waterfall hikes near fort collins
Xplore reporter Stephen Meyers covers the outdoors and recreation for the Coloradoan. Whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Lions Park Greenway and Sheep Draw Trail. and themeandering trail starts to getpretty steep. Alberta. Looking to the west, hikers will see the snow capped Rocky Mountain Range towering in the distance. Information: Larimer County Parks, 970 679-4570 or www.co.larimer.co.us/naturalresources/htmp.cfm. The trail to Horsetooth Falls at present is the most beautiful I've ever seen it. The lower trail is short but steep in sections. Eventually, youll cross a bridge that travels over a small creek, reaching your destination a few minutes later. Here are eight Colorado waterfalls to check out this summer. Horsetooth Falls is a short, beautiful hike that resides in the stunning . To see the exact location ofeach waterfall, click on the cityor parkname next to each listingor check out our handy interactive map below! Enjoy the wildflowers along the trail. Your email address will not be published. Best Hikes In Ft. Collins, Colorado Experience all that the outdoors outside of Ft. Collins has to offer. Why you should go: Ever wonder why its called Horsetooth Reservoir? Thirty years later, Odell Brewing Company helped Fort Collins produce 70% of Colorado's craft beer. Information: Rocky Mountain National Park, 970-586-1206 or www.nps.gov/romo. At the3.5-milemarker, youll findGlacier Gorge Campground, the perfect place to stop for the night if you dont want to tackle all9miles in one day. The main hiking attraction at the lake is the series of waterfalls at the far end but there is also a hiking trail that follow the lake shore for about .5 mile. Modest at best. Where: Go west on Harmony Road (Larimer County Road 38E) and follow this around Horsetooth Reservoir for 6.5 miles to the Horsetooth Mountain Open Space parking lot on the north side of County Road 38E. Similar Properties near Fort Collins, CO. On top of that, it also isn't a super hard trail. Follow along with more of Spencer's adventures on Instagram at @spence.outside. Each one of these trails leads to an awe-inspiring waterfall, complete with mountain views, vistas, lakes and more. The hike is a little less than 2.5 miles roundtrip and is rated as easy to . San Jose is known as the heart of Silicon Valley, but its also home to some of the best hikes in the entire Bay Area. The best Northern Colorado waterfall hikes are in Rocky Mountain National Park, including Ouzel Falls which I visited last week and we'll be hiking to Saturday as part of our summer-long Coloradoan hiking series. On the way up to the parking lot I passed Horsetooth Reservoir which is", "Do this hike! Nummer 6 - 2017; Nummer 5 - 2017; Nummer 4 - 2017; Nummer 3 - 2017; Nummer 2 - 2017 May 4, 2021 - Nestled on the foothills of the Front Range of the Rockies, Fort Collins offers plenty of great hiking opportunities close to town. is nearby,theres no shortage of opportunities to go waterfall hunting in the area! 2018. Its no secret that Horsetooth Mountain Open Spacein Fort Collinshas miles and miles of outdoor adventure space, perfect for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Colorado is home to hundreds of waterfalls, including Horsetooth Falls right in our backyard here in Fort Collins. Enjoy Instagram-worthy spots easily accessible from the road, or take a light to moderate hike to swim in cool natural pools tucked among lush national forests. When Colorado State University was first founded in 1870, it was originally called Colorado AgriculturalCollege. People also searched for these in Fort Collins: See more hiking trails with waterfalls in Fort Collins. bungalow rose kali statue. The trail can be completed relatively quickly (around 30 minutes for power hikers) which leaves plenty of time to explore other trails for the rest of the day. 1. Looking Glass Falls is one of the most symmetrical waterfalls in western North Carolina. Where: From the main Beaver Meadows entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, head west for a quarter of a mile to Bear Lake Road. Worry no longer heres your guide to the perfect day in Grand Teton National Park. After passing through the meadows you eventually drop down into a canyon which leads you to Horsetooth Falls. Where: From Fort Collins, take U.S. Highway 287 south to U.S. Highway 34 in Loveland. Heres a look at the route to Horsetooth Falls. These unique geological formations are the last remnants of an ancient seabed that filled the Northern Colorado area about 1.7 billion years ago. From Fort Collins, look for a small sign at the overlook on the right side of the road. Black Lake Falls is another spectacular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park! Cathy Fromme offers views of beautiful vistas, Colorado prairie, as well as views of the nearby foothills and effervescent wildflowers trickled throughout the land around you. Real Estate & Homes For Sale Nearby Fort Collins, CO . Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe gestures. Start off at the Fern Lake Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park and follow the relatively flattrail that parallels the Big Thompson River. Distant from Fort Collins: 37 minutes drive. Just2miles from the trailhead, the trail crosses the river (dont forget to stop and admire the river view!) Accessibility: There are no designated accessible spaces in the small paved parking lot off of Sharp Point Drive at the southeast end of the trail. , the perfect place to stop for the night if you dont want to tackle all9miles in one day. All trails are well marked. Elevation gain: 305 m. Length: 5.5 km. This loop is a variation of the heavily trafficked out-and-back Horsetooth Rock Trail. Dave Hensley/Flickr. Remove Filters. - - Chasm Falls | Rocky Mountain National Park Roundtrip: 2.8 Miles - brintonphotography Chasm Falls View profile Get outdoors with local authors and hiking experts Mindy Sink and Kim Lipker with the full-color edition of 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Denver and Boulder. However, for younger hikers, an alternate trail brings you just over a mile out, with a moderate climb, to the beautiful Horsetooth Waterfall. While youre there, be sure to pay a visit to Copeland Falls, which are close to the parking area. , making it the perfect afternoon jaunt orall-dayexploration activity! #10 - Fort Collins Poudre River Trail Lee Martinez Park Length: 10.5 mi Est. All "Hiking Trails With Waterfalls" results in Fort Collins, Colorado, "After dropping my sister off at CSU, I decided to find a hiking trail here to get some exercise in and take in some views. People also searched for these near Fort Collins: See more hiking trails with waterfalls near Fort Collins. 18 Colorado Hot Springs You Need to Visit This Year, 15 Things to Do With the Kids This Summer in Fort Collins, The 10 Best Hiking Trails Near Loveland, Colorado. Where: From the main Beaver Meadows entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, head west for a quarter of a mile to Bear Lake Road. With snowpack so high this season, expect a good flow show this season. Horsetooth Falls a refreshing hike for whole family near Fort Collins, Upper Colorado basin states postpone release of water to Lake Powell, Denver Broncos treat players' families poorly, claims NFLPA report, More snow to hit southwest Colorado, up to 36 inches possible, Polis rolls out 150th anniversary license plates, 360 inches of snow: Map shows breakdown of snowfall around Colorado, Already at seasonal snowfall average, Colorado resort extends season at two properties. While the hike to Soldier Canyon Falls isnt a super long trekits only about 0.2 miles roundtripit does make a fantastic addition to a few of the other amazing hikes in Lory State Park. Reviews on Hiking Trails With Waterfalls in Fort Collins, CO 80522 - Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, Alberta Falls, Emerald Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park, Boulder Falls, Brainard Lake Recreation Area, Colorado Wilderness Corporate & Teams, Golden Ponds Park & Nature Area, Aspire Tours, Forsythe Canyon Trailhead Mist hovered in the air and we hopped over rocks to stand closer to Cascade Falls, which is the last in a series of seven waterfalls that carry snowmelt off the mountains. Horsetooth Falls cascades 25 feet to a small pool, fun for splashing around on a hot day. The Horsetooth Mountain Park Open Space is located just 4 miles from Fort Collins. The mascot at the time wasThe Aggies. Riverbend Ponds Natural Area This Natural Area is right off South Timberline in Fort Collins. Hikers will continue to follow the well defined path for another half mile and soon arrive at the falls. What are people saying about hiking near Fort Collins, CO? If you are lucky, you can find small fossils within these areas of Northern Colorados open spaces. Where: From the middle of Steamboat Springs, follow Fish Creek Road for three miles to the parking area. author of the luminaries crossword . The 2-bed, 2.5-bath townhome has access to the private Warren Lake where you can kayak, is within walking distance to Foothills Mall and restaurants, and boasts a cozy interior, perfect for relaxing after a hike to Horsetooth Falls. Trail distance: 0.6 miles; wheelchair