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Fish Creek (#993)
Almost a mile from the start at either end of Fish Creek Trail, it enters the Comanche Peak Wilderness. Much of the trail in the wilderness is in lodgepole pine forest and follows along the banks of Fish Creek. There are several meadows plus slopes of mountain mahogany where the trail may not be clearly visible, so rock cairns have been placed to indicate the trail.
You can find more information at 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. Certified weed-free hay is required for stock. |
| 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, travel 26 miles, and turn left on County Road 63E, Pingree Park Road. Fish Creek Trail can be accessed from two locations. Either travel 8.5 miles to a trailhead on the Pingree Park Road or continue on another 7.5 miles to Forest Road 145. Turn right, pass Tom Bennett Campground, and travel 2 miles to a trailhead just before entering Sky Ranch.
Activities
Day Hiking
Fish Creek Trail may be accessed from two locations. The trailhead off County Road 63E accommodates 4 vehicles. (See trail directions for second access location.)| Fire Information | Check for any seasonal fire restrictions before your hike. This trail is within the Comanche Peak 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: | Moderate |
|---|
Backpacking
Fish Creek Trail may be accessed from two locations. The trailhead off County Road 63E accommodates 4 vehicles. (See trail directions for second access location.)| Fire Information | Check for any seasonal fire restrictions before your hike. This trail is within the Comanche Peak 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: | Moderate |
|---|
Horse Riding
Fish Creek Trail may be accessed from two locations. The trailhead off County Road 63E accommodates 4 vehicles. (See trail directions for second access location.)| Size Restrictions | no |
| Corrals | no |
| Loading Ramp | no |
| Hitching Rails | no |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate |
|---|