Horsetooth Reservoir | Fort Collins

Information

Landmark: Horsetooth Reservoir
City: Fort Collins
Country: USA Colorado
Continent: North America

Horsetooth Reservoir, Fort Collins, USA Colorado, North America

Horsetooth Reservoir is a man-made reservoir located west of Fort Collins, Colorado. It serves as a primary water source for the city and surrounding areas.

Visual Characteristics

The reservoir is characterized by its deep blue water, surrounded by rugged, rocky foothills. The shoreline varies from gravelly beaches to steep, rocky inclines. The surrounding vegetation consists of Ponderosa pine, juniper, and various grasses adapted to the semi-arid climate.

Location & Access Logistics

Horsetooth Reservoir is situated approximately 10 miles west of downtown Fort Collins. Access is via County Road 38E (Horsetooth Road), which leads directly to the reservoir entrance. Parking is available at designated lots throughout the park, with fees typically required. Public transport options are limited; the nearest bus route (Transfort Route 11) stops at the base of Horsetooth Road, requiring an additional 3-mile walk or bike ride to the reservoir entrance.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The reservoir was created by the construction of the Horsetooth Dam, completed in 1949. The dam is an earth-fill structure, 525 feet long and 100 feet high. The reservoir's purpose is water storage for municipal, industrial, and agricultural use, managed by the City of Fort Collins Utilities. The surrounding foothills are part of the Laramie Formation, characterized by sedimentary rock.

Key Highlights & Activities

Activities include boating (motorized and non-motorized), fishing (for trout, bass, and perch), swimming, and scuba diving. Hiking trails are available around the reservoir, including the Horsetooth Rock Trail which leads to a prominent rock formation. Rock climbing and bouldering are popular on the surrounding cliffs.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at various points around the reservoir. Shaded picnic areas are provided. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available but can be intermittent in more remote areas. Food vendors are not typically present within the reservoir park itself, but are available in Fort Collins.

Best Time to Visit

The best months for visiting are May through October, offering warmer temperatures suitable for water activities. For photography, early morning and late afternoon provide optimal lighting conditions. Water levels are generally highest in late spring and early summer due to snowmelt.

Facts & Legends

The reservoir is named after a distinctive rock formation resembling a horse's tooth on the western ridge. A local legend suggests that the reservoir's water levels are influenced by the mood of a mythical water spirit.