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Hourglass (#984)
Hourglass Trail is accessed via the Beaver Creek Trail (#942) which skirts the north side of Sky Ranch, then rejoins the road west of the ranch for a short distance before re-entering the forest. It then skirts the north side of Hourglass Reservoir and arrives at the north end of Comanche Reservoir dam. Hourglass Trail (#984) begins at the south end of the dam and soon enters the Comanche Wilderness. It continues to climb for nearly four miles and terminates at the Mirror Lake Trail (#943) which provides access to Mirror Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park.
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: | 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, travel 26 miles, and turn left on County Road 63E, Pingree Park Road. Travel 16 miles to Forest Road 145. Turn right, pass Tom Bennett Campground, and travel 2 miles to Beaver Creek Trailhead just before entering Sky Ranch.Activities
Day Hiking
The Hourglass Trail begins along the Beaver Creek Trail at the east end of Comanche Reservoir and ends at the intersection with Mirror Lake Trail. This is not an easy trailhead to find. The trail will follow a stream for a short distance, climb through a mature forest before reaching the alpine tundra with view to Comanche Lake. See Beaver Creek trail for trailhead information.| 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: | Most Difficult |
|---|
Backpacking
See Beaver Creek trail for trailhead information.| 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: | Most Difficult |
|---|
Horse Riding
See Beaver Creek trail for trailhead information.| Size Restrictions | no |
| Corrals | no |
| Loading Ramp | no |
| Hitching Rails | no |
| Difficulty Level: | Most Difficult |
|---|