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About Horsetooth Reservoir:

One of the best bouldering areas in Colorado. This area was once home to John Gill, John Sherman, Jim Holloway, and many other ground breaking climbers of the day. Expect most of the problems to be a little high and hard to protect with a crash pad. Bouldering here will allow you to gain a true understanding of how hard the older climbers were climbing for their time.

The bouldering area at the reservoir consists of mulitple small areas with the best and most well known area being Rotary Park with about 60 problems. Rotary has plenty of independent lines but actually has quite a few contrived problems. Stick to the Eliminator and Mental Block boulders for the classics.

Note: The road to Rotary Park was closed due to dam construction but is now OPEN (late 2003).

Closed (or worse): The Tropics have been demolished.

Fees: $8/day or $65/year were imposed in 2004 by Larimer County Parks. The pass is also accepted at Carter Lake Reservoir. I believe this only applies to Rotary Park and Sunrise parking areas.

CAMPING: Pay campsites are available at the south end of the lake. A campground is slated to be built at the north end of the reservoir soon.

Nearest town or city: Fort Collins
Directions: For Rotary: From Overland Trail between Drake and Prospect drive West on CR 42C past the stadium, up the hill past Dixon Reservoir. DON'T turn left on CR 23. Continue across one dam and drive up a steep hill. At the top of the hill there are two different pullouts for parking on the left (west) side of the road. Look for the "one-way" signs and you'll know you're at the right place. The boulders are below you to the west.

For Piano and Duncan's Ridge: From Overland Trail between Drake and Prospect drive West on CR 42C past the stadium, up the hill past Dixon Reservoir. Turn left on CR 23. Drive to the current end of the road just above the closed Spring Canyon Dam. Park on the left and hike either just uphill to Piano Boulder and the adjecent ridge or across the road and out the trail to Duncan's Ridge. Be sure to stay away from the dam when hiking to and from Duncan's Ridge.

Latitude, Longitude:
Access Issues:
Camping: Yes
When to Climb:
Quantity of Climbs: Lifetime

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Forum Discussions (2 posts)

  Subject Author Replies Last Post
No Replies Horsetooth Climbing Somewhat Open bluesky 0 Aug 15 2002, 9:02 PM
With Replies Horsetooth is Closed compclimber 4 Jul 24 2002, 2:53 PM