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Follow the West Branch Trail (#960) for approximately 2.5 miles. The Camp Lakes Trail ascends steeply to the north for about 1.5 miles, then levels for about 5 miles before reaching Camp Lake and a spur trail to Upper Camp Lake. Access is from the West Branch trailhead which accomodates approximately 26 vehicles and 4 horse trailers.
You can find more information at Poudre Wilderness Volunteers.
At a Glance
| Usage: | Heavy |
|---|---|
| Restrictions: | General Wilderness Regulations: 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. Closure Regulations: Alpine area closure, stoves only above 10,800 feet elevation (tree-line). |
| Closest Towns: | Laramie, Fort Collins |
| Water: | Water can be filtered and treated from nearby water sources. |
| Restroom: | Practice Leave No Trace principles. |
General Information
Directions: Follow Highway 287 north from Fort Collins to the intersection of Highway 14. Follow Highway 14 almost 52 miles west and turn right onto County Road 103, Laramie River Road. Drive about 6 miles north, and park at the West Branch Trailhead, which is on the left side of the road, just past Tunnel Campground.Activities
Day Hiking
Hiking to Camp Lake and back would make for a very long day. Most people prefer to camp along this popular trail and try their hand at fishing in nearby high alpine lakes. Along the trail, you will have some great views of Cameron Peak, Clark Peak, and you may notice the remains of some old cabins. Workers on the Link Ditch lived here during its construction in the 1890s and early 1900s. For parking information see West Branch trailhead.
| Fire Information | Check for any seasonal fire restrictions before your hike. Where allowed campfires must be at least 200 feet from water and trails. Use stoves only above 10,800 feet. You may collect dead and down wood; do not break branches from standing trees for firewood. Please attend to campfires at all times. Touch any remaining coals with the bare hand to insure campfire is cold and dead out. Remember, if it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave! |
| Difficulty Level: | Most Difficult |
|---|
Backpacking
See West Branch trailhead.| Fire Information | Check for any seasonal fire restrictions before your hike. Where allowed campfires must be at least 200 feet from water and trails. Use stoves only above 10,800 feet. You may collect dead and down wood; do not break branches from standing trees for firewood. Please attend to campfires at all times. Touch any remaining coals with the bare hand to insure campfire is cold and dead out. Remember, if it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave! |
| Difficulty Level: | Most Difficult |
|---|
Horse Riding
See West Branch trailhead.| Size Restrictions | no |
| Corrals | no |
| Loading Ramp | no |
| Hitching Rails | no |