Cache La Poudre River Reviews

Such a beautiful path along the river. Well maintained and traveled. My only concern is how fast some bikers speed along the trail.

Start as you turn off 287 and go into a most beautiful travel. This ride takes you past a continuous creek, mountains, wildlife and if you have the time c go all the way to Walden, crossing Cameron Peak. I hear fishing to great here or just tube on the river

Enjoyed our visit to this area immensely. Beautiful sights and great camping areas. The river is gentle enough to sit your chair in and relax.

My family's first full day in CO was rainy and overcast but we wanted to see the views so decided to drive and see what we could find. During a break in the rain, we entered one of the park areas (can't remember the name) near the river where there were picnic areas and hiking options. We took a short stroll across a bridge beside the river and saw a small made-made waterfall, dam looking thing (how's that for a description?). It was lovely even though the sprinkles started back as we were leaving.

We kept driving along the river up through the canyon which was amazing scenery. Lots of folks were rafting the rapids and fishing. Eventually we wound around and ended up at the Horsetooth Reservoir late in the day as the sun was making its way to sunset. It was gorgeous. We saw hikers and folks in boats and canoes/kayaks. Wish we had more time to spend there.

It would be worth doing some research on the front end and deciding to spend some time in all the various areas along the river.

These are the picturesque mountain streams you hope you'll see when visiting beautiful Colorado. At various points along the drive, there's everything from a slow trickle to rushing falls. Beautiful.

This is a great drive up to Cameron Pass and over to Steamboat. If you're a "mountain" person it's a wonderful place to see, stop along the road, put your feet in the river (only when the water level is low!!), picnic, fish or just enjoy the sounds.

Beauty greats you on every turn. The natural scenery takes your breath away. One of the best motorcycle rides. Be prepared to be stunned with the beauty.

Fishing, hiking, camping or just a Sunday drive to enjoy the views of one of the most beautiful rivers in the Rockies, take the time to drive the Poudre Canyon to Gould where you should stop at the State Moose Info Center!

We love this canyon and river area. Highway 14 is a beautiful drive through the canyon with plenty of places to stop and enjoy the river.

The Cache La Poudre River and the drive up the canyon is one of my favorite things to do. Your head needs to be on a swivel or your need to take turns driving to really enjoy the Poudre.

Astounding Canyon, but I'd rather not bike it. Not much in the way of ridable shoulder and there's a lot of heavy traffic and tight corners. This is a tight canyon much of the time. To hike you really have to get away from the road. Camping is fine, and of course rafting, and fishing, but the walker or biker will find it a bit scary traffic wise.

The Spring thaw and recent rains had the river full and raging down stream. It was a beautiful ride following the river down the canyon.

Driving West out of Fort Collins on Highway 14 you travel right along the Cache La Poudre River. The river has cut a beautiful canyon through the foothills and mountains.
The Cache La Poudre is classified as the only wild and scenic river in Colorado. As you drive along, you can see many people rafting, kayaking and even floating inside inner tubes through various stretches of the river.
There are also trail heads located just off of Highway 14. The Grey Rock Trail has a parking area just South of the Highway and there is a pedestrian bridge to cross the river to reach the trail.

This is a beautiful area to see. My husband and I took a few hours to drive back into the canyon a ways. Breath taking views.

Popular with locals. Sixty mile canyon drive along the Poudre River offers hiking, camping, fishing, rafting, kayaking and much more. Use this route as an alternate to Steamboat Springs via Walden.

Spent ten days in the Rocky Mountain national park area And found Cache La Poudre River Canyon to be a nice little side trip not crowded on the Thursday when we went would really like to see it in the fall with a little snow Would make it a lot better in my opinion

During the month of June, it's time to do a river raft ride. We booked with one of the guides and was not disappointed with our raft ride. It was exciting and so fun to do. It's a must do while in CO!

The Poudre River/canyon is beautiful. Good road with lots of pullouts for picnic and hiking. Some good fishing to be had a little higher up although the river is a little harder to wade because of the loose boulders. A little crowded for camping for my taste. All in all a good day trip.

The Poudre River and canyon northwest of Fort Collins offers many areas to stop, enjoy and hike (or fish) as you prefer. White water rafting is also an event in the early summer as the runoff from the winter snows starts. Come and enjoy.

We used A1 Wildwater for an afternoon float trip. This was our first raft trip and it definitely won't be the last. If your wanting to river raft, check out A1 Wildwater, their guides are great!

There are several locations where you can get out of the car and get down to the river quite easily. It was flowing quickly, but wasn't treacherous. I sat on a rock with my feet in the water for a little while. There were people tubing along the stretch of river where we were. A little further along the highway, we saw the rafters.

