McIntyre Creek Trail
Description:
The McIntyre Creek
Trail leaves the McIntyre Trail and travels south for about 3.2 miles to the
last pond in a series of ponds known as the McIntyre Ponds. The location of
this trail has been changed from that shown in many published maps. It has
been relocated further west away from McIntyre Creek and does not appear to
connect to the Medicine Bow Trail on the southern end. The new trail begins
about a third of a mile farther west than the old one and avoids traveling
through the large meadow near McIntyre Creek.
The
trail travels south and then southeast for about 1.6 miles through spruce
forest before coming close to McIntyre Creek. Here it turns south and travels
along the meadows containing most of the McIntyre Ponds. You will pass a large
pond just east of the trail after about a half a mile. There are numerous
ponds in this area offering great fishing for brook trout. In the fall brookies
can be seen spawning in the shallow streams connecting the ponds. There is
plenty of grass for livestock in this area and great places to camp away from
the trail. There are a few side trails leading to other ponds. This trail
is a fairly easy trail to hike, climbing 600 feet in a little over three miles.
The
trail appears to end at the southeast of the southern most pond. Current maps
show the old trail climbing the ridge to the west to meet the Medicine Bow
Trail. If it does it is difficult to find. The terrain here is very steep
and requires both hands and feet to climb or descend it. Once on top the Medicine
Bow Trail is very faint and also difficult to find.
Features:
| Length: |
3.15 miles (5.1 kilometers) |
| Elevation Range: |
9,468' - 10,091' |
| Elevation change: |
773 feet |
| Season: |
July 1 - Sept 30 |
| Difficulty: |
Easy |
| Use: |
Moderate |
| USGS maps: |
Rawah Lakes, Glendevy, Shipman Mountain |
| Trailheads: |
Link/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
McIntyre Creek Trail is located in the Rawah Wilderness and can be reached
via the Link - McIntyre 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 15 miles to County
Road 80C. Turn left and go 2.5 miles to the trailhead. The trailhead is on
the left side of the road. Hike 4.9 miles on the McIntyre Trail to the beginning
of the McIntyre Creek Trail.
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