Leave No Trace
Overview
| Wilderness One Way Length Beginning Elevation Peak Elevation Gain/Loss/Net Gain Ratings USFS Regulations Trails Illustrated Quadrangle |
Rawah 4.3 miles (from McIntyre Trail to Medicine Bow Trail) 9,509 10,779 1,325/55/+1,270 Hikers – Moderate to Strenuous; Stock Riders – Challenging Wilderness #111 Red Feather Lakes, Glendevey; #112 Poudre River, Cameron Pass Glendevey, Rawah Lakes |
Location
Refer to McIntyre Trail for driving instructions. The McIntyre Creek Cutoff Trail is reached via the McIntyre Trail.
| GPS Coordinates Trailhead at McIntyre Creek Trail Jct. Medicine Bow Trail |
N40°46.435’ W105°59.811’ Map N40°43.995’ W105°59.789’ |
Description
Follow the McIntyre Trail to just below Housmer Park. Shortly after passing through a gate, the McIntyre Creek Trail Cutoff Trail branches off to the left. Be prepared to get wet on this trail as you must ford the creek and go through mud holes created by excessive outfitter use. This is not a pleasant trail and backpackers or individual riders rarely use it. It is best accomplished on horseback. The trail has been routed away from the creek as it climbs steadily to the “McIntyre ponds”; a group of ponds scattered along the trail for nearly a mile. The trail then climbs very steeply up the face of the Medicine Bow Range, coming out on top at the Medicine Bow Trail. This is an extremely steep ascent. It would be best to camp in the vicinity of the ponds. Note the social trail going over to the creek. An outfitter maintains a fly fishing camp at the end of it, which is about 0.25 mile. Please pickup any trash you find from hunting season in this area.
