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Elevation: 5,437 ft
GPS: 40.57812, -105.16398
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 715,076 total · 2,669/month
Shared By: Joe M on Mar 15, 2002
Admins: James Schroeder, Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC
Warning Access Issue: Larimer County DNR Regulations DetailsDrop down

Description Suggest change

Horsetooth Reservoir is characterized by mostly bouldering, but there is top rope and trad too, and they have recently had anchors put in at the top for lowering. It is sunny all year. In the summer, it is so damn sunny it'll kill you. The rock is pretty clean, since it has been climbed for years...plus who doesn't like Ft. Fun. I believe Rock & Ice called Horsetooth one of the ten best places to boulder in the world.

Currently, there is no camping at Rotary Park and there is a $6 fee for the day use parking lot. 45 minute parking on the dirt pull off is allowed. Also, at the 420s, a Colorado Habitat Stamp is currently required for all people heading back to the boulders and they must have it with them. It can be purchased for around $10 (instead of a $70 ticket).

You have to stop at Yong's Korean Cuisine 1232 W. Elizabeth St. (970) 482-4885 for grub, cheap and awesome.

The Southeast Reservoir access has been clearly marked as private land for 25 years.

Getting There Suggest change

From the town of Ft. Collins, head towards the mountains on W. Horsetooth Rd. Go left on South Taft Hill. Go right on 38. Take that up into the reservoir. At the first intersection, bouldering is on the right. Or go right, when you get over the bridge park and walk uphill to get to Duncans Ridge. Walk uphill about 5 minutes and then descend via the obvious 4th class descent. A map of the park can be seen at:

co.larimer.co.us/parks/hors….

Mountain Lion Alert

Suggest change
Note, mountain lions have been seen in the area. Pay attention to small children and pets while out and about.

Closed areas

Suggest change
Per Chris N: from the Larimer County website: "due to Homeland Security restrictions, no recreation activity is allowed on dams or within 100 feet of dams when on land."

336 Total Climbs

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Location: Horsetooth Reservoir Change
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Classic Climbing Routes at Horsetooth Reservoir

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
V1- 5- X
 76
Bolt Wall
TR, Boulder
V3 6A R
 45
The Nipple Wall
Boulder
V3+ 6A+
 111
Penny Pincher
Boulder
V3+ 6A+
 47
The Scoop
Boulder
V4- 6B
 112
Right Eliminator
Boulder
V4 6B
 81
Right Eliminator Prow
Boulder
V4 6B
 66
Mental Standard
Boulder
V4 6B
 42
Cornerlock
Boulder
V5 6C
 77
Punk Rock Traverse
Boulder
V5 6C
 51
Pinch Overhang
Boulder
V5-6 6C+
 14
52-50
Boulder
V6 7A
 11
Sunshine Direct
Boulder
V9 7C
 8
Black Joe
Boulder
V9-10 7C+
 14
The Moon Arete
Boulder
V12 8A+
 5
Sitting Moon
Boulder
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Bolt Wall Rotary Park > S Ridgeline, includin…
 76
V1- 5- X TR, Boulder
The Nipple Wall Rotary Park > Nipple Wall
 45
V3 6A R Boulder
Penny Pincher Rotary Park > Pitch Penny Boulder
 111
V3+ 6A+ Boulder
The Scoop Scoop Area
 47
V3+ 6A+ Boulder
Right Eliminator Rotary Park > Eliminator Boulder
 112
V4- 6B Boulder
Right Eliminator Prow Rotary Park > Eliminator Boulder
 81
V4 6B Boulder
Mental Standard Rotary Park > Mental Block
 66
V4 6B Boulder
Cornerlock Rotary Park > Mental Block
 42
V4 6B Boulder
Punk Rock Traverse Rotary Park > Punk Rock
 77
V5 6C Boulder
Pinch Overhang Rotary Park > Mental Block
 51
V5 6C Boulder
52-50 N Quarry
 14
V5-6 6C+ Boulder
Sunshine Direct Marina Ridge > Sunshine Boulder
 11
V6 7A Boulder
Black Joe N Quarry
 8
V9 7C Boulder
The Moon Arete Rotary Park > Eliminator Boulder
 14
V9-10 7C+ Boulder
Sitting Moon Rotary Park > Eliminator Boulder
 5
V12 8A+ Boulder
More Classic Climbs in Horsetooth Reservoir »

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