This is in our backyard so to speak. You don't have to drive very far to get away from the crowds. If you get thirsty or hungry, then there is the Mish.

This is a quick trip up from LaPorte with lots of pull off zones for fishing, picnic and relation. Some areas for camping but they are fee zones. Lots of rafters that come down so its cool to watch them.

The drive through the tunnel is unique & the canyon scenery is incredible! The river is so clean. Be sure to stop at Mishawaka for lunch & a craft brew.

The Poudre River Trail is LONG. you can essentially follow this wonderful from clear east of Windsor all the way up into Poudre Canyon, with occasional breaks in the trail. In the summer time, it is buzzing with activity from walkers, hikers and bicyclists.
There are places to leave the trail while in Ft. Collins to grab a bite or drink than continue along your way.

If you're in geocaching, there are caches spread along the length as well to tag.
There is no time limit on this, simply walk for as long as you like.
Definitely recommended!

Check out the Fort Collins Natural Areas - google it - there are a number of them along the La Poudre river with easy access - either walking from downtown, or driving to those slightly further away. Well maintained safe trails - short to long walks/hikes/bike rides are all options

Views for days. Breathtaking drive/rafting/swimming/hiking area. So gorgeous! We spent one day riding the motorcycle along the river and the next day rafting it. Absolutely beautiful area.

I went on a rafting trip through Wanderlust Tours on the Poudre and loved it! The unique and pristine scenery is like no other place you'd see. If you can't raft then just drive or stop along side of the river. It's worth it.

If you're in the area, a drive through the Cache la Poudre canyon is a must. Just so beautiful. There are plenty of places to pull off with picnic tables, fire pits and restrooms ( the cleanest I've seen). Walk down to the river, fish or just sit and look at the beauty. It's well worth the trip.

loved this experience, as did the rest of the family! Courtni is a close friend of my cousin, and she was a really great person and guide. The bus rides were really fun too with Cam, and all the other "crazy goofballs". They all made for a really fun time, and the rapids didn't disappoint! Also, Marshall was a great driver.

This is absolutely the best time of year to take a drive along the Poudre River. With the snow melt an unusually rainy Spring, the Cache La Poudre is a must see in 2023. We drove from Fort Collins and met up with the Poudre just outside of Roosevelt National Park off Hwy 287. The river road winds you through some of the most breathtaking nature you have ever seen. Rolling hills, sharp rock formations that reach to the sky, and river rapids all the way, as well as, plenty of places to stop along the way to capture it all on film or phone. You can take as long of a drive as you'd like or keep it short. It doesn't have to be an all day event, but one that shouldn't be missed no matter what.

Just 6 miles north of Fort Collins, Poudre Canyon offers a variety of breathtaking views from massive rock cliffs to many beautiful scenes of the river, often with fly fishermen trying their luck in the fast flowing water. The dramatic results of fires about 6 years ago as well as one in early September of this year, give you an appreciation for nature. The random destruction still left many pines to provide seeds for forest regeneration but only adds to the experience. Plan for an hour each way to Rustic due to the curves and 35-40 mph speed limit, but it is well worth the trip.

I've never seen so many trout fishermen. As we drove up the river, we also saw many rafting groups, especially in the lower section. The scenery is really beautiful, with lots of variety. We needed gasoline, and found some at Rustic, but it was expensive. We went up as far as Cameron Pass at 10,000 ft elevation. There are many pullouts along the road for taking pictures, and multiple campgrounds and fishing spots.

There are many things to do along the Cache La Poudre River! Fishing, white water rafting, picnicking, watching the river and listening to its rushing water. Or, what I do, painting it's beauty and enjoying its color and wildlife during all seasons of the year.

best to go during Spring snow melt, lots of rapids and small waterfalls. Be sure to take the trip to the top and go thru Cimmeron Pass. Moose are easy to spot in the evening and early morning.

In the "Mountain Park Campground," located on the river, there are two trails that share the same trailhead: Kreutzer Nature Trail and Mount McConnel Trail. The Kreutzer Nature Trail is a very pleasant loop, and we were then only ones there despite the full campground below. The trail was in fine condition. I'd rate the terrain as moderate, because of the 600-foot elevation gain, but you can turn around sooner and go back, for example turning around after a 200-foot gain it would be fairly easy. I enjoyed stopping in the shady spots and examining the wildflowers and watching birds.

To get to the campground and trail head, drive 11 miles northwest of Fort Collins on U.S Highway 287 to Colorado Highway 14, then turn left on CO 14 and drive 24 miles. The trail head is at the top of the campground. At the bottom of the campground you can walk down to the river.

