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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 opportunities.
At a Glance
| Reservations: | Five campgrounds along the Poudre accept reservations; six others are first come, first served. |
|---|---|
| Busiest Season: | Summer |
General Information
General Notes: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.
Activities
Campground Camping
There are 11 campgrounds along the Poudre. Five of thesee accept reservations and the other six are first come, first served. Campgrounds are typically open from mid- to late- summer and often fill by Wednesday or Thursday. Ansel Watrous Campground stays open all year.
- Ansel Watrous
- Stove Prairie
- Narrows
- Dutch George
- Mountain Park
- Kelly Flats
- Jack's Gulch
- Tom Bennett
- Big Bend
- Sleeping Elephant
- Big South
- Aspen Glen
- Chambers Lake
- Long Draw
- Grandview
- Tunnel
| Fees: | Varies |
|---|
River and Stream Fishing
Fishing for trout in the Poudre River is a great adventure. Cutthroat trout and introduced brown and rainbow trout are plentiful.
Some areas of the Poudre are catch-and-release only, Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages fishing activities. Licenses may be purchased at their office and at sporting goods stores in Fort Collins and at many canyon resorts.
Day Hiking
Hiking trails start along the river and head into the high country. Park at one of the many trailheads throughout the canyon and explore one of the many Poudre tributaries that meander through meadows and forests before joining with the Poudre River.
- Greyrock Trail
- Hewlett Gulch Trail
- Young Gulch Trail
- Mount McConnell
- Dadd Gulch Trail
- Roaring Creek Trail
- Big South Trail
- Blue Lake Trail
- Zimmerman Lake Trail
Viewing Wildlife
The Poudre Canyon is home to many of the "usual" mountain wildlife found in the central Rockies - mule deer, elk, black bear, fox, mountain lion, bighorn sheep, bobcat, moose, squirrels and rabbits - but it is also home to over a hundred species of birds and the unique looking tassel-eared squirrel.
There is a bighorn sheep viewing area where these amazing animals can often be seen near the Big Bend Campground.
Picnicking
Stop and enjoy the sights and sounds of the river at one of a dozen picnic areas. Picnic areas have tables, fire grills and vault toilets. Two are fee areas, while the rest are not.
- Picnic Rock
- Poudre Park
- Diamond Rock
- Ouzel
- Upper Landing
- Steven's Gulch
- Narrows River Access
- Century Park
- Mountain Park ($)
- Bennett Creek
- Fish Creek
- Tunnel
- Chambers Lake ($)
- Cameron Pass
| Fees: | Two are fee areas, while the rest are not. |
|---|
Scenic Driving
Loaded with both amazing scenery and history, Colorado State Highway 14 follows much of the river's winding path. The route is designated a State Scenic and Historic Byway and spans 106 miles between Fort Collins and Walden, Colo. Be sure to watch for bicycles, cattle, wildlife, slow vehicles and people along the road.
Boating - Non-Motorized
Whitewater boating is very popular from April through August. Rapids range from Class 2 to Class 5, offering a challenge for canoes, kayaks and rafts alike.
Difficulty varies drastically with water levels, and hazards are common, including dams and low bridges.
Go with a professional outfitter if you are unfamiliar with the river.