The Ten Essentials
Overview
| Wilderness One Way Length Beginning Elevation Peak Elevation Gain/Loss/Net Gain Ratings USFS Regulations Trails Illustrated Quadrangle |
Rawah 9.6 miles (trailhead to Ute Pass) – 4.5 miles to McIntyre Creek Trail 8,432 9,926 1,737/243/+1,494 Hikers – Strenuous; Stock Riders – Moderate Wilderness #111 Red Feather Lakes, Glendevey; #113 Cowdrey, North Sand Hills Glendevey, Shipman Mountain |
The McIntrye Trail provides primary access to the McIntrye Creek Cutoff Trail and the Medicine Bow (North) Trail.
Location
Drive up the Poudre Canyon for 51.6 miles from Ted’s Place, turn right on the Laramie River Road (at mm 71.5), and drive about 15.5 miles, to where the road splits. Turn left and follow the Glendevey Road (CR-190) for about 2.7 miles. The Link and McIntyre trailheads are on the left just past Browns Park Campground. Facilities and water for stock are available at the campground. Trailer parking is available at trailhead.
| GPS Coordinates Trailhead off Glendevey Road Jct. McIntyre Creek Cutoff Trail Ute Pass |
N40°47.874’ W105°55.723’ Map N40°46.435’ W105°59.811’ N40°48.507’ W106°03.026’ |
Description
This trail is the main access to the northern end of the Rawah Wilderness. It provides access to the northern part of the Medicine Bow Trail, the northern end of the McIntyre Creek Cutoff Trail, and the western end of the Shipman Park Trail. The McIntyre Trail begins with a fairly long traverse around a hillside and then drops down to McIntyre Creek, which is crossed by a sturdy bridge large enough for well-trained horses. Just on the other side of the bridge is a private trail coming in from the Glendevey Guest Ranch. The trail proceeds along the north bank of McIntyre Creek, climbing steadily but gradually. After about 4 miles you will approach Housmer Park. As you do, you will see that the main branch of McIntyre Creek comes in from the south near an old trapper’s cabin. After a short climb, you will pass through a gate and notice the McIntyre Creek Cutoff Trail heading off to the south.
The old track that you follow most of the way to Ute Pass, except the newer trail that skirts the east side of Housmer Park, was the first road across the range from the Laramie River Valley to North Park. From Housmer Park, the trail climbs steadily through the forest for another 5 miles. As you near Ute Pass, you will pass the junction of the southbound part of the Medicine Bow Trail (see Medicine Bow (South) trail) and a side trail down into Shipman Park (Shipman Park Trail, #974). Both of these trails are sign posted at this junction. Continue on to Ute Pass. If you wish, go up the hill to the northwest and enjoy the view out over North Park.
It is up here that the northbound part of the Medicine Bow Trail departs, though it is not sign posted (see Medicine Bow (North) patrol). Ute Pass is a great place to camp, for both backpackers and horsepackers. There is lots of good grazing, and there’s nearly always water down in the vale to the east of the pass, except in very dry years. If you have time, a side trip down into Shipman Park is recommended. Wildlife is abundant in this area, including moose, elk, and mule deer.