I've walked the river every day for 26 years. Too many people and other environmental impacts have taken a serious toll. Riparian and aquatic health has declined dramatically. Fishing is sad compared to what it once was. The banks are full of litter from marathon runners, cyclists, rafters, fishermen, and other sight seers. It's still pretty compared to a city, but it's clearly in a downward spiral.

Our visit was to the portion of the river that runs through Fort Collins. Specifically, we visited along the walking/bike trail after having parked at Lee Martinez Park. The Colorado flora was gorgeous and the walk is right next to the river, which was extremely calm as a number of folks used an inter tube to float slowly passed us. We have two small children who could easily play in less than a foot of water in late summer. One of our favorite Fort Collins places!

The Poudre River is 126 miles long - I am just reviewing the part of it that is in town -- the Swanson Natural Area.

We were going to visit New Belgium Brewery and got there too early. What to do? We saw a parking area just down the street and went to see what there was. Well, there is a lovely walking path along the Cache La Poudre River.

The path is paved and wheelchair accessible. You can take dirt paths right to the river. This is nice area for birding or just relaxing. There are interpretive signs and restrooms.

Here, you can enjoy the river without a day trip.

Fishing should still be passable upstream of the fracking fluid/oil spill. Below the mouth of the canyon there's often not enough water left after all the draws for fracking, agricultural and municipal users to support flows during summer.

We went to the River twice during our trip to Colorado. The terrain is stunning and the river is beautiful and cold! A must see.

This was my second rafting trip to experience the beautiful Rocky Mountain scenery and the refreshing (36 degrees!) white water just north of Ft. Collins. The rafting crews were very helpful to fit us in the right safety gear and teach everyone how to navigate on the river. There's also lots to see and do nearby in and around historic Ft. Collins such as brewery tours, a museum and Estes Park is about an hour and a half away.

Only a short drive out of town and you are in a stunning natural setting. Whether you drive all the way "up the Poudre" or only a few miles, anywhere you stop is beautiful. There are many easly accessible places to stop for a picnic, fishing, photography, hiking or just taking in the natural beauty. Do some homework before you go and you will find many offerings to suit your preferences.

Imagine a 20 mile canyon which pours spring run off into a narrow canyon, then add incredible mountains, and terrain. That is the canyon. Traveling on a motorcycle it is amazing how beautiful it is.

The area is very convenient to Ft. Collins and is beautiful for a drive, picnic, hike and mountain bike. Great kayaking too, a challenging river, I am not sure of the grade level, but depending on the time of year and the stretch I'm sure it will reach a 5.

Very enjoyable, scenic drive along the river. Multiple campsites, privies, etc. (some closed in winter). Probably gets very crowded in summer.

Hiked about six miles along the Big South trail, three out and back. Stunning views, smells, and sounds of rushing water abound. Great intermediate trail with gradual elevation changes and plenty of places to stop along the river for a snack or a photo.

Great wilderness area. Many good campsites, both developed and rustic. We saw many folks fly fishing, so seems like a hot spot for that. This is also just a great place to go for a scenic drive.

Who doesn't like the Poudre River? The bike path alongside is fabulous...shows the river off at every bend!!! Whether you are just sight-seeing, picnicing, or tubing, it's fun to view/visit any time of year!!!

Just an incredible day trip to enjoy this awesome canyon so close to our little city. Locals just say we are heading "up the canyon'. Fast moving water in the spring for rafters and kayakers, slow meandering in the summer and fall. A great time to go tubing or just splash around in the river. A picnic, a run up to The Mish for a burger or a show. You can't beat this place. Grab your cooler, a towel and a picnic lunch. Your set for the day.

What a amazing view and hike. We went there both mornings we were visiting and it was so peaceful and beauitful..

We did a 1/2 day whitewater rafting trip on the Cache La Poudre River, and this was incredible. The river provided excitement and adventure, as well as some very scenic views.

We walk the Trail already 3 times a week. It’s a nice clean,safe trail. It’s a great way to escape the stress of every day life.

Love this river-- every windy portion of it -- walk by part of it weekly -- it's clean and it's pretty mesmerizing to look at, kind of puts you in your place.

We entered the pass from Walden and ended in Fort Collins. The drive is very easy and takes around 2-4 hours based on how much time you want to spent. The pass has numerous pull overs. The river is gentle and great for kayaking. During our drive we encountered heavy rain and light hail so could not get out for the last half an hour but witnessed a double rainbow touching the highway. I am assuming it could be excellent for fall colors as well. Lots of panoramic picture opportunity. Yet another 10K ft high Colorado mountain pass. Did no see any food or drinks places but ample of private lodging available.

Always a good time going up the mountain. Take a picnic lunch cause there are not many places to stop & eat.

Beautiful scenery. It is well maintained. Wonderful place to visit. Offers plenty of things to do for everyone in the great outdoors.

