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Loop Trails

Get away from the crowds this spring and explore more of Larimer County’s open spaces by taking the loop less traveled. Larimer County Department of Natural Resources is offering three new loop trails. Enjoy more scenery, less crowds, and better trail conditions.

New one way trail routes. Go beyond the out and back. Take the loop and explore more. Horsetooth Rock, Horsetooth Falls, and Devil's Backbone

 Things to Know:

  • The loops are not required. They are a suggestion to enhance your outdoor experience. The one-way loops reduce crowds, lessen the impact on the trails, and keep your favorite hikes interesting.
  • Follow the bright icons along the trail posts to stay on the loop
  • Check weather conditions and trail closures before heading up
  • Come prepared to hike with plenty of sunscreen, snacks, and water
  • Enjoy the new loops!

Tried a Loop? Tell Us About It!

We value your input, and take it into account when creating other experiences like these loops.

Horsetooth Mountain | Devil's Backbone

Image 1: Horsetooth Falls Loop

Horsetooth Falls Loop

At Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, the Horsetooth Falls Loop takes you 1.1 miles to the Falls where you follow the Horsetooth Falls Trail north and west towards Soderberg Trail. At Soderberg Trail junction, you loop back south towards South Ridge Road, where you will complete the final stretch to the trailhead. The loop component adds approximately 1 mile to a total 3.1-mile RT experience (compared to out and back, 2.2 miles).

Image 2: Horsetooth Rock Loop

Horsetooth Rock Loop

The Horsetooth Rock Loop takes you 2.4 miles to the top of the Rock, where you follow the traditional Horsetooth Rock Trail ascent. Upon descent and return to the trailhead, hikers should pivot west towards the Audra Culver Trail, which will take you 0.62 miles down the trail towards the South Ridge Road junction. Hikers continue heading south on South Ridge Road, totaling a 2.6-mile return to the trailhead. The loop component adds only 0.2 mile to the total 5.0 mile RT experience (compared to out and back, 4.8 miles).

Image 3: Wild Loop Trail

Wild Loop Trail

At Devil’s Backbone Open Space, the Wild Loop Trail takes you to the Keyhole in 1.1 miles from the trailhead where hikers are encouraged to continue to hike north towards a junction with the lower Wild Loop. At the junction, hikers will turn right to loop back to the trailhead for another 1.3 miles. The suggested loop component adds only 0.2 miles for a total of 2.4 miles RT to the route (compared to out and back, 2.2 miles).