Horsetooth Reservoir - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

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About Horsetooth Reservoir

Horsetooth Reservoir is a man-made reservoir in Larimer County, which was created in 1950 by the construction of the Horsetooth Dam on the Big Thompson River. The reservoir is open to recreation from late May to early September and is popular for swimming, boating, fishing, and camping. It has a capacity of 156,735 acre-feet and a shoreline of 40 km.

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Things to Do at Horsetooth Reservoir

About 1 million people visit Horsetooth Reservoir every year. Recreation management is done by the Larimer County on the 1,900 acre public land surounding the reservoir.

Hiking, camping, boating, kayaking, and picnicking are just a few of the popular activities enjoyed at Horsetooth Reservoir. There are also numerous hiking trails that wind through the surrounding area, providing stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. For those looking for a more relaxing experience, the reservoir is also popular its get-away-cabins to luxury homes. The views are stunning, and the scenery is varied, from rocky cliffs to meadows full of wildflowers.

Bouldering has become an established sport at the reservoir since the 1960s as the hard Dakota sandstone in the area is a challenge for the climbers. Road cycling also has became as popular as hiking and mountain biking in the recent years, along its eastern edge.

For all the activities the reservoir offers, checkout their website.

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History of Horsetooth Reservoir

Horsetooth Reservoir is a man-made body of water in Larimer County, Colorado. The reservoir was created in 1950 by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation as part of the Colorado-Big Thompson Project, which was designed to divert water from the West Slope of the Rocky Mountains to the Front Range. Prior to the construction of the dam, the community of Stout had to be moved to a new location that today surrounds Horsetooth's South Bay. A few buildings of the community, including that of the old school house are now under water.

The reservoir is formed by the creation of four separate, large earthern dams, all completed in 1949 and equipped with seismic retrofit in 2004. The four dams are- Horsetooth Dam (47 meters high), Soldier Canyon Dam (69 meters), Dixon Canyon Dam (73 meters), Spring Canyon Dam(67 meters). In recent years, the reservoir has experienced relatively low water levels.

Best Time to Visit Horsetooth Reservoir

The best time to visit is from May to September. During this time, the weather is warm and dry, making it ideal for spending a day on the water. Plan to arrive before 10 AM or after 3 PM to avoid the peak crowds of the day.

Tips for Visiting Horsetooth Reservoir

  1. Swimming is only allowed at the designated Swim Beach maintained by LCPOL as well as in some of the coves.
  2. Fishing is no longer allowed from the dams due to security concerns.
  3. Cliff diving is prohibited in all areas of the reservoir due to safety concerns.
  4. Park rangers regularly patrol the reservoir to keep everyone enjoying the reservoirs safely.

Interesting Facts and Trivias About Horsetooth Reservoir

  1. Horsetooth Reservoir is the third busiest reservoir in the state of Colorado.
  2. Horsetooth Reservoir is named after Horsetooth Rock, a rock fromation on the summit of nearby Horsetooth Mountain known for its its distinctive appearance.

How Much Time Did Visitors Spend at Horsetooth Reservoir

There is no set time limit for exploring the reservoir, most visitors find that a full day is plenty of time to enjoy all that it has to offer.

How to Reach Horsetooth Reservoir

The reservoir is located just west of Fort Collins, and there are a few different ways to reach it. The easiest way is to take I-25 north from Denver and exit onto highway 34. Follow 34 west until you reach the turnoff for highway 36, then take 36 south until you reach the reservoir. Another option is to take highway 287 north from Denver, which will take you right to the reservoir.

Entrance Fee of Horsetooth Reservoir

The entrance fee for the Horsetooth Reservoir is $10 per vehicle, and visitors can purchase a day pass or an annual pass. A up to date set of all the different entry permits and pricing can be found from the official website.

Opening Hours of Horsetooth Reservoir

The reservoir is open year-round for activities such as fishing, camping, boating, and hiking. However, the hours of operation for each activity vary depending on the season. The Horsetooth Area Information Center that provides information about the different activities around the lake is open from 9 AM to 7 PM daily, from March to October. From November to February, it opnes only from Monday to Friday, from 9 AM to 4 PM. 

Attractions Near Horsetooth Reservoir

Arthur's Rock Trail

Arthur's Rock Trail

2.37km from Horsetooth Reservoir

Arthur's Rock is a popular 3.4-mile hiking trail in Larimer County, Colorado. The trailhead is located near the town of Estes Park, and the trail winds its way through a variety of scenery, including forests, meadows, and Rocky Mountain views. The trail is well-marked and relatively easy to follow, and it offers hikers a chance to see a variety of wildlife. The hike to Arthur's Rock takes approximately two hours round-trip, and it is considered to be moderate in difficulty.

Stock Judging Pavilion (Oskaloosa, Iowa)

Stock Judging Pavilion (Oskaloosa, Iowa)

6.96km from Horsetooth Reservoir

The Stock Judging Pavilion, located in Oskaloosa, Iowa, is a significant facility within the community, serving as a hub for agricultural education, events, and competitions. Constructed to support the region's thriving livestock industry, this pavilion plays a crucial role in providing opportunities for youth and adults to learn about animal husbandry, agriculture, and livestock evaluation.

Fort Collins Museum of Discovery

Fort Collins Museum of Discovery

7.46km from Horsetooth Reservoir

The Fort Collins Museum of Discovery has exhibits on the Native Americans who lived in the area, the early settlers, and the development of the city of Fort Collins. There are also interactive exhibits on natural science and technology. The museum also has a hands-on section where visitors can try out some of the activities that were popular in the past, such as panning for gold.

Boyd Lake State Park

Boyd Lake State Park

19.31km from Horsetooth Reservoir

Boyd Lake State Park is a smaller area that surrounds Boyd Lake and sports a boat ramp, marina, swim beach, concessions and so more. The park sometimes holds events for the public including fishing derbies and clinics, education programs, and volunteer projects. Activities permitted within the park include boating, fishing, picnicking, swimming, hiking, biking, and hunting.

Windsor History Museum

Windsor History Museum

24.37km from Horsetooth Reservoir

The Windsor History Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in the local area's history. Located in a former Carnegie Library building from 1907, the museum offers visitors a window into early life in the local community. Exhibits include artifacts from the early 1900s and tell stories of days gone by with items like vintage photographs and clothing. It also hosts rotating displays on various topics throughout the year, making it a great place to find something new each time you visit.

Windsor Lake

Windsor Lake

24.42km from Horsetooth Reservoir

Windsor Lake, is a tranquil place to spend the day. The lake, surrounded by lush greenery on all sides, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. A variety of water activities are available for visitors to enjoy including fishing, boating and kayaking. Additionally, facilities are provided for BBQs and picnics - making it an ideal spot for families looking for a relaxing outing. With its calm waters and serene setting, Windsor Lake is sure to be a memorable experience!

Discover More Attractions in Larimer County, Home of Horsetooth Reservoir

Larimer County

Larimer County

31 attractions

Larimer County is one of the 64 counties in the U.S. state of Colorado.It is the seventh largest county in Colorado based on population. The territory was home to Ute, Cheyenne, and Arapaho in the early 19th century before the arrival of the Europeans.

Location of Horsetooth Reservoir

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