We wanted to get out of town and enjoy the beautiful scenery. This scenic drive was perfect, not far from Fort Collins, very little traffic and lots of river access. We found a perfect spot to sit by the river and enjoy a lunch. We will definitely return to Cache La Poudre River.

Driving 14 through the canyon was so beautiful. The river was full of rapids, waterfalls, people fishing. It was my favorite scenic byway that we traveled so far in Colorado.

See my review for Mountain Whitewater Descents. My experience was during a business team-building event, and it was the best time with a very good crew of people at MWD.

Dropped daughter off for college, stopped by st petes and rented rod, reel and boots, bought some other gear and got a few 2 hour sessions in, great river, low in August, lots of large and small trout

We rafted this river plus went fly fishing on it. It is hard to match the beauty of it all, especially on the remote stretches you see while on the raft. Try it!

The drive up the canyon from just north of Ft Collins is beautiful. We like that it’s not too crowded. There are lots of picnic and camping areas that are really nice. You can stop and enjoy the river , just be careful when it’s running fast and high. Several side roads provide even more fun areas to explore, and hikes to take, or 4wd roads to enjoy. Be sure to stop at Rustic and check out the store and/ or restaurant. Both are nice.

We found this by accident and it as a pleasant drive a bit out of town. Saw some rapids, folks fishing or hiking in the area.

River, streams, trails, and peaks. Terrific place to drive and hike. Hydrate while hiking and carry snacks. Great place for a picnic.

We love this place! The canyon is very beautiful. It is a two lane paved highway. Part of it is through canyon walls but most of it is not. If you enter from Fort Collins make sure you have plenty of gas. Bring your bathing suit. Alot of people fly fishing. There are plenty of places to walk or tube in the river. There are both quiet and rushing waters. If possible go during the week as it is extremely busy on the weekend . Lots of camping. Some are reserveable but most are "first come, first served." If you go up on a Thursday or Friday night to camp you probably won't find a spot. $22 a site with no electricity. There are also picnic areas - they charge $6 a car. It probably will take you 2.5 - 3 hours to drive from from Ted's place (gas station) on the east end of the canyon to the top of Cameron Pass - the west end. But if you stop and enjoy everything it would take longer. Get out and wade, have a picnic lunch - you will enjoy every minute of it. It is one of the best kept secrets in Colorado and so I was hesitant to even write about it.

We spent time with family at Glen Echo resort in Poudre Canyon. Easy drive and very scenic. Lots to do during our stay. Horseback riding, rafting, fishing, smors, campfires. They have a store, liquor store, great restaurant with excellent food and a bar. There are RV sites, cabins, both rustic and modern, and tent sites, some on an island in the river. We saw bear, deer and moose.

It's a short drive out of Ft Collins to the Poudre River canyon and lots of scenic/photo opportunities along the drive. We went as far as the Mishakawa Amphitheater and had a really nice lunch there on their outside patio. I hear taking the shuttle from Ft Collins to their music events is quite fun. Allow a couple of hours for the drive and lunch. Plus, there are plenty of places offering rafting trips on the river and that looked fun too.

We drove about 50 miles west of Fort Collins through the canyon. The raging river was beside us all the way and it was beautiful. In places it was out of it's banks. We saw many rafters and kayaks and they looked like they were having lots of fun! The canyon was also beautiful with incredible rock formations. The road is in good shape and I think we'll take it all the way to Walden next time. The view coming back to Fort Collins was just as nice.

Just a peaceful drive up the canyon. Clean air fresh water. We went up for lunch . Didn't do any fishing but we saw a lot of people fly fishing. Nice drive.

The Poudre is a wonderful place to rock climb. The crags are spread out and remote which means very few lines on routes. The Palace is the most popular crag. It is accessible only when the river is low enough to walk across. The routes are easier here than anywhere else on the river. For harder routes try Upper Echelon or the Beach - both great spots for 5.12 or harder climbers. Buy a guide book to figure out where to park and how to get there or look on Mountain Project.

I love to take pictures, the canyon is perfect for it. Get out and put your feet in the river. Or go rafting.

Beautiful river with class 2-5 rapids. Highly recommend going with a reputable rafting company as these rapids can be very dangerous.

Beautiful steam and canyon photo opportunities. A great extra treat was getting to see a moose up close!

The Poudre River is a beautiful and fun location to do a rafting trip. I took a half day trip with Rocky Mountain Adventures and had a great time. The rapids were exciting and my guide, Matt, was knowledgeable and really made the trip fun!

Nice bike and walking trails. Fly fisherman in places. Full of natural beauty to be admired by the outdoorsman or the sightseers from the window of the car.

