Canyon Lakes Ranger District, west of Fort Collins

Canyon Lakes Ranger District is located in north-central Colorado and encompasses approximately 650,000 acres in the Roosevelt National Forest, mostly in Larimer County. The Canyon Lakes Ranger District offers visitors a variety of recreation opportunities throughout the year, and also provides for traditional uses, such as permits for firewood gathering and grazing. We are home to four Wilderness areas, three national recreation trails, two historic districts, and Colorado’s only Wild and Scenic River.
State Highways 34, 36 and 14 allow for easy access to one of our many hiking trails, campgrounds, four-wheel drive roads, and lakes and streams.
At a Glance
Current Conditions: | Canyon Lakes District Road Status |
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Operational Hours: | We are serving you virtually. Contact us. |
Reservations: | View Campgrounds At-A-Glance table to quickly view what sites are reserve-able.
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Permit Info: |
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Closest Towns: | Fort Collins, CO; Loveland, CO; Wellington, CO; Laporte, CO; Estes Park, CO |
Operated By: | Forest Service |
General Information
General Notes:Activities
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking is a popular activity on many of the trails within the Canyon Lakes Ranger District. There are a few trails which prohibit biking, for example the Greyrock Trail. Contact the Ranger District office details and remember biking is never allowed in Comanche Peaks, Rawah, Cache la Poudre or Neota Wilderness areas.
Areas for Mountain Biking at Canyon Lakes Ranger District, west of Fort Collins
- Crosier Mountain Garden Gate Trail (#931)
- Crosier Mountain Glen Haven Trail (#931-2)
- Crosier Mountain Rainbow Trail (#981)
- Donner Pass Trail (#926)
- Flowers Trail (#939)
- Green Ridge/Lost Lake Trail
- Hewlett Gulch (#954)
- Killpecker Trail (#956)
- Lion Gulch Trail (#949)
- Lookout Mountain Trail (#934)
- Lower Dadd Gulch Trail (#988)
- Miller Fork Trail (#997)
- Mount Margaret Trail (#167)
- North Lone Pine Trail (#953)
- Roaring Creek Trail (#952)
- Young Gulch Trail (#999)
Campground Camping
Twenty-one U.S. Forest Service campgrounds with Canyon Lakes Ranger District provide a wide range of camping experiences. Choose between a river or lakeside campsite, a tent site in a meadow, or a spots near a congressionally designated Wilderness Area. A few campgrounds are off the beaten path, but most fill quickly in the summertime. Check to see if the campground accepts reservations and reserve your spot between 180 and 4 days before your arrival.
Areas for Campground Camping at Canyon Lakes Ranger District, west of Fort Collins
- Ansel Watrous Campground
- Aspen Glen Campground
- Bellaire Lake Campground
- Big Bend Campground
- Big South Campground
- Browns Park Campground
- Cache la Poudre River
- Chambers Lake Campground
- Dowdy Lake Campground
- Dutch George Campground
- Grandview Campground
- Jacks Gulch Campground
- Jacks Gulch Equestrian
- Jacks Gulch Group Campground
- Kelly Flats Campground
- Long Draw Campground
- Mountain Park Campground
- Mountain Park Group Campground
- Narrows Campground: Upper and Lower
- North Fork Poudre Campground
- Sleeping Elephant Campground
- Stove Prairie Campground
- Tom Bennett Campground
- Tunnel Campground
- West Lake Campground
RV Camping
All but one of the 21 campgrounds within Canyon Lakes Ranger District accept RVs. Grandview campground is a tents only area. Campsite parking lengths vary from 15 to 80 feet. A few campgrounds are off the beaten path, but most fill quickly in the summertime. Check to see if the campground accepts reservations and reserve your spot between 180 and 4 days before your arrival. For last minute campers, call the Ranger District office to learn campground availability.
Areas for RV Camping at Canyon Lakes Ranger District, west of Fort Collins
- Ansel Watrous Campground
- Aspen Glen Campground
- Bellaire Lake Campground
- Big Bend Campground
- Big South Campground
- Browns Park Campground
- Chambers Lake Campground
- Dowdy Lake Campground
- Dutch George Campground
- Jacks Gulch Campground
- Jacks Gulch Group Campground
- Kelly Flats Campground
- Long Draw Campground
- Mountain Park Campground
- Mountain Park Group Campground
- Narrows Campground: Upper and Lower
- North Fork Poudre Campground
- Sleeping Elephant Campground
- Stove Prairie Campground
- Tom Bennett Campground
- Tunnel Campground
- West Lake Campground
Group Camping
The Canyon Lakes Ranger District has two group campsites which may be reserved up to 360 days in advance.
