Cache La Poudre Wilderness

Nine miles of the Little South Fork of the Cache la Poudre River, part of Colorado's only designated Wild and Scenic River drainage, flow through the Cache la Poudre Wilderness. The water has cut a deep and tortured canyon into granitic bedrock, typical of the Front Range of Colorado, to join the Main Fork of the Cache la Poudre River, which forms the northern boundary of the Wilderness. Elevations range from about 6,100 to 8,700 feet, and a dry climate keeps this area snow-free for much of the year, especially on south-facing slopes. Douglas fir and ponderosa and lodgepole pine dominate the forest. Celebrated for their trout, the rivers draw the most human visitors, but lack of trail access and rugged topography make this small Wilderness one of the state's least explored areas. Once inside the boundary, you will find the ground marked by only two short maintained paths: the Kreutzer Nature Trail, about 2 miles, and the Mount McConnel Trail, which loops off it, about 3 miles. In 2012 the High Park fire burned 95 percent of the Cache la Poudre Wilderness, and in 2013 floods impacted the backcountry areas and changed the landscape, so travel here calls for care. As a result of the fire, the area around the Little South Fork of the Cache la Poudre River is closed to the public. Group size is limited to a combination of 12 people and stock, and larger groups must obtain a permit before entering. Camping and campfires are both prohibited within 200 feet of any lake, stream, or trail, and dogs must be leashed at all times.