Emmaline Lake (#945)

The first 2 miles of the trail follows a road that skirts the northwest side of the Colorado State University Mountain Campus and is bordered on both sides by private land. The trail then leads to a junction with the Mummy Pass Trail (#937) about 2.5 miles from the trailhead. At about 3 miles, the trail enters Cirque Meadow, a popular destination for hikers and backpackers. It then enters the wilderness and travel zone, and ascends to a closure zone around Emmaline Lake and Cirque Lake. Emmaline Lake trailhead accommodates approximately 4 vehicles.

You can find more information on the Poudre Wilderness Volunteers website. Download trail summary here.

At a Glance

Usage: Light
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. No campfires – stoves only. Stock use prohibited.
Closest Towns: Rustic, Fort Collins
Water: Water can be filtered and treated from nearby water sources.
Restroom: Practice Leave No Trace principles.

General Information

Directions: Travel 11 miles northwest of Fort Collins on U.S. Highway 287 to Colorado Highway 14. Turn left on CO 14, and travel 26 miles to County Road 63E, Pingree Park Road. Turn left and travel 16 miles to Forest Road 145. Turn right, pass Tom Bennett Campground, and look left for the rough ½-mile road leading to the Emmaline Lake/Mummy Pass trailhead. Parking at the beginning of the road and hiking the extra ½-mile may be preferable due to the primitive condition of the road.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Day Hiking

Emmaline Lake trail skirts the west side of the Pingree Park Campus, and follows a Jeep trail miles to Cirque Meadows, a popular destination for visitors. In 1994, a forest fire started by lightening destroyed a considerable area of pine forest and much of the Pingree Park Campus. Notice the small lodgepole pine, and abundance of wildflowers that are flourishing in the burn area. You will cross Fall Creek at Cirque meadows and continue on to Emmaline Lake where you will find the view of the nearby Mummy Range breathtaking. There is a large population of moose in this area, view them only from a safe distance as moose are unpredictable and can pose a significant danger if crowded. Emmaline Lake trailhead accommodates approximately 4 vehicles.

Fire Information Check for any seasonal fire restrictions before your hike. Many portions of this trail are within a Comanche Peak Wilderness Area Travel Zone, which prohibits campfires. Outside of the Travel Zone, campfires must be at least 200 feet from water and trails. 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: Moderate

Backpacking

Emmaline Lake trailhead accommodates approximately 4 vehicles.
Fire Information Check for any seasonal fire restrictions before your hike. Many portions of this trail are within a Comanche Peak Wilderness Area Travel Zone, which prohibits campfires. Outside of the Travel Zone, campfires must be at least 200 feet from water and trails. 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: Moderate

Horse Riding

Stock is only permited on this trail up to the Wilderness boundary. The trailhead only has parking for 4 vehicles.

Know Before You Go

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Related Links

Campgrounds At-A-Glance

Location

 
  Area/Length : 
5.7 miles one-way

  Latitude : 
40.576484

  Longitude : 
-105.584296

  Elevation : 
Beginning Elevation: 8,960' - Peak Elevation: 11,000'