Beautiful river and hike up to Grey rock. The river was so pretty. Lots of white water and it was even end of summer. Nice hike up to Grey Rock. Lots of wild flowers.

This is a long ride that starts not far from Fort Collins and follows for 20 miles the Poudre river canyon and then opens up on a valley leading to a high pass. The road is well maintained, with a lot of curves in the first half. There are may activities such as hiking and fishing. There are a couple of hamlets with a few good places to eat and plenty of camping opportunities. This road is particular scenic in October because of the fall foliage.

OK, I understand that the USA has dozens if not hundreds of beautiful
canyons, from the Grand Canyon through southern Utah. But this is my home canyon, some 40 miles up from a little over 5,000 to 10,276 ft. at Cameron Pass, through rock walls and green pastures, following the twists and turns of the Cache la Poudre River. Most of the land and river are accessible and public. Campgrounds, public and private, abound, so spending a night or a season in the canyon is easy.
I live summers and falls about 20 minutes from the mouth of the canyon and spend many hours, and sometimes longer fly fishing, hiking, and camping in the canyon. Side roads out of the canyon are few, but some take you off to other wonderful places -- Laramie River, Longdraw Reservoir, Pingree Hill, Red Feather Lakes.
Put on a day pack or a backpack and head up to Zimmerman, American, or Blue Lakes or the Big South. Or just spend a quiet afternoon at Gateway Park (entry fee $6). Drive up and over Cameron Pass by the Crags. Stop and bike along Michigan Ditch. If you like cycling, do what son and I did one day--rode up the upper half of the canyon on road bikes and coasted back down.

If you fish, be sure to know the rules for your stretch of the river. And even if it's not catch and release, think about putting yours back to grow bigger and stronger for your next trip...

Visiting northern Colorado wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the Poudre River. It is a gorgeous drive and evokes everything Colorado. Plenty of places to stop and enjoy the scenery or take lunch and picnic along the way. Beauty at its best!

From Fort Collins, we drove through the Poudre Canyon all the way to US 69 along the Cache La Poudre River and were amazed by its beauty!

This is a must see when you visit Fort Collins! Skip Horsetooth reservoir and head to the hills, as this is a great scenic view of wildlife from elk to black bears!

This place is well worth a visit to either drive through or hike in one of the many places there. I live on the East Coast, USA and we don't have canyons. This is the second visit for us and we will go back...loved it! The people are super friendly too.

Beautiful mountain, canyon and river views. Several picnic locations from FT. Collins to Willey Lumber Camp. Of course the further away from Ft. Collins, less people. In late March several rec. sites were closed but not all.

We traveled this way to Ft. Collins and it was a magnificent drive. It's a beautiful canyon and river and not overcrowded. I would have liked to spend more time hiking and exploring.

Really nice to hike along trails alongside the Poudre River. Can bring dogs on leash only. I would recommend mosquito repellant too during mosquito seasons.

No matter what season.... this is always a good place to go spend time. I've seen sheep along the hillside. The time I saw the seaman fire coming down the side of the canyon wasn't cool though.

I pretty much always stop at the Mishawaka for one reason or another. Sometimes just to go to the bathroom or use the land line they have there.

Fort Collins is blessed to have this magnificent river flowing through town. And the river all the way up the canyon is absolutely one of the most scenic areas in the state. It's a "don't miss" attraction when you're in the area.

We really enjoyed the natural beauty of the Fort Collins landscape. The Poudre River is set against the backdrop of beautiful rocky terrain was breath taking. In NZ we are spoilt with our rolling hills and rivers but this was also breathtaking.

Scenic and one of my favorite places to go for a run. Little side jaunts and a decent road that makes running (downhill) actually fun. Today, saw a two rattlesnakes (thankfully dead) but that was my first time seeing a snake in this place and definitely something I will be more cautious of when hiking further off the main drag. But, it is absolutely beautiful and invites you outside to hear the river run through it.

This is a great river to visit anytime; you can do many activities on it like fish, kayak, float, and raft (depending on water levels) and it is simply stunning

Driving up Poudre Canyon is an appreciation for nature. The Cache La Poudre River is fast and free flowing. At times fast and swift over giant boulders and at other times the rivers is fast but smooth flowing. Canyons and meadows. Likes and waterfall. Mule deer, bear, moose. It is in Roosevelt National Forest so there is camping and hiking trail. The fishermen and women love the trout fishing. Spend a day driving up to Walden and picnic on the way or stay a few days camping or in a cabin.

rafting, tubing, fishing, swimming, camping, just enjoying nature, and of course concerts at the Mishawaka.... I've spent time in the canyon off and on for more years than I care to mention and it's one of the best and most defining features of Fort Collins and the adjacent canyon. Not to be missed!

