5 winter things to do at Horsetooth Reservoir.

It’s winter in Fort Collins and you may be thinking of what to do during your free time. Even though cold weather is upon us, there are still many things to do to get you off your feet and enjoy the beautiful nature around us.

1. Take Pictures of the Scenery Around You

Driving up to Horsetooth is a smooth drive with a nice scenery. If you’re a passenger, get out your Nikon or Canon and start capturing those photos as you drive up there. Even just your smartphone will capture a great photo. One click on an iPhone can make you seem like a professional.

Get those Instagram pictures. No matter what season it is, Horsetooth will make a perfect Instagram photo backdrop. The location Horsetooth Reservoir on Instagram has thousands of photos linked to it, make yours stand out by posting one with a natural winter background. You can still have fun and end up with eye catching pictures of winter at Horsetooth. The rush of being outside when it’s chilly makes for a fun experience.

Whether you are alone or with a group of friends or family going to Horsetooth, pictures taken during the winter will end up being an unforgettable experience.

Photo by Emily Pisqui

2. Hot Chocolate or Coffee Date.

There are many picnic areas in Horsetooth where you or a significant other can take a hot drink such as a coffee, hot chocolate, or even tea. Sit back, relax, bring a blanket and enjoy the scenery with them.

It doesn’t even have to be a date with your significant other, it can be a friend or a family member as well. Wrap up and drink your favorite hot drink to escape your daily life and indulge on the natural beauty Horsetooth has to offer.

“Girls frozen in cold talking and drinking hot drinks from glasses laughs smiling . Cup of hot tea or coffee in winter” by Zoteva is licensed under CC. BY 2.0

3. A Simple Hike on the Trail

Winter shouldn't stop you from taking an easy hike on a Horsetooth trail. There are two trails that are considered to have an easy rate, Foothills Trails and Inlet Bay Trail. For some, taking a hike without having the blazing hot sun shining on you makes hiking on the trail more enjoyable. You can still get a healthy workout and a pleasant view in the winter at Horsetooth.

“10 Winter Hiking Tips For Staying Warm On The Trail” by Kristen Bearfoot Theory is licensed by CC BY 2.0

4. Ride a fat bike around the trail

Not only can you bike during the summer or spring but you can in the winter as well. Bring your fat bike around trails in Horsetooth such as Foothill Trails and Inlet Bay Trail or if you feel adventurous try riding your fat bike in Reservoir Ridge Trail which has a moderate rate.

Biking in the winter can help make the experience even better by riding on the snow covered trail. With the view of the beautiful winter skies, biking on your fat bike can be a fun winter activity.

“Fat Biking” by Methow Trails is licensed by CC BY 2.0

5. Picnicking in the Winter

Picnicking in the winter can be something fun to do. A nice warm bowl of soup can be enjoyed with a nice scenery of the beautiful cloudy Fort Collins skies. With plenty of tables and places to sit all over Horsetooth, a regular meal experienced can be enhanced by doing this in the winter outdoors.

Hosting a winter picnic with your friends or family is another activity to do instead of sitting indoors. Kids can enjoy their meal while also having access to play in the snow.

“Picnic in the snow, Kamchatka style” by Worship without borders is licensed by CC BY 2.0

In some parts of the park an entrance permit is required. One vehicle is $9. To find more information on Horsetooth Mountain click here.