetooth Falls (both top & bottom of falls side trails). Wildflowers should be starting to bloom and hopefully the falls will have some water. See the following hike in alltrails except we will add on the 2 short trails to above and below the falls: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/horsetooth-mountain-loop-via-arthur-s-rock-trailhead

DOGS ALLOWED IF FOLLOW PARK RULES: Dogs must be on leash at all times throughout the open space. Loose dogs may be impounded. Please be sure your dog is well behaved and can handle the length of the walk. Dog owners must clean up pet excrement.

ADDRESS/DIRECTIONS: We will meet in Lory State Park at the trailhead parking lot for the Arthurs Rock Trail. To get there, you can click on the alltrails link above and click directions. After entering the park, drive south to the very end of the main gravel road. Here you’ll find a parking lot for the Arthur’s Rock Trail. Look for my blue Subaru Outback. If you use Google maps you can type in “Arthur’s Rock Trailhead” for directions. If you use Apple Maps, you can type in “Arthur’s Rock Trail” for directions. Or here is a link to the Lory State Park website which may be helpful: https://cpw.state.co.us/state-parks/lory-state-park

We wait 5 minutes for late arrivals…but no longer as that is inconsiderate to those arriving timely. So please allow extra time to get to the trailhead.

IMPORTANT: This is a participate at your own risk event! Life is risky. I am not a professional guide and am simply hosting this event. By signing up for this hike you acknowledge that you are capable of performing this hike and that you are solely responsible for your own safety.

NO SHOWS: If you are a no-show to 2 hikes, you will be booted from this meetup group. So please change your RSVP to “not going” if you are unable to make it.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING: Water, snacks, layers of clothing, good hiking shoes/boots, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, gloves, hiking poles (if you find them helpful), and anything else you deem essential.

WEATHER: Here is the NOAA forecast for the hike location. For hourly temps, wind, precipitation, etc., click “Hourly Weather Forecast” in the upper right. https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=40.5397&lon=-105.1969#.ZBcXIy9MFvK

REQUIRED WAIVER: If you have not already done so, you must sign the updated waiver with our new meetup name prior to this hike. I will have copies at the trailhead that you can sign or you may print, sign, and bring it with you from the following website: https://www.dropbox.com/s/p728z28jjuwdzws/Waiver%20Corona.pdf?dl=0
If you choose to sign at the trailhead, please arrive early so that we can depart for the hike timely.