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Mount McConnel (#992) Kreutzer Nature
The parking area at Mount McConnel trailhead accommodates approximately five vehicles. If the trailhead parking is full, you can park in the Mountain Park Picnic Site. In the off season, this trailhead parking is closed.
The trail leaves the Mountain Park Picnic Site for loop hikes on the Kreutzer Nature Trail (#936) and Mt. McConnel Trail (#992). Most hikers begin at the trailhead, circle to the south and east, then exit near the bridge across the Cache La Poudre river, walking back up the campground road to return to their vehicle at the trailhead.
At one mile, the Mt. McConnel Trail branches off of the Kreutzer trail to the right and ascends to the summit, while the shorter 2-mile Kreutzer Nature Trail continues its loop to the east.
If you take the Mount McConnell trail to the summit, you will find the east leg of the Mt. McConnel loop is steep, rocky and difficult to navigate.
You can find more information at Poudre Wilderness Volunteers. Download the trail summary here.
At a Glance
| Fees: | There is a day use fee. |
|---|---|
| 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. Trail Regulations: Livestock is prohibited |
| Closest Towns: | Fort Collins |
| Water: | None |
| 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 24 miles. Turn left and cross the bridge into Mountain Park Campground, the trailhead is to the right after the bridge near the end of the day use area.Activities
Day Hiking
Mount McConnel trailhead accommodates approximately 5 vehicles.
| Fire Information | Check for any seasonal fire restrictions before your hike. This trail is within the Cache la Poudre Wilderness Area, where 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: | Most Difficult |
|---|