Colorado's North Fork Trail

North Fork Trail

(Comanche Peak Wilderness)

Description:

The North Fork Trail can be reached via the Dunraven Trailhead on the eastern end. The trail travels through both the Comanche Peak Wilderness and Rocky Mountain National Park. It begins at an elevation of 7,720 feet, drops down into the North Fork drainage and steadily climbs to an elevation of 10,700 feet at Lost Lake in the park. Following the North Fork of the Big Thompson River it intersects the Stormy Peaks and North Boundary trails along the way. There are several stream crossings via wooden bridges. There are places to the side for horses to cross.
This trail is wide and easy to follow. Most of it travels through spruce and lodgepole pine forest. It passes through a travel zone within the Comanche Peak Wilderness. Here camping is permitted at designated sites only. Signs point the way to camp sites. The trail climbs a steep rocky incline as you approach the Stormy Peaks Trail. Lost Lake and Lake Husted contain brook and cutthroat trout. A backcountry camping permit is required to camp in the park.

Features:

Length: 9.2 miles (14.8 kilometers)

Elevation Range: 7,776' - 10,668'

Elevation change: 3,494 feet

Season: July 1 - Sept 30

Difficulty: Moderate

Use: High

USGS maps: Pingree Park, Estes Park, Glen Haven

Trailheads: Dunraven

Restrictions: No pets are allowed on that portion of the trail that is in Rocky Mountain National Park, backcountry permit required for camping in the park

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

Suitable for horses: Yes

Vicinity Map

Altitude Profile

Directions:
The North Fork Trail is located in the Comanche Peak Wilderness and Rocky Mountain National Park. 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.

Length:	9.2 miles (14.8 kilometers)
Elevation Range:	7,776' - 10,668'
Elevation change:	3,494 feet
Season:	July 1 - Sept 30
Difficulty:	Moderate
Use:	High
USGS maps:	Pingree Park, Estes Park, Glen Haven
Trailheads:	Dunraven
Restrictions:	No pets are allowed on that portion of the trail that is in Rocky Mountain National Park, backcountry permit required for camping in the park
Suitable for mountain bikes:	No (not permitted in wilderness)
Suitable for horses:	Yes