Colorado's Shipman Park Trail

Shipman Park Trail

Description:

The Shipman Park Trail provides access to Shipman Park in the northern portion of the Rawah Wilderness. It can be reached from the Link-McIntyre Trailhead via the McIntyre Trail. The trail begins near Ute Pass at an elevation of 9,891 feet and descends to Shipman Park at 9,493 feet. It travels across the park to its northern end, a distance of about 2.8 miles. At its beginning, the trail makes a wide path over an old road bed down through dense lodgepole pine. About a quarter mile of the trail is moderately steep but the rest is fairly level. The forest becomes more open as you get closer to Shipman Park.

Shipman Park is a huge open meadow surrounded by ridges. It is approximately a mile wide and three miles long, running north-south. The trail becomes faint as it travels out into Shipman Park. There are several streams and ponds in the park. During the wet times of the year (spring and early summer), it can be quite boggy in spots. You pretty much have to pick your way east across the meadow and pick up the old road on the other side. The road travels north to the end of the park. Shipman Park is a beautiful valley with abundant wildlife. It is a favorite haunt for moose and elk. Fishing can be good in some of the larger ponds.

Features:

Length: 2.8 miles (4.5 kilometers)

Elevation Range: 9,493' - 9,891'

Elevation change: 559 feet

Season: June 15 - Oct 15

Difficulty: Easy

Use: Low

USGS maps: Shipman Park

Trailheads: McIntyre

Restrictions: Pets must be on a leash

Suitable for mountain bikes: No (not permitted in wilderness)

Suitable for horses: Yes

Vicinity Map

Altitude Profile

Directions:
The Shipman Park Trail is located in the Rawah Wilderness. It can be reached from the Link McIntyre trailhead via the McIntyre trail. To reach the trailhead take Highway 287 north from Fort Collins to La Porte. Continue on 287 north to Highway 14. Travel west on 14 for 50 miles to the Laramie River Road. Turn right and travel 15 miles to County Road 80C. Turn left and go 2.5 miles to the Link McIntyre trailhead. Follow the McIntyre trail for 9 miles to the Shipman Park Trail.

Length:	2.8 miles (4.5 kilometers)
Elevation Range:	9,493' - 9,891'
Elevation change:	559 feet
Season:	June 15 - Oct 15
Difficulty:	Easy
Use:	Low
USGS maps:	Shipman Park
Trailheads:	McIntyre
Restrictions:	Pets must be on a leash
Suitable for mountain bikes:	No (not permitted in wilderness)
Suitable for horses:	Yes