McIntyre Lake Trail
Description:
The McIntyre Lake Trail
provides access to McIntyre Lake and Little Rainbow Lake. There are several
other lakes in the McIntyre Lake area for those who are adventurous enough
to hike cross country to them. The closest are Sugarbowl and Upper Twin lakes.
The McIntyre Lake Trail begins on the north at its intersection with the Link
Trail and ends on the south at the Rawah Trail. From the north the trail begins
by making a gentle descent through a spruce forest. It soon enters a large
grassy meadow. The trail passes through the western side of the meadow and
crosses a couple of streams. It follows the second stream through the forest
crossing some boggy areas along the way. It soon crosses the stream at the
north end of McIntyre Lake. After crossing the stream, the trail travels through
a long meadow to the east of the lake. There are ample camping spots, grass
and water for horses here. Access to the eastern shore of the lake is relatively
easy. To access the western shore you must leave the trail before crossing
the stream.
The
trail continues south from McIntyre Lake following a corridor through the
forest. This corridor is fairly wide in spots. You will come to a trail that
leads to Little Rainbow Lake just before getting to the end of the McIntyre
Lake Trail. This trail makes a gentle climb to the lake. It is easy to follow
and can be negotiated by horses. The McIntyre Lake Trail continues along side
some wet meadows below Little Rainbow Lake and makes several switchbacks down
hill before intersecting the Rawah Trail just west of Rawah Lake #1.
Features:
| Length: |
1.8 miles (2.9 kilometers) |
| Elevation Range: |
10,501' - 10,822' |
| Elevation change: |
500 feet |
| Season: |
July 1 - Sept 30 |
| Difficulty: |
Easy - Moderate |
| Use: |
Moderate |
| USGS maps: |
Rawah Lakes |
| Trailheads: |
Link/McIntyre, Rawah |
| Restrictions: |
Pets must be on a leash |
| Suitable for mountain bikes: |
No (not permitted in wilderness) |
| Suitable for horses: |
Yes |
Vicinity Map
Altitude Profile
Other Nearby Resources:
Directions:
The
McIntyre Lake Trail is located in the Rawah Wilderness and can be reached from
the Rawah Trailhead via the Rawah Trail and the Link-McIntyre Trailhead via
the Link Trail. To reach the Rawah Trailhead take Highway 287 north from Fort
Collins to Laporte. Continue on Highway 287 to Highway 14. Travel west on 14
for 50 miles to the Laramie River Road. Turn right and travel 11 miles to trailhead
on the left side of the road. To get to the Link-McIntyre Trailhead continue
on the Laramie River Road for another four miles to County Road 80C. Turn left
and go 2.5 miles to the trailhead.
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