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Horsetooth Mountain Open Space

The scenic 2,711-acre Horsetooth Mountain Open Space (consisting of Culver, Soderberg, and Hughey Open Spaces) covers elevations from 5,430 to 7,255 feet. Its 29 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails connect to the Blue Sky Trail and Lory State Park trails.

The outstanding Horsetooth Rock is a familiar local landmark visible from the plains. This open space is also known for Horsetooth Falls in the spring, and for tremendous Front Range views. Drinking water is available at the trailhead. Please carry enough for your hike or ride.

Horsetooth Mountain Open Space requires entrance permits, is open year round, and is located west of Horsetooth Reservoir, 4 miles from Fort Collins and 12 miles northwest of Loveland. Horsetooth Mountain Trailhead is open 24 hours a day; Soderberg Open Space Trailhead is open dawn to dusk.

General Regulations

For specifics, ask a ranger for a copy of the Regulations Brochure.

Fires and firewood collection are prohibited.
Firearms and fireworks are prohibited.
Dogs and other pets must be on leash at all times throughout the park. Loose dogs may be impounded.
Hunting or trapping of wildlife is prohibited on all lands and water administered by Larimer County.
Camping is allowed in the backcountry only and is prohibited in the parking lot. Check in with a ranger.

Directions

Trails

Park Entrance Permits

Horsetooth Open Space Information

Culver Open Space

Management Plan

The management plan for the Culver Open Space will be completed in conjunction with an update of the Horsetooth Mountain Open Space Resource Management Plan in 2005. Current management activities include weed control and working with Colorado State Forest Service in the development of a Forest Stewardship plan.

Property Information

Type of Acquisition	#Acres	Property Value	Partnerships Bargain Sales Donations	Date Acquired	Public Access
Fee Simple	287.9	$ 1,500,000	Larimer Co. - $ 1,175,000 GOCO* - $ 325,000	2003	Potential Future Public Access

* Great Outdoors Colorado

Soderberg Open Space

Management Plan

Management plans for this historic homestead and open space area provide a second trailhead and a trail access into the popular Horsetooth Mountain Open Space as well as a trailhead for the future Front Range Trail. Educational and interpretive materials at this site will provide information on the historic buildings still present as well as the ranching heritage of this area. The complete Soderberg Homestead Draft Management Plan can be found online.

Future Vision

The bulk of Horsetooth Mountain Open Space was purchased from the Soderberg family in the mid-1980s. This site is the historic location of the Soderberg Ranch homestead. The acquisition of the homestead will accommodate a new trailhead and parking areas for visitors further expanding the points of access to Horsetooth Mountain Open Space. It is anticipated that this trailhead and trail will be open in late 2004.

Property Information

Type of Acquisition	#Acres	Property Value	Partnerships Bargain Sales Donations	Date Acquired	Public Access
Fee Simple	114	$ 460,000	Larimer Co - $ 460,000	1998	Opening 2004!

Hughey Open Space

Management Plan

Because this property is an extension of Horsetooth Mountain Open Space it will also host all of the same recreational opportunities found around the rest of the park. This will be accomplished by integrating the trail system to this area of the park. The Hughey Property is managed as part of Horsetooth Mountain Open Space.

Property Information

Type of Acquisition	#Acres	Property Value	Partnerships Bargain Sales Donations	Date Acquired	Public Access
Fee Simple	282.0	$ 310,000	Larimer Co - $ 129,000 Landowner - $ 31,000 GOCO* - $ 150,000	1998	Yes

*Great Outdoors Colorado