North Fork Trail
(Rawah Wilderness)
Description:
The
North Fork Trail provides access to the Twin Crater Lakes from the Rawah
Trail. This trail starts off making a short steep climb from the Rawah Trail
through a spruce forest. After a short level stretch, it makes another steep
climb. It soon crosses a stream and travels up a beautiful lush valley.
Part way up the valley the trail enters the alpine closure zone where campfires
are not permitted. There a lot of potential campsites in this valley all
along the trail.
After
a second stream crossing, the trail makes a steep climb to a bench where
it levels off. It is a short distance to the smaller of the Twin Crater
Lakes. The trail travels around the north side of the smaller lake and ends
at some rocks on the northwest shore of the larger lake. The beautiful setting
of these aquamarine colored lakes nestled below steep rock walls is a scenic
feast for your eyes. Elk and deer are commonly seen in the beautiful valley
below.
Features:
| Length: |
1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) |
| Elevation Range: |
10,476' - 11,102' |
| Elevation change: |
719 feet |
| Season: |
July 1 - Sept 30 |
| Difficulty: |
Moderate |
| Use: |
Moderate |
| USGS maps: |
Rawah Lakes |
| Trailheads: |
West Branch |
| 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
North Fork Trail is located in the Rawah Wilderness and is best reached
via the West Branch and Rawah Trails. 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 6.5 miles to the
West Branch Trailhead. The trailhead is on the left side of the road. Hike
the West Branch Trail for 3.3 miles to the Rawah Trail. Continue on the
Rawah Trail for 1.7 miles to the North Fork Trail.
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