Directions:

From Fort Collins, head west on Harmony Road which becomes County Road 38E.  Follow the road as it switchbacks up to Horsetooth Reservoir.  Turn right (north) on Centennial Drive along the eastern shore of the reservoir.  Follow Centennial Drive for 3 miles to the Rotary Park Parking Area. 

Hike Description:

Horsetooth Reservoir, west of Fort Collins, is full of hiking trails including the Foothills Trail which extends for the full length of the reservoir and is broken out into segments crossing through various parks and natural areas. This segment of the Foothills Trail runs through the Horsetooth Reservoir County Park. 

The hike is wonderful. It starts up on the steep hillside south of the reservoir and switchbacks down and follows the shore line to the next trailhead (Sunrise).  Along the way there are multiple nice spots to relax by the water and at Sunrise, there is even a swim beach. This is a great hike for kids and adults alike. The start of the trail provides expansive views across Horsetooth Reservoir and the shoreline provides easy hiking at the water’s edge. 

You can either hike this as an out and back, shuttle a car at the next trailhead, or make a loop out of it by hooking up with the Ridgeline Trail for the return.