If you've never been to Horsetooth Reservoir, you must go. The reservoir was actually constructed back in 1949 by the Bureau of Reclamation. It is a supplementary source of municipal water for the city of Fort Collins and other regions near the city. While visiting the reservoir you can enjoy various water activities, hiking, camping and much more!
The hiking around Horsetooth Reservoir is really great; there is literally a hike for every skill level. Whether you are looking for quick and easy or something a bit harder, there's a hike for you. One of the really well-known hikes is called Horsetooth Falls. It has several different trails, ranging from difficult to easy, that lead to the beautiful natural waterfall. Horsetooth Falls is always a great hike if you have kids, because it's not too hard. The hike is about 1.2 miles long with a change in elevation of less than 200 feet. The trail is fairly smooth with minimal rocky areas. The best time to do this hike is during the day, but during the summer especially if it has been a very wet and moist summer.
Besides hiking, at Horsetooth Reservoir you can go to the Inlet Bay Marina and rent all sorts of watercraft. For example, you can rent group boats at an average rate of $150 per hour, pontoon boats average $63, speedboats average at $150. Other rental options include canoes, paddle boards, jet skis and more. If you don't want to spend as much money, the reservoir has many different beaches where, for a flat rate of $7, you can just hang out, grill and swim in the water. Dogs are not allowed on the actual designated beaches, but you are allowed to have them on the shore next to the beaches. One of the more popular beaches is the South Bay Campground, which includes a swimming area, sandy beach, volleyball nets, changing rooms, showers, bathrooms, picnic tables and lots of parking.
Another great activity to do at Horsetooth Reservoir is to visit the graffiti cave. Many younger people, college students and high school students go there and hang out during the day. The cave is located on the east side of the lake, and is, not surprisingly, covered in graffiti.
I hope you are now motivated to get out there and enjoy Horsetooth with your friends and family. There is so much to do there, you won't be disappointed.
