Colorado

The Cache la Poudre Wilderness, named for the river that runs at its northern edge, was added to the National Wilderness Preservation System in 1980. This 9,258-acre Wilderness is characterized by steep, rugged terrain along the Cache la Poudre River and the Little South Fork of the Cache la Poudre, Colorado's only designated Wild and Scenic River drainage. Elevation ranges from 6,100 feet to 8,300 feet, and the area is accessible for much of the year.

Use is low and only one trail, the Mount McConnel National Recreation Trail, exists in the wilderness. Travel is accomplished only by scrambling and bushwhacking in stream bottoms, on ridges and along game trails.

This Wilderness is primarily montane in characteristic. Forests of ponderosa and lodgepole pine dominate the landscape, and mule deer, bear, coyote, and mountain lion inhabit the area seasonally.

Always use Leave No Trace techniques to help keep this area wild, clean, and pristine.

Cache La Poudre Wilderness

Courtesy of USFS

When Open? Area Acres Operated By
Year-round; 24 hours a day 9,258 acres US Forest Service:
Canyon Lakes Ranger District
Dogs Allowed? Miles of Trail Max/Min Elev (ft)
Dogs allowed on leash 5 6,120ft - 8,700ft
Location overview for the Poudre Canyon Hiking Map

Cache La Poudre Wilderness Trail and Map Finder

Area Hiking Trails:
1 - Kreutzer Nature Trail #936
2 - Mount McConnel National Recreation Trail #992
Area Trailheads:
1 - Kreutzer Nature Trail #936
Area Campgrounds:
1 - Dutch George Campground
2 - Kelly Flats Campground
3 - Mountain Park Campground
4 - Mountain Park Group Campground
5 - Narrows Campground: Upper and Lower
6 - Stove Prairie Campground