Best Trails near Fort Collins, Colorado

This was the first time my 16 year old daughter and I have gone hiking, but my 18 year old son has been on several CO mountain trips. We managed just fine with trail running shoes, alternating walking and jogging, so I would guess that this is more easy-moderate than moderate-hard.Then again, we're all three long, long distance runners, so that could have helped a bit. We veered off and did some rock climbing, as well. Beautiful views, very quiet on a Monday afternoon, and overall a great introduction to hiking for us.

How have I not tried this trail before? Easy loop. Moderate to little traffic. Dog friendly. Quiet. Benches with views. I’ll definitely be taking this trail again with my pup!

Decent trail. Summit was kind of weak. I highly recommend you do this trail counter clockwise.

This trail is really beautiful! It passes by the falls, as well as a number of stream sightings that feed the falls. The Spring Creek portion of this trail was closed yesterday(no specific reason listed), so we had to take the soderburg trail instead which also offered some amazing views and intersects with the Horsetooth rock trail. When we got up to the top of the rock there was an intense fog rolling in and out around us. . .kind of gave the illusion that the mountains we're breathing. 3 1/2 hours start to finish with some time spent on top. Well worth the $6 entry fee!

I started late - 4pm on 4/07/18. A few people on the way to the falls but not a single soul after. Great weather; low 40's to start high 30's at finish. Trail was in great shape and this hike was far more rewarding than I expected.
After the falls, I started up Springcreek only to be turned around about a 1/4 mile up at the Soderberg connection: springcreek closed til the wathan connection. That turned out to be a blessing as I backtracked and took Stout (going from memory here) to Herrington back to wathan over to Horsetooth Rock. loved all the scenery esp. wathan and Horsetooth Rock. finished after 8 using a headlamp for a bit. def. coming back for some more.

First two miles are the most challenging. Settles after that with a few small sections with some elevation gains. Included Westridge Trail and part of Timber Trail to get a few more miles and a bit more elevation and created a 7.6 mile lollipop loop. Cold, cloudy, and fog at the start, but once above that you get the views the area is known for. Great hike.

My husband and I loved it. It was a very easy hike with beautiful views the entire way. It took us about 2 hours round trip. We will definitely do it again!

Pretty good views, would recommend hiking boots, or something with some ankle support. We saw several deer, but the falls were barely flowing (not sure what the normal rate is though)

Love this hike! We do it quite often. Go early to avoid the crowds

straight and narrow. lots of bikers. no shade so wear sunscreen.

What an awesome hike! We were planning on doing the whole loop shown above, but a portion of the trail was closed (3/24) where Wathan meets Spring Creek. We used Herrington/Stout to get back to the parking lot, but it did end up being a very long hike. Worth it for the views!

I live right next to it and it’s my go to trail I love the challenges with the horses it gives me with the bridges and edges

The trail was awesome, this app sucks. I'm not a stupid person, but I've yet to get it to actually record something correctly.

The falls were running and we were able to get a quick run in before the rain showers. A great short run with incline!

Wonderful views and a easy trail. Perfect for kids!

Nice, easy hike with beautiful views! Once you’re at the top of the ridge, on one side are the beautiful mountains and the other side has the city. Took us about 2 hours round trip and I would totally recommend it to anyone looking for an easy challenge.

This spur of the moment hike was fun, but we look forward to hiking the area again when we are more prepared. Beautiful sites. Even stumbled across a herd of deer!

Amazing hike today, the weather was beautiful and there was barely any foot traffic which was really nice. Will never not love hiking Horsetooth.

Great trail. if you're looking for a long hike this is perfect a lot of up hill and a lot of rocks on the trail but that didn't bother us. we will come back. Also a 3 year old was hiking with with us and she made it.

Nice hike with our son from CSU ON Sunday. Parking lot full, but only waited 2 minutes for someone to leave(Ranger cobtrolled). No spikes needed, poles were a great help. Beautiful views of Horsetooth Reservoir and great Mountain Vistas from the Rock. Took the easier, more gentle slope down the road, Great views and much easier on the knees!

There were some sketchy parts of the trail yesterday, but I was able to make it in running shoes. Totally worth it once you got up to the top.

Great hike with nice views. Parking was difficult, very few options for where to park because all lots were fulll

Nice hike. I wouldn't consider the hike too difficult. On the easy/moderate side. A little ice on the trail. Since it was nice day today, the trails were a bit busy. Not overly crowded. Nice views of from the tops of the ridge. As we suspected, the falls are not running yet. Make sure you wear mud ready shoes as there is a lot of mud and ice on the shady side. Hiking poles may not be a bad idea for the not so sure footed.

Nice challenging hike when you're out of chaos and need to build endurance again. many inclines and great in the winter.

Good early morning hike

Fun hike! Beautiful to get to the top and watch the sunrise

Well graded, moderate to easy hiking path that ends with great views of Fort Collins and Horsetooth Reservoir. A bit crowded with mountain bikers but they were all very polite. Closer to 6 miles for the entire loop.

Fun family walk

First hike with my dogs since moving to Colorado and we LOVED it! My dogs had a blast getting some exercise and I loved the scenery! Definitely going back to explore some more

Beautiful and extremely icy in several stretches yesterday. Poles &/or microspikes would have been helpful, but going on hands & knees worked fine. (The stretches were generally