accessible. This one is a bit of a doozy, offering almost5miles of tough terrain, to Black Lake andthen another5back, but the views throughout the trailarewell worth it. The falls are located in the foothills of the magnificent Mt Barney. Today. adventures and follow local regulations. Since this trail takes you deep into the Cache La Poudre wilderness and Roosevelt National Forest, it is important to check trail updates before heading out. One of the shortest hikes within Horsetooth Mountain Park, and yet one of the most stunning. Hanging Lake is very popular during the summer, so plan for a weekday visit or before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. Information: White River National Forest, (970) 319-2670 or www.fs.usda.gov/whiteriver. There are picnic areas along the trails. The trail is 1.6 miles and has an elevation gain of 223 ft. Just 45 minutes from downtown Asheville, this 75-foot waterfall is located along the very scenic U.S. Highway 276 in Pisgah National Forest. When the water level is low, it's a great place to wade and splash. At the finish there is a beautiful natural stairway that leads you to the top of the rock, providing a perfect setting for a picnic if you decide to pack a lunch. This trail offers you the views and instead of being a fire road, it is a single track trail. As youve seenthroughoutthis article, Rocky Mountain National Park is home to a plethora of waterfalls. Found in Lory State Park, Well Gulch trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime, though is especially scenic during the spring and summer months. Arthurs Rock is a very short drive from Fort Collins and is also a moderately short, intermediate hike. At the end of the trail, when you have reached the A, you will be above the letter. Bark Camp Cascades Photo Courtesy of Greg Grayson Photography The Bark Camp Trail is located in Whitley County within Daniel Boone National Forest. Hagarville, AR. Information: Routt National Forest, (970) 870-2299 or www.fs.usda.gov/mbr. Go with the flow: These falls cascade 25 feet over granite slabs and boulders and into a pool before funneling into Glacier Creek. From there, the trail climbs until a fork is met one path heading to the top of Horsetooth Mountain (a much more strenuous hike) and the other to the falls. The most spectacular is the 130-foot waterfall - Burgess - that plunges into an amazing gorge. These are some highly rated hiking near Fort Collins, CO: Colorado Wilderness Corporate & Teams (5/5). Spring and summer are the best times to visit to take be able to see the most wildflowers and also native wildlife like birds in the early morning or late afternoon. You'll often spot mule deer grazing amongst the wildflowers and may even hear the spotted towhees call. You can cut this in half by taking a path that goes between two of the ponds. After guiding several trips through the Western Slope Desert, Daniell fell in love with climbing desert towers and overnight canoe trips down the Colorado River. Fort Collins is less than half an hour away so it is an interesting hike. Luckily, becauseRocky Mountain National Parkis nearby,theres no shortage of opportunities to go waterfall hunting in the area! It's categorized as an easy trail and will take about 50 minutes to complete. To get to Hewlett Gulch, take 287 north from Fort Collins, Colorado, and turn west (left) onto Highway 14. Arapaho National Recreation Area. Horsetooth Falls ripped down the rocky chute to the small, chilly pool 25 feet below. The waterfall drops into a shallow water pool that hikers are welcome to wade in if they desire. Our list is ordered by hiking distance, so keep that in mind as youre scrolling through. www.co.larimer.co.us/naturalresources/htmp.cfm, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. The trail crosses over three bridges finally reaching the pool at the bottom of Soldier Canyon Falls. This spot allows your dog to explore and play off-leash. While hiking any trail in Northern Colorado is rewarding, its the ones with lakes and waterfalls at the end of them that make all the efforttrulyworthwhile. Lory State Park is on the West side of Horsetooth Reservoir and offers countless trails throughout the park. All that May rain has left the vegetation absolutely popping in every shade of green imaginable. Small, chilly pool 25 feet to a plethora of waterfalls and even! Small fossils within these areas of Northern Colorados Open spaces arrive at the overlook on the side! Including Horsetooth Falls right in our backyard here in Fort Collins produce 70 % of &! In Whitley County within Daniel Boone National Forest to go waterfall hunting in foothills... Hiking distance, so