Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Our unique hiking tour allows you the opportunity to escape your comfort zone while having the comfort of an experienced outdoorsman, and local, guiding you. Our hikes are completely customizable, and allow for the perfect hiking trails according to your experience. These hikes range from beginner, to advanced; so they're perfect for families and adrenaline seekers alike. Northern Colorado has lesser visited wilderness areas, which gives our hikes a unique opportunity to see more nature, and less people! See wildflowers, the color change of the Aspen trees, snow capped mountains, wildlife, and more!
Our guide, Joe, is certified with Wilderness First Responder Training, First Aid Training, and a Decade of hiking, climbing and backpacking experience.
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Park Entry Fees
Bottled water
Ice Spikes (Winter hikes)
Hiking/Trekking Poles available
Gratuities
Please wear appropriate footwear and weather appropriate clothing!
Your trip starts out at Horsetooth Open Space, a beautiful 2,711 acre protected area located in western Fort Collins. Your guide will meet you at the designated location, for the trail of your choice, and give you a parking pass. During your hike, your guide will tell you about the history, geology, ecology, and fun facts within the surrounding area! Your guide will stop at the best locations for pictures! Along the way, you’ll be able to see beautiful views of Red Rock formations, Horsetooth Reservoir, The Great Plains, The Front Range Mountains, and Fort Collins! If you choose the lunch option, when your group finishes the hike, you will eat at the pavilions located at the trailhead. Please feel free to bring your own snacks and lunch! Hike Options are listed below: Hike Option #1 (Beginner/Easy); Great for any first time mountain hikers, elderly, or Kids! -Swan Johnson Trail -3.5 Mi. Out & Back, with 200ft. elevation gain. Hike Option #2 (Moderate/Hard); -Horsetooth Falls loop -3.6 Mi. Loop, with 967ft. elevation gain. Hike Option #3 (Advanced) -Horsetooth Mountain Loop -5.5 Mi. Loop, with 1,307ft. elevation Gain
Lunch: A packed lunch including a cold cut sandwich, assorted trail-mix, and fresh fruit.
14 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
rrstepp2021,
Jul 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had a wonderful hike with Joe. He was very knowledgeable about the area and an excellent guide. We were from out of town and he provided everything we needed - water, snacks and walking sticks.
Happiness459584,
Mar 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Joe was super fun and knowledgeable! There was nothing he didn’t seem to have extensive knowledge about. He had great suggestions as I’m visiting! I was 100% satisfied and would definitely do it again!



Anu S,
Sep 29, 2024
- Review from Viator
Joe Burke is an excellent hike guide. I hiked solo, he made it very pleasant. He is very knowledgeable and a people person who cares for natural resources and environment. I highly recommend his hiking outfit. Next time I am in that area, will hike again.
Dream605764,
Sep 23, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
Joe was great. Very knowledgeable of the trails and surrounding area. Felt very comfortable being a female solo hiker. Already have another hike planned.
282DOUGLASG,
Sep 7, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
Joe did a great job. He contacted us the day before letting us know what to expect. He reached out the morning of letting us know exactly where to meet him within the park. Then during our hike he gave us all sorts of information from history of the area to the type of pants and wildlife we might see. He was awesome.


georginao742,
Aug 26, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
Joey is an amazing tour guide! Wealth of knowledge of the history and the area. Easy to chat to. Saw the beautiful country of Horsetooth Mountain and Poudre Canyon along with a picnic lunch. We were lucky enough to see a black bear and her cubs as well as the donkey deer. Very lucky!!!

Jody G,
Jun 2, 2024
- Review from Viator
Joe gave us a great tour by being very informative on all aspects of the area, the hike, and answered all our questions. Would highly recommend Joe for these tours.
elliefR3860WH,
May 9, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
I had the pleasure of booking a private tour with Joe to explore Horsetooth Reservoir in Fort Collins, and it was an experience worth cherishing. Joe’s expertise and professionalism added immense value to our journey. What impressed me most was Joe’s professionalism and attention to detail. He ensured our safety and comfort throughout the three-hour trek, making sure we had everything we needed. His friendly demeanor and genuine enthusiasm for the tour made it a delightful experience for both me and my mom. After the trail, Joe took us on a scenic drive around the area. His personalized approach and willingness to go the extra mile truly set him apart as an exceptional tour guide. I highly recommend Joe for anyone looking to relax but also be able to explore the beauty of Fort Collins. Thank you, Joe!




frankeF2416RC,
Mar 14, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
It was great going with Joe! We started off in the morning with some mild weather and drove into the foothills and canyon. The weather wasn't so good in some spots so I asked if he could figure an alternate plan, and he was very flexible. Seeing all the spots on the river, the Rockies for the first time, and talking to him was a fun time. It was like I was on a trip with a friend and I could just learn so much about the natural history of the area. A friendly and respectful guide who knows the area like the back of his hand and the beautiful canyon made this a great trip for me!



Wander22473765648,
Feb 17, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
Awesome scenery and Joe was a great guide! Knowledgeable, informative, and patient and he made sure we had the best experience possible. Great end to our trip!
Operated by Beautiful Day Adventure Tours