Best Short Hikes in Fort Collins [PICTURES]

There are over 40 trails in Fort Collins, and they are all pretty great. When it comes to finding fantastic beauty in a hike that won't take up half your day, there are plenty of options. Here are two of my favs in Horsetooth Mountain Open Space.

Horsetooth Falls Trail

It is beautiful. It is close. It takes about an hour. Horsetooth Falls Trail is short and sweet at 1.4 miles. It meanders through the valley that is the beginning of Spring Creek. By the time you are tired, the gulley ends and a spectacular waterfall magically appears from above. If you don't waste any time, you can be in and out in under an hour.

Horsetooth Rock Trail

If you want a view of the entire town of Fort Collins and beyond, this is the trail for you. It's more distance than Horsetooth Falls at 2.5 miles, but the view is amazing. You'll have incredible glimpses of the reservoir and eastern world from the trail and the top.