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Colorado Travel Planning Guides : Fort Collins Visitors Guide : Poudre Canyon

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Sponsored Listings

Cabins & Ranches
Bighorn Cabins
31635 Poudre Canyon
Bellvue, CO 80512

(970) 881-2142 www.bighorncabins.com

Drifters Cookhouse
55278 Hwy 14
Gould, CO 80480

(970) 723-8300 www.drifterscookhouse.com

Lone Pine Realty
www.lonepinerealty.com
Fully furnished, modern, privately owned mountain homes/cabins in the scenic Red Feather Lakes area. Day, week or month availability. Brochures available or visit our website for rates, photos and
descriptions.

Poudre River/Red Feather Lakes
Tourist Council
31635 Poudre Canyon Rd.
Bellvue, CO 80512

(970) 881-2142
www.coloradomountainvacation.com

Terry Bison Ranch
51 I-25 Service Rd. E.
Cheyenne, WY 82007

(307) 634-4171 www.terrybisonranch.com


Tip Top Guest Ranch
300 Cty. Rd. 41
Bellvue, CO 80512

(970) 484-1215 www.tiptopranch.com

Regional Trails & Parks
Arapaho & Roosevelt National
Forests and Pawnee National
Grassland Visitor Center
1311 S. College Ave.
Fort Collins, CO

(970) 498-2770

Colorado State Parks,
North Region

3745 E. Prospect Rd
Fort Collins, CO 80525

(970) 491-1168

Larimer County
Natural Resources

1800 S. CR 31
Loveland, CO 80537

(970) 679-4570
www.larimer.org/natruralresources
Manages Horsetooth Reservoir, Carter Lake, Flatiron Reservoir, Pinewood Reservoir, Bingham Hill Park, Big Thompson Parks, Devils Backbone Open Space, Eagle's Nest Open Space, Fossil Creek
Reservoir Regional Open Space, Hermit Park Open Space, Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, Lions Open Space, Ramsey-
Shockey Open Space, Red Mountain Open Space, Rimrock Open Space, Estes Park Campgrounds at East Portal and
Mary's Lake.

Horsetooth Mountain
Open Space

4200 W. County Rd. 38E
Fort Collins, CO

(970) 679-4570 parksoffice@co.larimer.co.us

Lory State Park
708 Lodgepole Dr.
Bellvue, CO 80512

(970) 493-1623

The Fort Collins Visitors Guide - Activities, Lodging and Events

Poudre Canyon

Truly a Hidden Treasure...

The Cache la Poudre River Canyon is truly a hidden treasure, with majestic cliffs and intrigueing rock formations enveloped in ponderosa and lodgepole pines, sage brush, mountain mahogany and aspen.

Poudre Canyon FishingThe Cache la Poudre River - the place where French- Canadian trappers hid their gunpowder during a raging blizzard in the early 1800s, hence the name - begins high in the peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park, along the Continental Divide. Flowing north and east through Roosevelt National Forest, it tumbles down the slopes of the Front Range and meanders through the city of Fort Collins. From its headwaters to the confluence with the South Platte River east of Greeley, the Cache la Poudre drops 7,000 feet.

The Poudre is Colorado's only nationally designated "Wild and Scenic" River. Colorado Highway 14, which follows much of the river, is designated a Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway between Fort Collins and the town of Walden. The Cache la Poudre-North Park Scenic Byway

is recognized as one of the state's premier scenic highways; more details can be found in our Day Trips section. Other ways to enjoy the Canyon include:

Poudre Cnayon /  Red Feather Lakes Map

Poudre Canyon &
Red Feather Lakes

Just north of the beautiful Poudre Canyon and the wild and scenic Poudre River, is the rustic village of Red Feather Lakes.