Areas for Group Camping at Canyon Lakes Ranger District, west of Fort Collins
Dispersed Camping
With a few exceptions, you are allowed to camp along most Forest Service roads. In some areas restrictions exist to protect land and wildlife, minimize road damage, and reduce conflicts between landowners and visitors. Note many popular dispersed camping areas are closed due to the impacts of the Cameron Peak Fire.
General Info:
General NotesAreas for Dispersed Camping at Canyon Lakes Ranger District, west of Fort Collins
Cabin Rentals
The Canyon Lakes Ranger District has one cabin available for rental between June and October.
Areas for Cabin Rentals at Canyon Lakes Ranger District, west of Fort Collins
Rock Climbing
Lake and Pond Fishing
Please check with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife for information about licenses and regulations: http://wildlife.state.co.us/Fishing/.
Areas for Lake and Pond Fishing at Canyon Lakes Ranger District, west of Fort Collins
- Bellaire Lake Campground
- Bellaire Lake Picnic Site
- Chambers Lake Campground
- Creedmore Lake Fishing Site
- Dowdy Lake Campground
- Dowdy Lake Picnic Site
- Grandview Campground
- Joe Wright Fishing Site
- Long Draw #1 Fishing site
- Long Draw #2 Fishing Site
- Long Draw #3 Fishing Site
- West Lake Campground
- West Lake Day Use Area
River and Stream Fishing
Numerous rivers and streams provide fishing opportunities throughout the Canyon Lakes Ranger District. Please check with the Colorado Division of Wildlife for information about licenses and regulations: http://wildlife.state.co.us/Fishing/.
Special Designations | Cache la Poudre Wild & Scenic River |
Areas for River and Stream Fishing at Canyon Lakes Ranger District, west of Fort Collins
- Ansel Watrous Campground
- Aspen Glen Campground
- Big Bend Campground
- Big South Campground
- Cache la Poudre River
- Century Park Picnic Site
- Dutch George Campground
- Eggers Fishing Access
- Freewater Bridge Fishing Site
- Indian Meadows Fishing Site
- Kelly Flats Campground
- Mountain Park Campground
- Mountain Park Group Campground
- Narrows Campground: Upper and Lower
- Stove Prairie Campground
- Tom Bennett Campground
- Tunnel Campground
Ice Fishing
Areas for Ice Fishing at Canyon Lakes Ranger District, west of Fort Collins
Day Hiking
Canyon Lakes Ranger District offers hundreds of miles of trails for hiking. In non-wilderness areas you may be sharing the trail with mountain bikers or horseback riders. Trails in Wilderness Areas are restricted to non-mechanized modes of travel, such as hiking or horseback riding. Always carry a map and compass, let someone know where you are going, and when you plan to return, and follow leave no trace principals.