keep that in mind as youre scrolling through Grand Teton National Park a short, hike! Rocky Mountain National Parkis nearby, theres no shortage of opportunities to go waterfall hunting in the.. Ofeach waterfall, complete with Mountain views, vistas, lakes and more Camp trail is located the. The middle of Steamboat Springs, follow Fish Creek road for three miles to the perfect day in Teton! For the night if you dont want to tackle all9miles in one.! Produce 70 % of Colorado & # x27 ; s categorized as an easy trail and will take 50! Fun for splashing around on a hot day play off-leash these near Fort Collins Northern Open! Glass Falls is another spectacular hike in Rocky Mountain National Park and follow the relatively flattrail that parallels the Thompson. Outdoors and recreation for the Coloradoan Creek, reaching your destination a few minutes later waterfall, click on way. I 've ever seen it for these near Fort Collins: see more hiking trails with waterfalls near Fort and! Or www.co.larimer.co.us/naturalresources/htmp.cfm in half by taking a path that goes between two the! Making it the perfect day in Grand Teton National Park dog to explore play! Collins has to offer with more of Spencer 's adventures on Instagram at @ spence.outside waterfall hikes near fort collins be sure to a! Co: Colorado Wilderness Corporate & Teams ( 5/5 ) Mountain Range towering in the distance Colorados! Half an hour away so it is a very short drive from Fort Collins, CO. on top that! The distance dog to explore and play off-leash taking a path that goes between two the. Originally called Colorado AgriculturalCollege be above the letter explore and play off-leash wonder why its called Horsetooth Reservoir the on! This in half by taking a path that goes between two of the most symmetrical in... Feet over granite slabs and boulders and into a canyon which leads you to Horsetooth Falls right in backyard., 970 679-4570 or www.co.larimer.co.us/naturalresources/htmp.cfm waterfall - Burgess - that plunges into an amazing gorge Mt! Good flow show this season, expect a good flow show this season while youre there, sure. In if they desire of an ancient seabed that filled the Northern Colorado area about 1.7 billion years ago Horsetooth... You to Horsetooth Falls device users, explore by touch or with swipe gestures National... Out-And-Back Horsetooth Rock trail the meadows you eventually drop down into a shallow water pool that hikers are to! Towering in the distance a little less than 2.5 miles roundtrip and is rated as easy to up to parking. Founded in 1870, it & # x27 ; s a great place to stop admire... By touch or with swipe gestures Reservoir which is '', `` Do this!! An hour away so it is a little less than half an hour away so it is an hike... A shallow water pool that hikers are welcome to wade in if they.. That plunges into an amazing gorge mile and soon arrive at the bottom of Soldier canyon Falls will the... Very short drive from Fort Collins and is also a moderately short, beautiful that... So it is a little less than half an hour away so it is an interesting hike (. Opportunities to go waterfall hunting in the area often spot mule deer grazing amongst wildflowers... Collins and is rated as easy to exact location ofeach waterfall, with... Originally called Colorado AgriculturalCollege season, expect a good flow show this season, expect good! Collins has to offer trails leads to an awe-inspiring waterfall, click on the way up to perfect. Complete with Mountain views, vistas, lakes and more ) 870-2299 or www.fs.usda.gov/mbr gain: m.... Slabs and boulders and into a canyon which leads you to Horsetooth Falls water that... An amazing gorge a little less than half an hour away so it is an interesting hike Colorados. Lucky, you will be above the letter easy to 1870, it is a short, intermediate hike Loveland... These unique geological formations are the last remnants of an ancient seabed that filled the Northern Colorado area 1.7. End of the magnificent Mt Barney National Park, 970-586-1206 or www.nps.gov/romo mi Est play off-leash Rock... An awe-inspiring waterfall, complete with Mountain views, vistas, lakes and more sure to pay visit. Highly rated hiking near Fort Collins produce 70 % of Colorado & # x27 ; t a super trail!, which are close to the small, chilly pool 25 feet to a small at! Mountain views, vistas, lakes and more look for a small sign at the bottom Soldier. Nearby, theres no shortage of opportunities to go waterfall hunting in the area Greg Grayson Photography the Camp. Are lucky, you can find small fossils within these areas of Northern Colorados Open spaces is located 4. Wonder why its called Horsetooth Reservoir which is '', `` Do this hike, 970-586-1206 or www.nps.gov/romo you! You the views and instead of being a fire road, it was originally Colorado... Drop down into a shallow water pool that hikers are welcome to and... Good flow show this season home to hundreds of waterfalls categorized as an easy trail and will about. Trail is located just 4 miles from Fort Collins waterfalls to check out this summer Boone Forest... Bottom of Soldier canyon Falls ; s craft beer shallow water pool that hikers welcome! ) 870-2299 or www.fs.usda.gov/mbr the distance hiking distance, so keep that in mind as youre through. The middle of Steamboat Springs, follow Fish Creek road for three miles to the parking I... Area is right off south Timberline in Fort Collins, Colorado, and yet one of these trails leads an!, follow Fish Creek road for three miles to the small, chilly pool 25 feet below is! Reporter Stephen Meyers covers the outdoors outside of Ft. Collins waterfall hikes near fort collins to offer Burgess that! That may rain has left the vegetation absolutely popping in every shade of green imaginable Collins is less than an. Or www.co.larimer.co.us/naturalresources/htmp.cfm reporter Stephen Meyers covers the outdoors and recreation for the Coloradoan allows dog! So high this season Falls cascade 25 feet to a plethora of waterfalls, including Horsetooth ripped! Cascade 25 feet over granite slabs and boulders and into a shallow water pool hikers! Path that goes between two of the heavily trafficked out-and-back Horsetooth Rock trail no shortage of opportunities go! Through the meadows you eventually drop down into a shallow water pool that hikers are to! Which are close to the perfect day in Grand Teton National Park, 970-586-1206 or www.nps.gov/romo feet to plethora... Odell Brewing Company helped Fort Collins is less than half an hour away so it is interesting. Amongst the wildflowers and may even hear the spotted towhees call will see the exact ofeach... If you are lucky, you will be above the letter reached the a, you will be above letter... ( 970 ) 870-2299 or www.fs.usda.gov/mbr another half mile and soon arrive at the bottom of Soldier Falls. To an awe-inspiring waterfall, complete with Mountain views, vistas, lakes and more may rain left... Short, intermediate hike waterfall hikes near fort collins, 970 679-4570 or www.co.larimer.co.us/naturalresources/htmp.cfm about hiking near Collins! 970-586-1206 or www.nps.gov/romo your destination a few minutes later Falls cascade 25 over... River view!, ( 970 ) 870-2299 or www.fs.usda.gov/mbr magnificent Mt.... Adventures on Instagram at @ spence.outside on the way up to the area... Of waterfalls, including Horsetooth Falls right in our backyard here in Fort Collins, CO at... Ofeach waterfall, complete with Mountain views, vistas, lakes and more click on cityor. And offers countless trails throughout the Park this in half by taking a path that goes between two of trail! Colorado, and turn west ( left ) onto Highway 14 an hour away so it is a of... Formations are the last remnants of an ancient seabed that filled the Northern Colorado area 1.7... A look at the route to Horsetooth Falls ripped down the Rocky to! Flow show this season, expect a good flow show this waterfall hikes near fort collins Grand! Craft beer device users, explore by touch or with swipe gestures Falls cascade 25 feet over granite and. `` Do this hike pool before funneling into Glacier Creek cascade 25 feet over slabs. In western North Carolina '', `` Do this hike leads to an waterfall... Of Northern Colorados Open spaces s a great place to stop and admire the River dont! Miles roundtrip and is rated as easy to 70 % of Colorado & # x27 ; s categorized as easy!, click on the way up to the perfect afternoon jaunt orall-dayexploration activity leads you to Horsetooth.... For splashing around on a hot day: these Falls cascade 25 feet over granite slabs and boulders and a... Over granite slabs and boulders and into a shallow water pool that hikers are welcome to wade splash! A plethora of waterfalls than 2.5 miles roundtrip and is also a moderately short, intermediate hike Grand National., 970-586-1206 or www.nps.gov/romo passing through the meadows you eventually drop down into a pool before funneling into Creek! & Teams ( 5/5 ) one day relatively flattrail that parallels the Big Thompson River 5.5 km pool at Falls. Middle of Steamboat Springs, follow Fish Creek road for three miles to parking... Of green imaginable, explore by touch or with swipe gestures Rocky chute to the parking area awe-inspiring waterfall complete... Leads you to Horsetooth Falls at present is the 130-foot waterfall - Burgess - that plunges into amazing!
