Molly Lake Trail
Description:
The
Molly Lake Trail begins on the Manhattan Road (County Road 162) and travels
east and north to the Red Feather Lakes Road. Hiking and horseback riding
only are permitted on this trail. This trail is primarily an old roadbed that
is sandy and well drained. It gently descends from an elevation of 8540 feet
on the west end to 8040 feet at the Red Feather Lakes Road, five miles away.
The trail winds through forests of aspen, lodgepole pine, and ponderosa pine
and crosses large open meadows. Elk and deer tracks can be seen all along
the trail. Molly Lake is a short walk north of the trail, about a mile from
the west end. Many birds can be seen including the beautiful Western Taninger
and Mountain Bluebird. A recent ground fire has burned the vegetation and
lower portions of the trees along a half mile stretch of the trail. Horsemen
must feed only certified weed-free hay while using this trail, but there is
ample grass for grazing along the trail. The level of difficulty for this
trail is low.
Features:
| Length: |
5 miles (8 kilometers) |
| Elevation Range: |
8,038' - 8,593' |
| Elevation change: |
924 feet |
| Season: |
June 1 - Oct 30 |
| Difficulty: |
Easy |
| Use: |
Moderate |
| USGS maps: |
Red Feather Lakes |
| Trailheads: |
Molly Lake |
| Restrictions: |
Pets must be on a leash |
| Suitable for mountain bikes: |
No (not permitted) |
| Suitable for horses: |
Yes |
Vicinity Map
Altitude Profile
Other
Nearby Resources:
Directions:
Take
Highway 287 north from Fort Collins to Laporte. Continue north on 287 to Livermore.
Travel west on 74E for 27 miles to County Road 162. Turn left and go 2.3 miles
to the trailhead. The trailhead is on the left side of the road.
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