Areas for Day Hiking at Canyon Lakes Ranger District, west of Fort Collins
- Beaver Creek Trail (#942)
- Big South Trail (#944)
- Blue Lake Trail (#959)
- Browns Lake Trail (#941)
- Bulwark Ridge Trail (#928-1)
- Cache la Poudre River
- Cameron Pass Winter Recreation
- Comanche Lake Trail (#990)
- Corral Creek Trail (#989)
- Crosier Mountain Garden Gate Trail (#931)
- Crosier Mountain Glen Haven Trail (#931-2)
- Crosier Mountain Rainbow Trail (#981)
- Donner Pass Trail (#926)
- Emmaline Lake Trail (#945)
- Fish Creek Trail (#993)
- Flowers Trail (#939)
- Granite Ridge Trail (#991)
- Green Ridge/Lost Lake Trail
- Greyrock Trail #946/Greyrock Meadows Trail #947
- Hewlett Gulch (#954)
- Homestead Meadows Trail
- Hourglass Trail (#984)
- Jacks Gulch Trailhead
- Killpecker Trail (#956)
- La Poudre Pass Trailhead
- Lady Moon Trail (#985)
- Lily Mountain Trail (#933)
- Link Trail (#963)
- Link-McIntyre Trailhead
- Lion Gulch Trail (#949)
- Little Beaver Creek Trail (#948)
- Lookout Mountain Trail (#934)
- Lower Dadd Gulch Trail (#988)
- McIntyre Creek Trail (#996)
- McIntyre Lake Trail (#964)
- McIntyre Trail (#966)
- Medicine Bow Trail (#965)
- Miller Fork Trail (#997)
- Mount Margaret Trail (#167)
- Mount McConnel Trail (#992) Kreutzer Nature Trail
- Mountain Park Campground
- Mummy Pass Trail (#937)
- North Fork Trail (#929)
- North Lone Pine Trail (#953)
- Rawah Trail (#961)
- Roaring Creek Trail (#952)
- Round Mountain Trail (#969)
- Signal Mountain Trail (#928-2)
- Stormy Peaks Trail (#980)
- Trap Park Trail (#995)
- Twin Sisters Trail (#998)
- West Branch Trail (#960)
- Young Gulch Trail (#999)
- Zimmerman Lake Trail (#977)
- Zimmerman Trail (#940)
Backpacking
Canyon Lakes Ranger District offers hundreds of miles of trails for backpacking. In non-wilderness areas you may be sharing the trail with mountain bikers or horseback riders. Trails in Wilderness Areas are restricted to non-mechanized modes of travel, such as hiking or horseback riding. There are trails that offer out and back trips and there are trails that link up with other trails to offer loop trips. Always carry a map and compass, let someone know where you are going, and when you plan to return, and follow leave no trace principals.
Areas for Backpacking at Canyon Lakes Ranger District, west of Fort Collins
- Beaver Creek Trail (#942)
- Big South Trail (#944)
- Blue Lake Trail (#959)
- Brackenbury Trail (#935)
- Browns Lake Trail (#941)
- Bulwark Ridge Trail (#928-1)
- Comanche Lake Trail (#990)
- Corral Creek Trail (#989)
- Crosier Mountain Garden Gate Trail (#931)
- Crosier Mountain Glen Haven Trail (#931-2)
- Crosier Mountain Rainbow Trail (#981)
- Donner Pass Trail (#926)
- Emmaline Lake Trail (#945)
- Fish Creek Trail (#993)
- Flowers Trail (#939)
- Granite Ridge Trail (#991)
- Green Ridge/Lost Lake Trail
- Greyrock Trail #946/Greyrock Meadows Trail #947
- Hewlett Gulch (#954)
- Homestead Meadows Trail
- Hourglass Trail (#984)
- Killpecker Trail (#956)
- La Poudre Pass Trailhead
- Lady Moon Trail (#985)
- Lily Mountain Trail (#933)
- Link Trail (#963)
- Link-McIntyre Trailhead
- Lion Gulch Trail (#949)
- Little Beaver Creek Trail (#948)
- Lookout Mountain Trail (#934)
- Lower Dadd Gulch Trail (#988)
- McIntyre Creek Trail (#996)
- McIntyre Lake Trail (#964)
- McIntyre Trail (#966)
- Medicine Bow Trail (#965)
- Miller Fork Trail (#997)
- Mount Margaret Trail (#167)
- Mummy Pass Trail (#937)
- North Fork Trail (#929)
- North Lone Pine Trail (#953)
- Rawah Trail (#961)
- Roaring Creek Trail (#952)
- Round Mountain Trail (#969)
- Signal Mountain Trail (#928-2)
- Stormy Peaks Trail (#980)
- Trap Park Trail (#995)
- West Branch Trail (#960)
- Young Gulch Trail (#999)
- Zimmerman Lake Trail (#977)
- Zimmerman Trail (#940)
Horse Camping
The Canyon Lakes Ranger District has one developed campground that will accommodate horses.
Areas for Horse Camping at Canyon Lakes Ranger District, west of Fort Collins
Horse Riding
Canyon Lakes Ranger District offers hundreds of miles of trails for horseback riding. In non-wilderness areas you may be sharing the trail with mountain bikers or hikers. Always carry a map and compass, let someone know where you are going, and when you plan to return, and follow leave no trace principals.
