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West BranchTrailhead (#960)
The West Branch Trail crosses a bridge about a 1/4 mile from the trailhead and soon enters the Rawah Wilderness. This beautiful trail follows the West Branch of the Laramie River and climbs through switchbacks for the next two miles to the intersection with Camp Lake Trail. From there the West Branch Trail continues west for another mile where it crosses the North Fork of the Laramie River to meet the south end of the Rawah Trail (#961). About two miles farther the trail enters a meadow and meets the north end of the Blue Lake Trail (#959) before continuing steeply to terminate at Island and Carey Lakes. Stream crossings may be tricky during spring runoff. West Branch trailhead accommodates approximately 26 vehicles and 4 horse trailers.
You can find more information at Poudre Wilderness Volunteers. Download trail summary here.
At a Glance
| Usage: | Heavy |
|---|---|
| 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. Closure Regulations: Alpine area closure, stoves only above 10,800 feet elevation (tree-line). |
| 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 and travel 52 miles to County Road 103, Laramie River Road. Turn right and travel north about 6 miles to trailhead parking on the left just past Tunnel Campground.Activities
Day Hiking
West Branch trailhead accommodates approximately 26 vehicles.
| Fire Information | Check for any seasonal fire restrictions before your hike. This trail is within the Rawah 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
West Branch trailhead accommodates approximately 26 vehicles.| Fire Information | Check for any seasonal fire restrictions before your hike. This trail is within the Rawah 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
West Branch trailhead accommodates approximately 26 vehicles.| Size Restrictions | no |
| Corrals | no |
| Loading Ramp | no |
| Hitching Rails | no |
| Difficulty Level: | Most Difficult |
|---|