South Ridge and Audra Culver Hike

Lace up those hiking shoes, and let’s head out into the Horsetooth Mountain Open Space. The South Ridge and Audra Culver Hike is a great excursion for novice hikers and intrepid adventures alike. Ascend the rocky terrain along the South Ridge to a Mountain Summit. Even the most experienced explorers will enjoy this venture. Be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes as the rocky terrain is known to cause the odd rolled ankle. It is also worth noting that there have been Rattlesnakes spotted along this trail. Be sure to listen out for them and mind your footing as you traverse the grassy meadow. Visitors must purchase a $9USD day pass for the Open Space from the gateway’s toll booth.

Begin your journey up the South Ridge and Audra Culver from the Horsetooth Mountain Trailhead. Track the South Ridge Trail from here and head northwest. This path will intersect with a few streams before diverting you up the rocky ridge. Ascend the trail and ignore intersecting and merging routes until you meet the intersection with Audra Culver. Veer left, and you will be diverted onto the Audra Culver Trail. Hike along the rocky ridge past a dispersed campsite. Notice the dozens of Front Range peaks that dot the landscape in the west. Continue up the trail to the summit of Horsetooth Mountain.

Enjoy the incredible views from the summit and see the Horsetooth Reservoir and Fort Collins in the east. Revel in the mountainous vista and explore the rocky peak before beginning your descent. When you are ready, take the Horsetooth Rock Trail and then merge onto the South Ridge Trail. Follow the South Ridge Trail, retracing your steps all the way down to the parking lot.