The best walks and hikes around Red Feather Lakes

Red Feather Lakes offers a diverse network of over 14 hiking routes. These trails cater to various skill levels, including 5 easy routes, 8 moderate routes, and 1 more challenging option, ensuring there's something for every hiker.

Yes, Red Feather Lakes has several easy trails perfect for families. The Dowdy Lake — Red Feather Lakes — Roosevelt National Forest trail is a popular choice, leading through forested areas around Dowdy Lake. Other shorter, easy options include the Molly Lake Trail and Creedmore Lakes Trail, providing accessible nature experiences.

For a hike featuring a waterfall, consider the Disappointment Falls via the Lady Moon Trail — Red Feather Lakes — Roosevelt National Forest. This moderate route guides hikers through scenic aspen groves and offers mountainous vistas before reaching Disappointment Falls, a notable granite waterfall.

Yes, if you prefer loop trails, the Molly Moon, Lady Moon, and Granite Ridge Trails loop — Red Feather Lakes — Roosevelt National Forest is a great moderate option. Another excellent choice is the Mount Margaret Loop — Red Feather Lakes, which offers beautiful summit views of the Cache La Poudre Wilderness.

The diverse ecosystems of Red Feather Lakes are home to a wide array of wildlife. Hikers often spot various animals amidst the lush forests and mountain landscapes. Keep an eye out for deer, elk, and numerous bird species. The tranquil environment provides excellent opportunities for wildlife observation.

Red Feather Lakes offers beautiful hiking experiences throughout much of the year. Spring and summer bring vibrant wildflowers and lush greenery, while autumn transforms the aspen groves into stunning golden hues. While some trails may be accessible in winter, it's essential to check conditions as snow can make certain routes more challenging or impassable.

Absolutely. Many trails in Red Feather Lakes provide stunning mountain vistas. The Mount Margaret Loop — Red Feather Lakes is particularly known for its beautiful summit views of the Cache La Poudre Wilderness. The region's characteristic mountain views are a highlight of many routes.

The trails in Red Feather Lakes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the serene natural environment, the beauty of the lush forests and tranquil lakes, and the variety of trails suitable for different experience levels. The less crowded atmosphere compared to other Colorado destinations is also frequently appreciated.

Beyond the trails themselves, the Red Feather Lakes area is rich with natural beauty. You'll encounter lush forests of pine and aspen, tranquil lakes like Dowdy Lake, West Lake, and Bellaire Lake, and expansive mountain views. The nearby Cache La Poudre River, a Wild & Scenic River, also offers scenic enjoyment. Don't miss Disappointment Falls on the Lady Moon Trail for a unique granite waterfall.

The elevation gain varies significantly depending on the trail's difficulty and length. For instance, an easy route like Dowdy Lake — Red Feather Lakes — Roosevelt National Forest has minimal elevation change, around 10 meters. Moderate trails, such as the Disappointment Falls via the Lady Moon Trail, can involve around 200 meters of ascent. More challenging backcountry treks in wilderness areas like Rawah will feature steeper inclines and greater elevation gains.

Yes, Red Feather Lakes is a hub for a variety of outdoor pursuits. In addition to hiking, visitors can enjoy camping (both reserved and dispersed), fishing in the well-stocked lakes, mountain biking, ATV riding, and horseback riding. The region's diverse landscape provides ample opportunities for a full outdoor adventure.