We tube the Poudre every year in July or August. Drop in at Shields and get out befor the dam at legacy park- 1hr of soothing bliss.

Beautiful river canyon. If you are on a motorcycle this is a great motorcycle road with many twisties. There's plenty of places to stop and enjoy the river too.

The drive along the river is one of the best ways to spend a few hours. The views are beautiful anytime of year, which is great with some increased summer/fall traffic. We usually see wildlife as well; be sure to stop at some trail heads and hike in a few places. This scenic route never disappoints!

We traveled up and down the La Poudre. It is beautiful! Be very careful though if your GPS tells you to take CR52-152. They ARE NOT partially paved. They are dirt roads suitable ONLY for robust 4WD vehicles-- you have to cross small streams and drop offs in a number of areas and lesser cars will end up stuck!

The best way to enjoy this river is on it! The water is cold but the adventure is worth it and the paddling the river guides have you do warm you. This is a goreous river and it's surroundings.

We hesitated for quite a while before going on a part of this drive and then only because of the reviews. The river and gorges are very beautiful. The river is breathtaking in some spots. We only did about the first 40 miles out of Fort Collins.

My only concerns - and they are mild - is that the road winds a lot in some spots and there is no cell coverage during a lot of the drive. With us not being ‘outdoors people’, things like the fishing, camping and kayaking opportunities as we’re not part of the consideration. But it was clear those engaging in those activities were having a great time.

Drove up 14 a couple of weeks ago and it was stunningly beautiful. Their were many places to pull off the road and hike or picnic.

The Cache La Poudre River is a gem. This Wild and Scenic River has not been dammed, so it is free flowing. This offers numerous uses, such as short drives to see the river and fall colors, along with other uses such as fishing, rafting, kayaking, picnicking, camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Often there are large bull moose at Cameron Pass, along with the beautiful mountains there. A must see for locals, as well as vacationers.

We went mid-August 2019 on a weekend. The river cuts a path through a narrow canyon with sheer rock walls. The La Cache la Poudre is full of trout and anglers who are vying with rafters who are taking advantage of the sparkling Rocky Mt. water. The trails vary from challenging to moderate/easy. There is something for everyone, but, wear good hiking shoes and sun screen. Many of the trails are in full sun and you need to get out early.

Awesome June Rafting Trip on the Cache La Poudre River
Family of 4 with 2 teenagers. It was our first time rafting and it was awesome. We went for the lesser intense of the two options and it was a rush. If it's sunny I recommend sunglasses with a band to keep the secure. I also highly recommend some hiking pants. You WILL get wet. The river was a little high so we took two shorter passes rather than a longer one because of the bridge.

Always enjoy walking our local trail alongside this beautiful winding river. Year round beauty, especially in the spring dur8ng snow runoff

The Poudre is a wild and scenic river and living on its' banks is a special blessing. Listening to the river flow never tires me. Come take a ride and enjoy.

It's like being inside a painting. Beauty and wonder at every turn. The river meanders through a canyon of incredible rock formations

Very scenic drive, plenty of great scenery. Good drive on a cloudy day. Check it out plenty of fun. Plenty of river views, turn outs on the road so you can take your time. Locals call it the poorer river, lol.

Beautiful river and a drive. We started in Ft. Collins and turned around at the Red Feather Lakes turn off. There is a mountain campground, cozy store and resturaunt near the turn. Stop in for a sandwich.

My favorite river and canyon in Colorado is the Cache La Poudre. This trip, with family, we took a day trip up the canyon to the visitor center. The beauty is so serene and powerful. It is less traveled than other canyons and rivers. There are several pull offs to enjoy the view or have a picnic lunch. You can hear the whisper of the pines,enjoy snow capped mountains or hear the rush of the river. I always come back relaxed and refreshed. We introduced a new family member to the Poudre and she also enjoyed. We will be back!! :)

This winding canyon road is beautiful. Of course, the damage from the disastrous wildfire in 2012 is still evident in many areas. Nevertheless, the canyon and river are still beautiful. It's fun to watch the river rafters going through the rapids. The narrows section of the canyon road is very narrow, but also very picturesque. There are numerous campsites and picnic areas just off the road. Take your time and enjoy the beautiful river and canyon views.

We took this scenic drive from Walden to Ft. Collins and it exceeded our expectations. The whole 101-mile length was beautiful and full of varying scenery (and even some rock slides). After passing through the Roosevelt Natl. Forest you hit a high pass and then descend into a canyon following the path of the Cache La Poudre River into Ft. Collins. We also saw a black bear in the national forest portion. Great way to kill a few hours on a rainy day.

great drive and beautiful views from anywhere. stopping points are frequent and great to enjoy the river access. a road less traveled compared to others in Colorado.

