Do Not Do This Northern Colorado Hike Right Now

Colorado is home to some of the best places in the country, if not the world, to hike. This time of year, it is tempting to get out every day and take some sort of hike. Some hikes will test your endurance due to the rise in elevation, others will test your endurance due to distance, and others will be easy strolls compared to some hikes. There are a variety of places to go. Some will be flat and easy, which make for good family hikes, others will be up mountains, and some will lead you through streams or to waterfalls. Each hike offers something new. There is one popular hiking location in Northern Colorado right now that you may want to avoid for the foreseeable future. 

Hike to Horsetooth Falls in Northern Colorado

Horsetooth Falls is a popular hike that many enjoy in Northern Colorado. The trail is only a few miles outside of Fort Collins, making it an easy and short drive for many residents in the area. It is only a 2.5-mile hike round trip and is easy to do for families, beginners, and won't take all day. It can be done on average in under two hours and is a great way to get out on a spring or summer afternoon. The hike offers stunning views, chances to see wildlife, and the trail is easy to follow. There are multiple trails you can take at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, but one of the most common trails taken is to Horsetooth Falls. Currently, I would recommend you not do this hike, as you will be disappointed. 

Do Not Hike to Horsetooth Falls Right Now

If you want to enjoy an afternoon outdoors in Northern Colorado, with no expectations, then this hike is a great one to take, but if you were wanting to see a beautiful waterfall that isn't too far from Fort Collins and won't take you all day to hike to, then you will be disappointed. As many would expect, with the lack of snow this past winter, some waterfalls in the area are lacking. My family and I recently hiked to Horsetooth Falls and were disappointed to find ourselves staring at a dried-up area and a wet wall with only dripping coming over the side of the cliff, where a waterfall should be. The hike was fun, but the waterfall left a lot to be desired. 

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If you want to see Horsetooth Falls, it is best to wait until the waterfall returns. If you want to get out and take a short hike on a weekend afternoon, then Horsetooth Mountain Open Space might be a good place to start for you, but lower your expectations on what you will see. There are plenty of other hikes you can try in the area, which you can find by clicking this link.