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A fun trail to let your dog off the leash with many water crossings to romp through.


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Map Key

8.4

Miles

13.5

KM

Lollipop

6,797' 2,072 m

High

5,729' 1,746 m

Low

1,125' 343 m

Up

1,125' 343 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

27%

Max Grade (15°)

Dogs Off-leash

Features River/Creek · Views

Overview

This is a great trail for dog lovers as you can let your dog off leash to romp alongside you while you hike. There are many water crossings to cool you and your buddy down on a warm day.

Need to Know

There is a bathroom at the trailhead parking lot, but there are no trash cans or doggy poop bags, so bring your own bags and be prepared to haul your trash out. There are many water crossings in the first 2 and final 3 miles, but otherwise the trail is all pretty exposed to the sun and there is no water between mile 2 and 5ish. Dogs are allowed off leash here, making it a fun place to hike with your dog, just be aware of the lack of creek water between miles 2 and 5 on a warm, sunny day. There is no drinking water available at the trailhead.

Description

The lollipop-shaped trail begins on a slight downhill, but then begins a very gradual incline over the first 2 miles with many water crossings. When you reach a split in the trail just past the 2-mile mark, go left for a one-mile climb with several switchbacks.

After reaching the 3-mile point, the trail becomes a little more rolling, with some dips down and short steep climbs back up. You'll eventually top out around 6,850 feet of elevation before beginning the gradual descent through wide open grassy fields.

Around the 5-mile mark, you'll find more water crossings as you follow the creek back through the burned out forest to complete the loop section of the trail. You'll complete the loop around mile 6, where you'll begin a gradual descent back to the trailhead.

Flora & Fauna

There was a huge fire here in 2012, so there are many burned and fallen trees. We have seen deer and bighorn sheep in the area and signs of moose.

History & Background

You'll see some remains of homesteads from the early 1900s in the first 2 miles of the trail.

Contacts

Shared By:

Deborah Gulley

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 31 votes

#1

in Poudre Park

#482

Overall
  4.3 from 31 votes
5 Star
39%
4 Star
48%
3 Star
13%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Poudre Park

#101

in Colorado

#482

Overall
46 Views Last Month
11,229 Since Mar 13, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

4%
4%
86%
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7%
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Photos

My four legged companion enjoying the break and sights before we continue.
Mar 16, 2016 near Laporte, CO
Burned tree near the 3 mile mark.
Mar 13, 2016 near Laporte, CO
The view looking west just past the three mile mark on the trail. Elevation here is 6,700 ft.
Mar 13, 2016 near Laporte, CO
One of the many water crossings along the trail. Most have rocks to hop on.
Mar 13, 2016 near Laporte, CO
One of the few shady and cool spots along this trail, located at mile 1.5 and revisited again at mile 6.5.
Mar 13, 2016 near Laporte, CO
The fire in 2012 left so many burned trees. Some have fallen, but many are still standing.
Mar 13, 2016 near Laporte, CO

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Check-Ins

Jul 8, 2023
Maria Marbach
Fun hike, but it would be brutal on a sunny day. 8.4mi — 5h 00m
Jun 26, 2023
Katie Osland
Amazing hike!! 8.1mi — 3h 02m
May 31, 2023
Katie Osland
Did 2.5 out and back, just past the split 2.5mi
Mar 4, 2023
Meaghan O.
8.4mi
Oct 8, 2022
Greg Stewart
Great hike with Zac & Cowboy. 9.2mi — 3h 52m
Nov 6, 2021
Sean Villagracia
8.3mi — 3h 11m
Aug 23, 2021
Aaron Gaylord
8.4mi — 2h 40m
Mar 2, 2021
Paul DAuria
Close to summer and the pooches loved it 6mi — 2h 00m
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