Recreation Region: Canyon Lakes Ranger District

Cache la Poudre River

The Cache la Poudre is Colorado's only nationally designated Wild and Scenic River. Starting high in the peaks of Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park along the Continental Divide, the river flows down a rocky canyon through the Roosevelt National Forest, dropping 7,000 feet in elevation along the way. Many recreational opportunities abound along and on the river, including scenic drives, camping, picnicking, fishing, rafting, hiking, mountain biking and wildlife viewing.

General Information

View a vicinity map of the Cache la Poudre Wild and Scenic River (geo .pdf)

Select the image to view a downloadable map of recreation sites along the river, including put-ins and take-outs along the river.

Some activities along the river corridor do require fees, like the campgrounds.

Numerous outfitter and guides are permitted to operate along the Cache la Poudre River, with white water rafting and kayaking being two very popular activites.