Stormy Peaks (#980)

A moraine view from Stormy Peaks Trail.

The trail follows a moraine for more than a mile and then begins rising to provide spectacular views of Pingree Park and the Mummy Range. The trail crosses almost a mile of the Comanche Peak Wilderness before reaching the northern border of Rocky Mountain National Park. The trail continues and connects with the backcountry systems of the park. A favorite route of backpackers involves being dropped at the Stormy Peaks trailhead, hiking through Rocky Mountain National Park over Stormy Peaks Pass, and exiting via the North Fork Trail (#929) to be picked up at the Dunraven Trailhead. Stormy Peaks trailhead accommodates approximately 7 vehicles.

You can find more information at Poudre Wilderness Volunteers. 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. In Rocky Mountain National Park: Dogs are prohibited. Permit required for overnight camping in park. Check with park for other regulations.
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, and travel 26 miles to County Road 63E, Pingree Park Road. Turn left and travel 17.5 miles to the trailhead located a few hundred feet south of the entrance to the Pingree Park campus of Colorado State University.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Day Hiking

Stormy Peaks trailhead accommodates approximately 7 vehicles.

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

Stormy Peaks trailhead accommodates approximately 7 vehicles.
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

Stormy Peaks trailhead accommodates approximately 7 vehicles.
Size Restrictions no
Corrals no
Loading Ramp no
Hitching Rails no
Difficulty Level: Moderate

Know Before You Go

Related Information

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Related Links

Campgrounds At-A-Glance

Location

 
  Area/Length : 
3.2 miles (to the forest boundary)

  Latitude : 
40.571642

  Longitude : 
-105.589222

  Elevation : 
Beginning Elevation: 9,040' - Peak Elevation: 10,400