Molly Lake Trailhead: Granite Ridge (#991)

Visitors are greeted to one of Molly Lake's views.

The Granite Ridge Trail (formerly Molly Lake Trail) follows an old logging road through lodgepole and ponderosa pine with views of the South Lone Pine drainage. About a mile from the trailhead a short branch from the main trail leads to Molly Lake. Shortly after that another branch leads south through a gate to Elkhorn Creek. Several gates are encountered on the main trail, and at 3.8 miles the trail passes through a gate and junctions with the south end of Lady Moon Trail (#985) which can be followed north for a mile to its trailhead on the Red Feather Lakes Road. Trailhead accommodates approximately four vehicles. (No trailer parking.)

Find more information at Poudre Wilderness Volunteers. Download trail summary here.

At a Glance

Usage: Light
Restrictions: Trail Regulations: The north side of Molly Lake and all of Lady Moon Lake are on private property – please do not trespass. Certified weed-free hay is required for stock. Seasonal bike closure is from November 1st - June 30th.
Closest Towns: Red Feather Lakes
Water: None
Restroom: Practice Leave No Trace principles.

General Information

Directions: Travel 22 miles northwest of Fort Collins on U.S. Highway 287 to Livermore, and turn left on County Road 74E, Red Feather Lakes Road. Travel west for about 24 miles. Turn left on County Road 162, Manhattan Road, and travel 3 miles south to the trailhead on the left.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Day Hiking

Granite Ridge trailhead accommodates approximately 4 vehicles. (no trailer parking)

Fire Information Check for any seasonal fire restrictions before your hike. Campfires must be at least 100 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: Easy

Backpacking

Granite Ridge trailhead accommodates approximately 4 vehicles.

Fire Information Check for any seasonal fire restrictions before your hike. Campfires must be at least 100 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: Easy

Horse Riding

Granite Ridge trailhead accommodates approximately 4 vehicles. (no trailer parking)

Size Restrictions no
Corrals no
Loading Ramp no
Hitching Rails no
Difficulty Level: Easy

Know Before You Go

Related Information

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Related Links

Campgrounds At-A-Glance

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Location

 
  Area/Length : 
3.7 miles one-way

  Latitude : 
40.76786635220

  Longitude : 
-105.60933342300

  Elevation : 
Beginning Elevation: 8,550' - Peak Elevation: 8,630'