Signal Mountain Trail
Description:
The
Signal Mountain trail can be reached via the Dunraven trailhead on the southern
end and the Pinegree Park Road on the northern end. There is ample parking
at the Dunraven trailhead. The trail travels along the edge of the Comanche
Peak Wilderness. It begins at an elevation of 8,150 feet west of the Dunraven
trailhead and steadily climbs to an elevation of 11,190 feet near Signal Mountain.
Follow the road to the Trails End Ranch for about .3 miles to reach the trail.
The trail climbs up the steep, open hillside making many switchbacks. It then
travels about .5 miles to where it intersects the Indian and Miller Fork trails.
From here the trail travels northwest along the Bulwark Ridge for 4.6 miles
to Signal Mountain. The upper end of this trail is badly eroded and very rocky,
making it difficult to hike or ride horses on.
Near
Signal Mountain the trail becomes faint where it crosses the tundra. There
are some rock cairns to help mark the way. Upon leaving the tundra, the trail
descends a steep, rocky slope to the intersection with the Lookout Mountain
Trail. From there it descends about 1,300 feet in 4.9 miles to the Pingree
Park Road. The top half of this section is fairly steep but easy to follow.
There is a very tall, needle like rock outcrop next to the trail about .5
miles from the Lookout Mountain intersection. The lower half of the trail
follows Pennock Creek and is generally easy to hike. It passes through some
bogy areas that may be difficult for some horses. Pennock Creek is a beautiful
stream with many small waterfalls. Parking is very sparse or nonexistent at
the Pingree Park Road end of the trail.
Features:
| Length: |
11.4 miles (18.3 kilometers) |
| Elevation Range: |
8,153' - 11,162' |
| Elevation change: |
6,314 feet |
| Season: |
July 1 - Sept 30 |
| Difficulty: |
Moderate |
| Use: |
Moderate |
| USGS maps: |
Pinegree Park, Crystal Mountain, Glen
Haven |
| Trailheads: |
Signal Mountain, Dunraven |
| 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
Signal Mountain Trail is located in the Comanche Peak Wilderness. It can be
reached from the Dunraven Trailhead. Take Highway 34 west from Loveland for
17 miles to Drake. Turn right on County Road 43 and travel about six miles
to County Road 518. There is a sign marking the way to the trailhead. Turn
right and travel about two miles to the trailhead. It can also be reached
from the Signal Mountain Trailhead on the Pinegree Park Road. Take Highway
287 north from Fort Collins to Laporte. Continue on Highway 287 to Highway
14. Travel west on 14 for 24 miles to the Pinegree Park Road. Turn left and
travel about 13 miles to the Signal Mountain Trailhead. The trail begins below
the sign on the left side of the road.
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