Absolutely breathtaking. Take some time to do the drive and frolic but be safe as the river runs rapidly.

Was amazing, we booked our trip out of ESTES PARK, CO with Rapid Transit Rafting Company. For what we encountered the cost was very reasonable. Their bus picked everyone up at the high school parking lot in Estes Park, after an hour or so ride took us to the Poudre River, outfitted us with our helmets and individually adjusted each person's PFD's. After everyone was properly outfitted we were given a class with instructions, and safety on how to approach the river, what our guides will tell and what it means, and methods of rescue if someone should happen to fall out of their rafts. Then we put into the river encountering anywhere from 2 to 4 level rapids for 3 miles. When finished we got out and back on the bus where they took us to another part of the River where we rafted another 3 mile stretch. Afterwards we got on the bus and were driven back to our cars still parked in the Estes Park HS parking lot. It was an Awesome Amazing once in a lifetime experience and something we'll never forget.

What a great little day trip! Although you probably should, you don't have to hike to enjoy the wonderful painted gorges, rocky spires, and babbling river of the Poudre Canyon. Take your time! There are pull-offs all over the place to let less patient drivers pass. Lots of wonderful little spots to have a picnic, too.

Different grade of rapids for the rafting and kayaking fan. A beautiful trip. We drove from Allenspark to raft this river, and it was worth the drive.

Beautiful place to just ride in your car along the river. There are lots of places to stop so you can go down to the river and fish or just wade. We had a great day with the family and even found an apple tree in the wild. Fresh apples were tasty!

The Cache la Poudre River is so different each season. It roars in the spring with snowmelt, offering great whitewater rafting and kayaking, and in the summer there are many campgrounds, picnic areas and trout fishing spots to enjoy. Yes, it's busy on weekends, so try it on a weekday if you can. In the fall, water flow slows dramatically and the cottonwoods and aspen along the river are golden and spectacular, and in the winter, the river canyon takes you to Cameron Pass and some of the best backcountry skiing in the state. It's worth the trip any season.

have lived in the poudre canyon in the 1980's. it was a short period in my life. beautiful place to be.

We went down the river whitewater rafting. The views were stunning! We ran the last part in a bit of rain, but that does not dampen the beauty of this place.

I live only 20 miles from this canyon and take a drive up it as often as I can. It is truly nature at its best. Areas to stop and just enjoy. It is a great place to hike, fish, camp and kayaking.

The Cache La Poudre River is one of the most beautiful and challenging rivers in the country. Don't hurry are you'll miss the purpose of Gods creation.

This trail extends through much of northern Colorado. It is broken in places, but the paved trail goes all the way through Fort Collins and to La Porte to the north. Fishing is good in the river. Tubing is great in the summer, and just walking the trail is a journey through some of the history of Fort Collins.

Our family and friends rented 3 adjoining campsites in Mountain Park Campground for 5 days over the holiday week end. We all had tents and canopies There wasn’t much shade and we had very hot days. That said, we were right on the Poudre River so we cooled off splashing and tubing in the water. Several of us fished and caught some trout so we had a great time

Great place to fish or just enjoy the scenery. 10 miles out of town. Too bad there isn't a hiking trail along the river like at Horsetooth Reservoir.

Not many folks think of driving up the Poudre when thinking about sight seeing. And it is really spectacular scenery. You might even see a moose. Plan to make a day of it and bring a picnic to enjoy at Cameron Pass or along the river. Don’t turn around before getting to the pass about 1.5 hrs west of Teds Place.

Ken’s Tip:
I guarantee this one. Have a cinnamon roll at Vern’s in Laporte. Then start your day going up Rist Canyon to Stove Prairie then north to Poudre Canyon

Its a river. That said its well known to Fort Collins residents, and a big part of the local history. Many people fish the river and claim its good fishing. There are places along the river that have long paved trails, and I am told eventually up to 60 miles of paved trails will be completed. If Outdoor activity is what you like this area in general and the river in particular have all anybody could want.

Fun drive, with breathtaking views nearly all the way to Walden.
First half is twists and turns, cliffs, boulders, and rolling streams; a driver, photographer, and fisherman's delight. Second half not as scenic (from the highway) till the the last stretch prior to the moose visitor center. Last stretch to Walden is pretty flat. Didn't see any moose. The road was pretty open, but I did get behind a couple of trucks pulling RVs whose drivers refused to use the slow vehicle pull-outs. When I did finally hit a clear stretch of road, the (bleeps) sped up and attempted to prevent my passing. Road rage on a scenic roadway. Not kidding. Fortunately, I had plenty of horse-power under the hood, so I never saw them again. That little incident aside, it was a fantastic day in an incredible place. We'll be back!

beautiful one of the best places I seen in my life , the river with water falls the mountains , words cannot do this place justice, we drove to walden and stoped at moose ranger station , we saw deer , chipmunks and moose as we drove, and had to stop to take pictures of this stunning place, the rock tunnel beautiful as are the mountains.

