The Cache la Poudre is Colorado's only nationally designated Wild and Scenic River. Starting high in the peaks of Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park along the Continental Divide, the river flows down a rocky canyon through the Roosevelt National Forest, dropping 7,000 feet in elevation along the way. Many recreational opportunities abound along and on the river, incluidng scenic drives, camping, picnicking, fishing, rafting, hiking, mountain biking and wildlife viewing opportunities.
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Upper Poudre River
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Sleeping Elephant along the Poudre
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Profile Rock along the Cache la Poudre Wild and Scenic River
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Poudre narrows
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Commercial rafters on the river Sept 2008
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At a Glance
Reservations:
Five campgrounds along the Poudre accept reservations; six others are first come, first served.
Arrowhead Lodge serves as a visitor center for people traveling and recreating in the Cache la Poudre River corridor. Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and staffed by helpful volunteers.
General Information
General Notes:
View a vicinity map of the Cache la Poudre Wild and Scenic River (geo .pdf)
Select the image to view a downloadable map of recreation sites along the river, including put-ins and take-outs along the river.
There are 11 campgrounds along the Poudre. Five of thesee accept reservations and the other six are first come, first served. Campgrounds are typically open from mid- to late- summer and often fill by Wednesday or Thursday. Ansel Watrous Campground stays open all year.
Fishing for trout in the Poudre River is a great adventure. Cutthroat trout and introduced brown and rainbow trout are plentiful.
Some areas of the Poudre are catch-and-release only, Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages fishing activities. Licenses may be purchased at their office and at sporting goods stores in Fort Collins and at many canyon resorts.
Hiking
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Day Hiking
Hiking trails start along the river and head into the high country. Park at one of the many trailheads throughout the canyon and explore one of the many Poudre tributaries that meander through meadows and forests before joining with the Poudre River.
Small and big game hunting is managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Several campgrounds remain open with no water during the fall hunting season.
Small Game Hunting
Small and big game hunting is managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Several campgrounds remain open with no water during the fall hunting season.
Nature Viewing
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Viewing Wildlife
The Poudre Canyon is home to many of the "usual" mountain wildlife found in the central Rockies - mule deer, elk, black bear, fox, mountain lion, bighorn sheep, bobcat, moose, squirrels and rabbits - but it is also home to over a hundred species of birds and the unique looking tassel-eared squirrel.
There is a bighorn sheep viewing area where these amazing animals can often be seen near the Big Bend Campground.
Picnicking
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Picnicking
Stop and enjoy the sights and sounds of the river at one of a dozen picnic areas. Picnic areas have tables, fire grills and vault toilets. Two are fee areas, while the rest are not.
Loaded with both amazing scenery and history, Colorado State Highway 14 follows much of the river's winding path. The route is designated a State Scenic and Historic Byway and spans 106 miles between Fort Collins and Walden, Colo. Be sure to watch for bicycles, cattle, wildlife, slow vehicles and people along the road.
Water Activities
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Boating - Non-Motorized
Whitewater boating is very popular from April through August. Rapids range from Class 2 to Class 5, offering a challenge for canoes, kayaks and rafts alike.
Difficulty varies drastically with water levels, and hazards are common, including dams and low bridges.
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There are 11 campgrounds along the Poudre. Five of thesee accept reservations and the other six are first come, first served. Campgrounds are typically open from mid- to late- summer and often fill by Wednesday or Thursday. Ansel Watrous Campground stays open all year.
Fishing for trout in the Poudre River is a great adventure. Cutthroat trout and introduced brown and rainbow trout are plentiful.
The Poudre Canyon is home to many of the "usual" mountain wildlife found in the central Rockies - mule deer, elk, black bear, fox, mountain lion, bighorn sheep, bobcat, moose, squirrels and rabbits - but it is also home to over a hundred species of birds and the unique looking tassel-eared squirrel.
Stop and enjoy the sights and sounds of the river at one of a dozen picnic areas. Picnic areas have tables, fire grills and vault toilets. Two are fee areas, while the rest are not.
Loaded with both amazing scenery and history, Colorado State Highway 14 follows much of the river's winding path. The route is designated a 
HIDE
Whitewater boating is very popular from April through August. Rapids range from Class 2 to Class 5, offering a challenge for canoes, kayaks and rafts alike.
