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Horsetooth Rock - East Face

Colorado > Ft Collins > Horsetooth Mountain

Description

This face has great rock and stellar views of Fort Collins. This area faces due east, so it's sunny in the mornings and shady after noon. The only negative is the 1+ hour approach.

Despite the absence of beta in MP, the East Face of Horsetooth Rock has been climbed for a long time as witnessed by rusting pitons here and there. The routes have been given temporary names until someone provides the original names and first ascentionists.

Hikers are common on the North and South "teeth", so wear helmets, and be aware of the possibility of falling objects.

Getting There

Hike 2.3 miles up the Horsetooth Rock Trail from the Horsetooth Mountain Trailhead. Choose one of the faint climbers trails that lead from the main trail to the rock face. Be kind to vegetation and walk on rock as much as possible.

Routes from Left to Right

3rd 1- 1 I 1 M 1a
 7
South Summit
Trad
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b
 2
Edgewalker
Trad
5.7+ 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b PG13
 2
Heart of Stone
Trad
5.4 4a 12 IV 10 VD 3c
 5
Root Canal
Trad
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
South Summit
 7
3rd 1- 1 I 1 M 1a Trad
Edgewalker
 2
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b Trad
Heart of Stone
 2
5.7+ 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b PG13 Trad
Root Canal
 5
5.4 4a 12 IV 10 VD 3c Trad

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

HT Rock East Side as seen from Milner Mountain.
[Hide Photo] HT Rock East Side as seen from Milner Mountain.
East Face of Horsetooth Rock.
[Hide Photo] East Face of Horsetooth Rock.

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Kevin S
Ft Collins, CO
[Hide Comment] There are at least three different summit markers at the top of the south tooth. It’s an easy scramble to get up there, and you’ll probably have it all to yourself, since most hikers go up the north tooth via the marked trail. Apr 7, 2026