Horsetooth Mountain is a mountain summit in the foothills of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. The 7,259-foot (2,213 m) peak is located in the Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, 7.0 miles (11.2 km) west (bearing 265°) of downtown Fort Collins in Larimer County, Colorado, United States.[1][2][3][4]

Horsetooth Mountain
Horsetooth from Fort Collins
Highest point
Elevation	7,259 ft (2,213 m)[1][2]
Prominence	595 ft (181 m)[3]
Isolation	3.46 mi (5.57 km)[3]
Coordinates	40°32′22″N 105°11′48″W[1]
Geography
Horsetooth Mountain Colorado
Location	Larimer County, Colorado, U.S.[4]
Parent range	Front Range foothills[3]
Topo map	USGS 7.5' topographic map Horsetooth Reservoir, Colorado[1]
Climbing
Easiest route	Scramble

Mountain

The mountain is easily distinguishable by the large pegmatite rock formation on its summit known as Horsetooth Rock. The formation is a prominent landmark of the nearby city of Fort Collins and often used as a symbol of that city, appearing in the official city seal. The name comes from its distinctive appearance.

The site was previously private property owned by the Soderburg family. In 1982, it was purchased by the county as an "open space" tax acquisition. It is now a popular destination for hikers as well as mountain bikers, with trails leading to the summit. The summit offers hikers a clear view to the southwest of Longs Peak and Mount Meeker, two rugged mountains in Rocky Mountain National Park.

A daily entrance permit costs $10 per vehicle.[5]

Wildlife

Horsetooth Mountain Park not only hosts some spectacular scenery, it is home to a variety of large mammals such as mule deer, American black bears, mountain lions and coyotes.

Gallery

• 
  Top of Horsetooth Mountain facing West to the Rocky Mountains.
• 
  Cellphone towers visible from the top.
• 
  Fort Collins visible from the top.
• 
  Horsetooth Rock Trail.
• 
  Horsetooth Rock Trail near the beginning.
• 
  Near the trailhead.
• 
  Horsetooth Rock, named for the profile of its east face. Hikers are visible on the summit.
• 
  Upper Spring Creek valley on Horsetooth Mountain.

See also

• Horsetooth Reservoir

• List of Colorado mountain ranges
• List of Colorado mountain summits
  • List of Colorado fourteeners
  • List of Colorado 4000 meter prominent summits
  • List of the most prominent summits of Colorado
• List of Colorado county high points

References

External links

• "Horsetooth Mountain Open Space". Larimer County.