Leave No Trace
Overview
| Wilderness One Way Length Beginning Elevation Peak Elevation Gain/Loss/Net Gain Ratings USFS Regulations Trails Illustrated Quadrangle |
Comanche Peak 4.7 miles (from S.E. end of Comanche Reservoir to jct. with Mirror Lake Trail) 9,424 11,981 2,596/311/+2,285 Hikers – Strenuous; Stock Riders – ?? National Forest > Wilderness #112 Poudre River, Cameron Pass Comanche Peak |
Location
The Hourglass/Comanche Peak Trail is accessed from Beaver Creek Trail approximately 2.75 miles from Sky Ranch or 1.5 miles from the parking area at the locked gate west of Sky Ranch. Riders: No water for stock.
| GPS Coordinates North end of Comanche Reservoir dam Trailhead Boulder field Jct. Mirror Lake Trail |
N40°35.121’ W105°38.681’ N40°34.869’ W105°38.543’ Map N40°34.335’ W105°40.336’ N40°33.401’ W105°42.517’ |
Description
The Hourglass trailhead is about 0.3 mile off the Beaver Creek Trail, at the southeast end of Comanche Reservoir and ends at the intersection with the Mirror Lake Trail. This is not an easy trailhead to find, the trailhead actually begins at the south end of the dam. Cross the face of the dam to the south. You will notice the signed trailhead across the overflow spillway at timber’s edge. The trail follows a stream for a short distance and climbs a fairly steep pitch. Look for the mileage sign to the Mirror Lake Trail. Follow the trail as it climbs through a mature forest. Just before reaching the alpine tundra, you will pass by a large boulder field. Suitable campsite locations can be found off the trail as you approach timberline. Along the ridge the views are spectacular and you can see Comanche Lake nestled in the valley below. There is no clear trail that leads up to Comanche Peak, although a faint trail to the south of the peak is shown on some maps. The way to the Mirror Lake Trail is marked with rock cairns.
