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Horsetooth Mountain facts for kids

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Horsetooth Mountain
Horsetooth Mountain seen from Fort Collins, Colorado.jpg
Horsetooth from Fort Collins
Highest point
Elevation 7,259 ft (2,213 m)
Prominence 595 ft (181 m)
Isolation 3.46 mi (5.57 km)
Geography
Horsetooth Mountain is located in Colorado
Horsetooth Mountain
Horsetooth Mountain
Location in Colorado
Location Larimer County, Colorado, U.S.
Parent range Front Range foothills
Topo map USGS 7.5' topographic map
Horsetooth Reservoir, Colorado
Climbing
Easiest route Scramble

Horsetooth Mountain is a mountain summit in the foothills of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains of North America. The 7,259-foot (2,213 m) peak is located in the Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, 7.0 miles (11.2 km) west (bearing 265°) of downtown Fort Collins in Larimer County, Colorado, United States.

Mountain

The mountain is easily distinguishable by the large rock formation on its summit known as Horsetooth Rock. The formation is a prominent landmark of the nearby city of Fort Collins and often used as a symbol of that city, appearing in the official city seal. The name comes from its distinctive appearance.

The site was previously private property owned by the Soderburg family. In 1982, it was purchased by the county as an "open space" tax acquisition. It is now a popular destination for hikers as well as mountain bikers, with trails leading to the summit. The summit offers hikers a clear view to the southwest of Longs Peak and Mount Meeker, two rugged mountains in Rocky Mountain National Park.

A daily entrance permit costs $9 per vehicle.

Wildlife

Horsetooth Mountain Park not only hosts some spectacular scenery, it is home to a variety of large mammals such as mule deer, American black bears, mountain lions and coyotes.

Gallery

  • Horsetooth mtn

    Top of Horsetooth Mountain facing West to the Rocky Mountains.

  • Horsetooth mtn2

    Cellphone towers visible from the top.

  • Hoursetooth mtn3

    Fort Collins visible from the top.

  • Horsetooth mtn4

    Horsetooth Rock Trail.

  • Horsetooth mtn5

    Horsetooth Rock Trail near the beginning.

  • Horsetooth mtn6

    Near the trailhead.

Images for kids

  • Horsetooth Rock

    Horsetooth Rock, named for the profile of its east face. Hikers are visible on the summit.

  • Spring Creek valley

    Upper Spring Creek valley on Horsetooth Mountain.

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