Horsetooth Swims 2026

Horsetooth Swims offers open-water swimming in Horsetooth Reservoir, west of Fort Collins, Colorado, at an elevation of 5,430 feet. Since 1999, the event has been held annually, providing multiple distances on the same day, ranging from the original 10K to shorter swims for younger participants. The 10K course begins at Satanka Bay in the reservoir's north section and concludes at South Bay swim beach, with support from paddlers. The 2.4-mile and 1.2-mile races both start and end at South Bay, utilizing two-loop and one-loop configurations, respectively. The youth 1000m and 250m swims follow out-and-back paths, serving as an introduction to open-water swimming. The event also generates funds for Partners Mentoring Youth, an organization that facilitates one-to-one mentoring for young individuals confronting personal, social, and academic difficulties.