cache la poudre wilderness area

.... of the trail, but where I walked was lovely. Plus the Environmental Learning Center where various birds of prey are housed is at this location (enter from Drake road, East of Timberline). This small park is a genuine treat.

Despite previous reviews to the contrary, the Cache la Poudre Wilderness comprises only a small portion of Cache la Poudre Canyon, and it does not include the popular Greyrock Trail. This 9,258 acre wilderness contains nine miles of the Little South Fork of the Cache la Poudre River. It joins the main fork of the Cache la Poudre River (the "Pooder" in local parlance) just north of the wilderness boundary. Only one trail, the 3 mile long Mount McConnel National Recreation Trail is (partially) contained within the wilderness area. The short Kreutzer Nature Trail, with numerous interpretive signs, is adjacent to the Mt. McConnel trail and is used to access it. The trailhead for both is within the Mt. McConnel Campground alongside Colorado Hwy. 14. The campground contains only very limited free parking for non-campers necessitating an early arrival. This reviewer has not hiked the trail since 2011. However the High Park Fire of 2012 severely impacted 95% of this wilderness, and floods of 2013 caused more damage. Before hiking, one might be well advised to contact the Canyon Lakes District of the National Forest Service (in person, by phone or online) to check current conditions. Despite the above, lovely views of Poudre Canyon and of peaks in Rocky Mountain National Park (to the south) may be enjoyed from the Mt. McConnel summit. Also excellent rock retaining walls constructed during The Depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps may be witnessed on the Mt. McConnel Trail. As Wilderness.net observes, the low elevation (6100-8,300') and a dry climate make it possible to hike here for much of the year.

One can find a great variety of hiking trails in this wonderful area. Most offer amazing views in any season. Close enough to Fort Collins, yet definitely a peaceful escape to nature.

Spectacular views. We thoroughly enjoyed our hike at Gray Rock but felt that the the trails could have been better marked. The burned area was visible but did not detract from the beauty, instead was rather evocative. The drive along the gorge is beautiful. I also heartily recommend a stop at Mishawaka for a beer and lunch. Sit by the back window for a view of the rushing river.

We passed through this area on a car club tour and had just a small sample. The views made me want to return.

I live in this area...and explore the Poudre regularly! Great camping, fishing, scenic driving....you name it!!!

Simply gorgeous. The drive up into the canyon is grand and a stop at the Mishawaka to drink a beer and watch the hummingbirds is worthwhile.

This is a beautiful area of Colorado...different terrain than southern colorado ...lots of beautiful trails, camping etc...get out there!

The Cache la Poudre Wilderness Area is a wonderful way to enjoy a day. The river runs though out the Fort Collins area and with the wild life and mountainous view it's a nice relaxing way to spend time with family or just take a walk and enjoy everything Colorado has to offer.

We are so fortunate to have this gem out our back door. Between camping, hiking, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, whitewater rafting, animal watching or just taking a drive this is a beautiful place to visit any time of year.

Even though there was a fire last year the canyon is still very enticing. At least take a drive through it. If you like hiking at all the Summit trail is very doable and fun as is the Grays Lake trail. You won't be disappointed in this area.

We have visited the Poudre (pronounced 'pooder') wilderness area several times with our son, daughter-in-law and granddaughters. We only go for day visits so I can't comment on the camping facilities. The picnic areas are clean and very scenic. The drive to and through the area goes along the Poudre River which is very scenic and, according to my fisherman son, a good fishing area (catch and release). The area is convenient to the Fort Collins area - only about an hour drive. It's a good way to spend time in God's creation.

We have visited this area two winters in a row, and even though it is the off-season, it is rugged and beautiful.

The title of the review is because we visited this place right after a series of wildfires in Colorado and the scene was not very nice.People seemed grateful with firemen which is nice to see.However, there were parts of the area that weren't affected by the wildfires which were very pretty. We were hoping to see some wildlife, but there were none.

The Poudre is the central hub to the outdoors around Fort Collins. Start by taking in the river then a steep rocky climb to look for climbers or raptors soaring above. Ahhhhhh I miss the fresh air.