West BranchTrailhead (#960)
The West Branch Trail crosses a bridge about a 1/4 mile from the trailhead and soon enters the Rawah Wilderness. This beautiful trail follows the West Branch of the Laramie River and climbs through switchbacks for the next two miles to the intersection with Camp Lake Trail. From there the West Branch Trail continues west for another mile where it crosses the North Fork of the Laramie River to meet the south end of the Rawah Trail (#961). About two miles farther the trail enters a meadow and meets the north end of the Blue Lake Trail (#959) before continuing steeply to terminate at Island and Carey Lakes. Stream crossings may be tricky during spring runoff.
General Information
You can find more information at Poudre Wilderness Volunteers. Download trail summary here.
Dogs must be on a hand-held leash. No motorized or mechanized equipment. Camps, campfires and stock, where allowed, at least 200 feet from water and trails. Group size limited to 12 people or stock animals combined. Certified weed-free hay is required for stock. Alpine area closure, stoves only above 10,800 feet elevation (tree-line).
No fees are required for this site
Dogs must be on a hand-held leash at all times.
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 40.678691
Longitude: -105.854251
Elevation
Peak Elevation: 11,130'
Directions
Travel 11 miles northwest of Fort Collins on U.S. Highway 287 to Colorado Highway 14. Turn left on CO 14 and travel 52 miles to County Road 103, Laramie River Road. Turn right and travel north about 6 miles to trailhead parking on the left just past Tunnel Campground.
Parking
West Branch Trailhead accommodates approximately 26 vehicles and 4 horse trailers.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are allowed at this site.
Certified weed-free hay is required for stock.