Areas for Horse Riding at Canyon Lakes Ranger District, west of Fort Collins
- Beaver Creek Trail (#942)
- Big South Trail (#944)
- Brackenbury Trail (#935)
- Browns Lake Trail (#941)
- Bulwark Ridge Trail (#928-1)
- Comanche Lake Trail (#990)
- Corral Creek Trail (#989)
- Crosier Mountain Garden Gate Trail (#931)
- Crosier Mountain Glen Haven Trail (#931-2)
- Crosier Mountain Rainbow Trail (#981)
- Donner Pass Trail (#926)
- Dunraven Trailhead
- Emmaline Lake Trail (#945)
- Fish Creek Trail (#993)
- Flowers Trail (#939)
- Granite Ridge Trail (#991)
- Green Ridge/Lost Lake Trail
- Hewlett Gulch (#954)
- Homestead Meadows Trail
- Hourglass Trail (#984)
- Killpecker Trail (#956)
- Lady Moon Trail (#985)
- Link Trail (#963)
- Link-McIntyre Trailhead
- Lion Gulch Trail (#949)
- Little Beaver Creek Trail (#948)
- Lookout Mountain Trail (#934)
- Lower Dadd Gulch Trail (#988)
- McIntyre Creek Trail (#996)
- McIntyre Lake Trail (#964)
- McIntyre Trail (#966)
- Medicine Bow Trail (#965)
- Miller Fork Trail (#997)
- Mount Margaret Trail (#167)
- Mummy Pass Trail (#937)
- North Fork Trail (#929)
- North Lone Pine Trail (#953)
- Rawah Trail (#961)
- Roaring Creek Trail (#952)
- Round Mountain Trail (#969)
- Signal Mountain Trail (#928-2)
- Stormy Peaks Trail (#980)
- Trap Park Trail (#995)
- West Branch Trail (#960)
- Young Gulch Trail (#999)
- Zimmerman Lake Trail (#977)
- Zimmerman Trail (#940)
Viewing Wildlife
Please help keep "wildlife" wild by no approaching or feeding them. If an animal approaches you, move away and maintain a safe distance.
Areas for Viewing Wildlife at Canyon Lakes Ranger District, west of Fort Collins
OHV Road Riding
Off-Highway vehicle (OHV) riding is increasing in popularity on the Canyon Lakes Ranger District. Request a free Motor Vehicle Use Map of roads which shows all roads open to non-licensed vehicles. Larimer County Roads are not open to OHVs.
The Road Status Table lists openings and closures for CLRD's most popular roads and is updated regularly.
Areas for OHV Road Riding at Canyon Lakes Ranger District, west of Fort Collins
- Acme Creek Road (#219)
- Bald Mountain Road (#517)
- Ballard Road (#129, #129A,B)
- Bear Gulch Road (#195,195B)
- Black Hollow Road (#142, #142A-G)
- Cheyenne Ridge Road (#139A,B,D)
- Chicken Park Road (#181, #181A-D)
- Coyote Hill Road (#325)
- Crystal Mountain Road (#344)
- Deadhorse Mountain (#182, #314, #315, #315B)
- Greenridge Road (#177, #319)
- Greer Road (#154, #154A-C)
- Hurley Road (#352, #352A)
- Jimmy Creek Road (#303)
- Johnny Park Road (#118)
- Kelly Flats Road (#168)
- Killpecker Road (#300)
- Moody Hill Road (#513)
- Nunn Creek Road (#318)
- Old Roach Area
- Parachute Hill Road (#329)
- Pierson Park Road (#119)
- Pole Hill Road (#122)
- Roaring Creek Road (#173)
- Salt Cabin Park Road (#259)
- Sand Creek Road (#336)
- Sevenmile Road (#225)
- South Pearl Road (#178)
- Storm Mountain Road (#153)
- Swamp Creek Road (#171, #171A-L)
- West White Pine Road (#100)
OHV Trail Riding
Off-Highway vehicle riding is increasing in popularity on the Canyon Lakes Ranger District. Request a free Motor Vehicle Use Map of roads which shows all roads open to non-licensed vehicles.
