Rocky Mountain National Park's Poudre River Trail

Poudre River Trail

Description:
The Poudre River Trail begins from Trail Ridge Road near Milner Pass at an elevation of 10,738 feet. It follows the river for 9.3 miles and intersects the Big South and Corral Creek trails at 9,670 feet. Except for the section between the Mummy Pass Trail and its northern end, horses are not permitted on this trail. The trail is fairly smooth but narrow. It winds in and out of the trees that line the northwest edge of the wet meadow through which the river flows. There are some areas that are quite wet and can be very muddy. There is easy access to the river for fishing. The trail gets faint in some spots. Just follow the river and you'll pick it up again. The river valley is very beautiful with numerous wildflowers for your visual delight.

The trail turns north where Chapin Creek flows into the Poudre River. Here the trail is wider than in the upper section. It wonders away from the river and back a few times and is mostly level with a few ups and downs. About half of the lower part of the trail is in the forest, while half is out in the open. After passing the Mummy Pass Trail, the Poudre River Trail leaves the park and intersects the Corral Creek and Big South trails.

Features:

Length:	9.3 miles (15 kilometers)
Elevation Range:	9,670' - 10,738'
Elevation change:	1,536 feet
Season:	Jun 1 - Oct 15
Difficulty:	Easy
Use:	Low to moderate
USGS maps:	Fall River Pass, Trail Ridge, Comanche Peak
Trailheads:	Milner Pass, Corral Creek
Restrictions:	No pets are permitted
Suitable for mountain bikes:	No (not permitted)
Suitable for horses:	No

Vicinity Map

Altitude Profile

Directions:
The nearest trailhead to this trail is the Milner Pass Trailhead. It is located about 23.8 miles on Trail Ridge Road from the Beaver Meadows Entrance or 16.9 miles from the Grand Lake Entrance. It is located on the south side of the road. There is room for about 20 vehicles. There are restroom facilities at the trailhead. The trail begins about .1 miles north of the trailhead. There is limited parking near the beginning of the trail along Trail Ridge Road.

The north end of the trail can be accessed from the Corral Creek Trailhead. Take Highway 287 north from Fort Collins to La Porte. Continue on 287 north to Highway 14. Travel west on 14 for 52 miles to the Long Draw Road. Turn left and travel ten miles to the trailhead. The trailhead is on the left hand side of the road. Take the Corral Creek Trail to the Poudre River Trail.

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