Horsetooth Reservoir

Quick Facts

Colorado

(970) 679-4570

Map Directions

Things To Do

Overview

Horsetooth Reservoir, Colorado-Big Thompson Project, furnishes the main water supply for the Poudre Valley. The reservoir is 6.5 miles long, and is formed by four large earthfill dams. Horsetooth Dam closes the northern end of the valley, and Soldier Canyon, Dixon Canyon, and Spring Canyon Dams close the natural outlets eroded through the hogback ridge.

The reservoir has many opportunities and ammenities for the recreation seeker. Four campgrounds with over a hundred sites provide a great camping experience. Easy boat access is available for all boating activities. A concession-operated public marina is located at the Inlet Bay area as well as a restaurant. A developed public swim beach located on the west side of the lake for all sorts of water activities. Anglers at the reservoir have good luck catching rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, and walleye to name a few. The surrounding area also provides visitors with many other recreational activities including hiking and remote camping.

Map of Horsetooth Reservoir

Latitude, Longitude: 40.552418, -105.160103

Boating
The reservoir has four boat lauch sites for easy access for all types of boating.
Camping
There are four campgounds at the reservoir and 111 campsites. Facilities and hook-ups are available.
Climbing
Considered by some to be the birthplace of modern American bouldering, Horsetooth Reservoir offers boulder and roped climbing. While some roped routes do have fixed anchors, oftentimes climbers will be forced to use trees as protection. For a complete brochure of climbing routes visit: larimer.org/naturalresources.
Fishing
Popular sport fish at the reservoir include walleye, smallmouth bass, perch, trout and wiper.
Hiking
The surrounding area and National Forest provide great opportunities to hike for the adventurer.
Picnicking
Multiple picnic and day-use sites are open to the public.
RVing
The campgrounds have full hook-ups available for RV's.
Water Sports
The reservoir has many fun opportunities for water sports including swimming, jet skiing, water skiing and fishing.