We invite you to enjoy the unrivaled old fashioned hospitality that makes this area such a local favorite. Red Feather Lakes is located in the Northern Colorado Rockies, surrounded by Roosevelt National Forest and its sparkling streams, lush mountain meadows and stately peaks. The town's dozen or so quaint shops and cafes provide the fuel for the many outdoor activities that abound, from fishing in one of the many mountain lakes to hiking, snowshoeing, or horseback riding on the hundreds of miles of trails.

Trails

Hike, bike or ride horseback along the numerous trails that begin in the canyon and allow access into the backcountry.

POUDRE CANYON HIKING TRAILS

Trail Name
Trail Distance
Elevation Gain
Driving Distance

Greyrock
3.0
2,055
9.0

Dadd Gulch
3.0
1,400
28.4

Hewlett Gulch
3.0
640
10.3

Blue Lake
5.0
1,320
55.0

Young's Gulch
4.0
1,160
12.6

Roaring Creek
5.0
2,300
39.9

Mount McConnel
2.5
1,200
22.1

Mineral Springs Gulch
4.0
300
25.7


Camping & Picnicking

There are 13 National Forest campgrounds in the area, with more than 250 sites for overnight camping, and nine day-use areas. Camping is permitted only in developed areas along the river.

Winter Sports

Many Forest Services roads and trails receive heavy snow during winter months and are ideal for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Two of the most popular areas close to Fort Collins are Cameron Pass, about 50 miles northwest of Fort Collins, and Beaver Meadows, near Red Feather Lakes north of the city. These areas both offer a wealth of opportunities for backcountry experiences in the summer as well.

Hunting

Big game hunting on National Forest lands is popular during the fall. The Colorado Division of Wildlife manages permit and game regulations; call (970) 472-4300 or visit www.wildlife.state.co.us for more information.

Fishing

Near the town of Rustic, wild trout waters are managed for fly and lure enthusiasts. On the remaining 50 miles of river, anglers may catch and keep stocked rainbow and brown trout. Colorado Division of Wildlife fishing licenses may be purchased at local sporting goods stores.

Whitewater Boating

Convenient access, clear water, challenging rapids and beautiful scenery make this a river-runner's paradise from May though September. Rafts, canoes and kayaks are suitable on various stretches of the river. Experienced commercial outfitters provide full and half-day trips for individuals and groups.

Wildlife Watching

Wildlifemay be spotted throughout Poudre Canyon. Bear, mountain lion, elk and deer are found at all elevations. Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep are often seen near Rustic, and moose are common near Cameron Pass. Remember not to approach wildlife, and never leave small children alone; contact the Colorado Division of Wildlife for more detailed guidelines for wildlife encounters.

Take care. Be safe. Please treat your fellow visitors, area residents, wildlife and natural resources with respect, and always practice safe recreation procedures. Information on recreation and other uses of Poudre Canyon is available year-round from the Fort Collins Convention & Visitors Bureau Visitor Center; U.S. Forest Service Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grasslands Visitors Center; Colorado Division of Wildlife, and during the summer at Arrowhead Lodge Visitor Center (at milepost 88), 32 miles up the canyon from the eastern portal at Ted's Place on Colorado Highway 14.

Sponsor Listings

Lone Pine Realty
www.lonepinerealty.com
Fully furnished, modern, privately owned mountain homes/cabins in the scenic Red Feather Lakes area. Day, week, or month availability. Brochures available or visit our website for rates, photos, and descriptions.

Larimer County Natural Resources
1800 South CR 31 • Loveland, CO 80537
(970) 679-4570 • www.larimer.org/parks
Manages Horsetooth Reservoir, Carter Lake, Flatiron Reservoir, Pinewood Reservoir, Bingham Hill Park, Big Thompson Parks, Devils Backbone Open Space, Eagle's Nest Open Space, Fossil Creek Reservoir Regional Open Space, Hermit Park Open Space, Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, Lions Open Space, Ramsey-Shockey Open Space, Rimrock Open Space. Parks are

open year-round, seven days a week.


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