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Horsetooth Mountain

Coordinates: 40°32′22″N 105°11′48″W / 40.5395593°N 105.1967559°W / 40.5395593; -105.1967559
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Horsetooth Mountain
Horsetooth from Fort Collins
Highest point
Elevation7,259 ft (2,213 m)[1][2]
Prominence595 ft (181 m)[3]
Isolation3.46 mi (5.57 km)[3]
Coordinates40°32′22″N 105°11′48″W / 40.5395593°N 105.1967559°W / 40.5395593; -105.1967559[1]
Geography
Horsetooth Mountain is located in Colorado
Horsetooth Mountain
Horsetooth Mountain
LocationLarimer County, Colorado, U.S.[4]
Parent rangeFront Range foothills[3]
Topo mapUSGS 7.5' topographic map
Horsetooth Reservoir, Colorado[1]
Climbing
Easiest routeScramble

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.[1][2][3][4]

Mountain

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The mountain is easily distinguishable by the large pegmatite 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 $10 per vehicle.[5]

Wildlife

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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.

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  • Top of Horsetooth Mountain facing West to the Rocky Mountains.
    Top of Horsetooth Mountain facing West to the Rocky Mountains.
  • Cellphone towers visible from the top.
    Cellphone towers visible from the top.
  • Fort Collins visible from the top.
    Fort Collins visible from the top.
  • Horsetooth Rock Trail.
    Horsetooth Rock Trail.
  • Horsetooth Rock Trail near the beginning.
    Horsetooth Rock Trail near the beginning.
  • Near the trailhead.
    Near the trailhead.
  • Horsetooth Rock, named for the profile of its east face. Hikers are visible on the summit.
    Horsetooth Rock, named for the profile of its east face. Hikers are visible on the summit.
  • Upper Spring Creek valley on Horsetooth Mountain.
    Upper Spring Creek valley on Horsetooth Mountain.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d "HORSETOOTH". NGS Data Sheet. National Geodetic Survey, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, United States Department of Commerce. Retrieved November 4, 2014.
  2. ^ a b The elevation of Horsetooth Mountain includes an adjustment of +1.018 m (+3.34 ft) from NGVD 29 to NAVD 88.
  3. ^ a b c d "Horsetooth Mountain, Colorado". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved November 4, 2014.
  4. ^ a b "Horsetooth Mountain". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved November 4, 2014.
  5. ^ "Entrance Permits and Camping Prices". Larimer County. Retrieved 4 March 2020.
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