Areas for OHV Trail Riding at Canyon Lakes Ranger District, west of Fort Collins
Interpretive Areas
Areas for Interpretive Areas at Canyon Lakes Ranger District, west of Fort Collins
- Arrowhead Lodge Visitor Center
- Deadman Lookout
- Home Moraine Geological Interpretive Site
- Redfeather Visitor Center
Visitor Centers
Deadman Lookout Tower (west of Red Feather Lakes)
Areas for Visitor Centers at Canyon Lakes Ranger District, west of Fort Collins
Picnicking
The Canyon Lakes Ranger Distric has numerous developed day-use areas, along with many opportunities to picnic throughout the National Forest System lands.
Areas for Picnicking at Canyon Lakes Ranger District, west of Fort Collins
- Arrowhead Lodge Visitor Center
- Bellaire Lake Picnic Site
- Bennett Creek Picnic Site
- Cache la Poudre River
- Cameron Pass Picnic Site
- Century Park Picnic Site
- Chambers Lake Picnic Site
- Diamond Rock Picnic Area
- Dowdy Lake Picnic Site
- Fish Creek Picnic Site
- Mountain Park Picnic Site
- Ouzel Picnic Site
- Poudre Park Picnic Site
- Stevens Gulch Picnic Site
- Tunnel Picnic Area
- Upper Landing Picnic Area
- West Lake Day Use Area
Scenic Driving
Cache la Poudre Wild and Scenic River is located in Larimer County within the Canyon Lakes Ranger District. Legend has it that the river was named in 1836, when a party of wesward traveling fur trappers of the Hudson's Bay Company were forced to lighten their load near the banks of the river after being caught in a heavy snowfall. The order was given to "cache la poudre" or "hide the powder" so that it could be retrieved the following spring. Follow this scenic drive for 101 miles!
Areas for Scenic Driving at Canyon Lakes Ranger District, west of Fort Collins
Boating - Motorized
Areas for Boating - Motorized at Canyon Lakes Ranger District, west of Fort Collins
- Chambers Lake Boating Site
- Chambers Lake Campground
- Chambers Lake Picnic Site
- Dowdy Lake Campground
- Dowdy Lake Picnic Site
- West Lake Campground
Boating - Non-Motorized
Areas for Boating - Non-Motorized at Canyon Lakes Ranger District, west of Fort Collins
- Bellaire Lake Campground
- Bellaire Lake Picnic Site
- Cache la Poudre River
- Chambers Lake Boating Site
- Chambers Lake Campground
- Chambers Lake Picnic Site
- Dowdy Lake Campground
- Filter Plant River Access Point (Put-In)
- Pineview River Access Point (Put-In, Take-Out)
- West Lake Campground
- West Lake Day Use Area
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing
The skiing and snowshoeing season generally runs from December through early April, but can vary depending on the amount of snowfall and when it occurs. The Cameron Pass area of Roosevelt National Forest offers excellent cross-country skiing, from easy beginner trips to advanced trips. Please be considerate of the many other visitors who will be sharing the forest with you and follow the Leave No Trace principles. Avalanche conditions may exist, please be prepared. For avalanche forecasts and other resources contact the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. For recorded avalanche information call 970-482-0457.
Areas for XC Skiing/Snowshoeing at Canyon Lakes Ranger District, west of Fort Collins
- Blue Lake Trail (#959)
- Cameron Connection
- Cameron Pass Winter Recreation
- Green Ridge/Lost Lake Trail
- Joe Wright Trail (winter trail)
- Laramie River Road
- Sawmill Creek
- The Meadows Trail
- Trap Park Trail (#995)
- Zimmerman Lake Trail (#977)
Snowmobiling
Over-the-snow travel is allowed in various locations across the Canyon Lakes Ranger District. It is important to note that snowmobiles are not allowed in designated Wilderness areas. Please note that in areas where snowmobiling takes place, other winter recreation activities area also occurring. Please use caution. Snowmobiling is typically best with a minimum of 6" of snow cover. Many areas of the district have unreliable snow cover. Areas west of Red Feather Lakes are typically best following a snow storm. Avalanche conditions may exist, please be prepared. For avalanche forecasts and other resources contact the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. For recorded avalanche information call 970-482-0457.
Areas for Snowmobiling at Canyon Lakes Ranger District, west of Fort Collins