Leave No Trace
Overview
| Wilderness One Way Length Beginning Elevation Peak Elevation Gain/Loss/Net Gain Ratings USFS Regulations Trails Illustrated Quadrangle |
None 5.1 miles (trailhead to South Bald Mountain jeep road) 7,738 9,821 2,141/58/+2,083 Hikers – Moderate - Strenuous; Stock – Not Recommended National Forest #112 Poudre River and #111 Red Feather Lakes Boston Peak, Kinikinik |
Location
Poudre Canyon, 40.5 miles from Ted’s Place (at mm 82.1). The parking lot is on the right side, 1.5 miles past the DOW fish hatchery. Facilities located at the Big Bend Campground approximately 1 mile before reaching the trailhead. Stock: First mile steep and rocky.
| GPS Coordinates Trailhead Jct. Elkhorn Baldy Road |
N40°42.843’ W105°44.099’ Map N40°45.817’ W105°45.976’ |
Description
This trail climbs some 5 miles from the Poudre Canyon following Roaring Creek. The headwaters of Roaring Creek are located just east of the Nunn Creek Basin. Bighorn sheep can sometimes be seen browsing in the trailhead area. The trail heads north, crossing a bridge over the north branch of Roaring Creek, then climbs steeply, making several switchbacks through sagebrush, some large ponderosa pine, and Douglas-fir before leveling out on a bench. The trail from this point meanders along the willow-covered sides of Roaring Creek and through lodgepole pine forest until it intersects with the Elkhorn Baldy Road (FDR-517). Look for moose along the upper portion of the trail. The creek is inhabited by native greenback cutthroat trout. The trail has been discovered by dayhikers and is a popular hiking trail.