Had an awesome experience white water rafting with A1 Wildwater, Larry Chip the pirate guide did a great job getting us down the river

By myself while my husband was in a woodcarving experience. the Cache La Poudre River is by far the most accessible to enjoy. I purchased a cheap chair from Walmart and would go for lunch and sit at the edge of the water, eat, read and watch fishermen.
Therapy at it's best

Fishing, rafting or just enjoying views! River stretches for miles of enjoyable viewing and recreation possibilities. Many camping spots along the river. Whether it is summer or winter the scenery is quite enjoyable.

Nice place to stop and relax while visiting the Rockies west of FC. Lots of nice places to pull over and watch and listen to the river.

We went white water rafting with Mountain Whitewater Descents on Cache La Poudre River. The experience was amazing! I'd recommend that rafting company to anyone who is visiting Fort Collins. Be warned, even in early July the water is only 50 degrees and is startling cold. Even with a sunny, warm day I was pretty chilled.

An absolutely lovely drive through! Many places to pull off for exploring and views. We even spotted a moose in the bushes!

The bike trail is great for short and easy rides. One of my favorite places in Fort Collins. Different seasons will bring different experiences there.

This is one of those places that modern demands should keep their grubby hands off. The canyon gets a great deal of traffic and countless tourists... this is fine. A good economy helps the river. But diverting it or damming it would just be a crime. This is beautiful place. It should stay that way.

A treasure flowing through the heart of Fort Collins. A paved trail follows it through town In the Poudre Canyon, the river flows fast and free.

The Cache la Poudre River is clean and crystal clear. The swift river flow made for an exciting raft trip. The river was void of litter and graffiti like other rivers I have rafted.

If you are lucky you will see fishermen in the river. Even on the worst days, the journey is delightful. Soaring cliffs, wonderful pull-off areas, even a place to stop and buy refreshments along the way.

The Hwy 14 corridor along what the locals simply refer to as "The Poudre" is far less developed than either Hwy 34 or Hwy 36 to Estes Park. As a result the relaxed feeling of being more in the wilds is a pleasant relief, and you don't have people riding your rear bumper. If you leave in the morning, the sun is at your back, and when you return in the afternoon, the sun is at your back. Pretty sweet! At the top is Cameron Pass. On the south edge of the highway there is a bog that is a great place to spot moose. Great scenery all the way up.

At the bottom of the west side of the pass is a Colorado State moose viewing visitor's center, a nice log building. Once past that you are in an area called North Park and you can drive in to the small town of Walden. It's like being in a time machine. Some cafes for coffee or lunch. The last time I was there I visited a hardware/sporting goods/post office at the north edge of town. Don't see those too much anymore. The town reminds me of many old fashioned towns I have seen in the Western states- no glitz, no pretentiousness, friendly folks. Walden is also a great place to gas up the vehicle.

North Park has many places to view game. Pick up a map of the area at the visitor's center on Hwy 14 at the western base of Cameron Pass. If the weather is fine you can also make a loop by taking Hwy 14 to Walden then south and back east through Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park. Consult a map for routing. Be forewarned- if you decide to do that, be prepared for "traffic shock" once you leave North Park and get into Grand Lake and the Granby area. If you want to have an entire day of relaxed enjoyment, return the way you came along Hwy 14.

Had a blast going there with my 16- and 12-year-old boys. They really weren't excited and grudgingly went with me, but now we all want to go back. We hiked along the Hewlett Gulch trail for a while, then stopped at a picnic area next to the river. My youngest son waded along the banks and skipped rocks, and my oldest went fishing. It's gorgeous there at this time of year (mid-June), and we are already planning our next trip.

We have done the Poudre River in tubes and on chartered rafts. Best for nubbies is the raft trip. Several companies offer trips in the area,

Beautiful scenic river. Fast flowing, clear water surrounded by mountains. The rafting was great on this river. I would really like to take our motorcycle up there and ride up the road by the river.

River along Highway 14 through Rockies was very scenic. Saw people rafting in and fishing along the river. Several were camping along the river. Great drive along the river.

A great day following the river. Watched a lot of rafters going by, nice uncrowded campgrounds, good fishing, picnic sights. Water is pretty cold though.

This is a wonderful drive. The river is flowing quite high now and everything is very green. It is well worth the time it takes to drive it.

The drive through the canyon is very scenic. The river is dotted with campgrounds, residential homes and even has an outdoor concert venue. This was a great place to visit. Be prepared with some basic essentials. There is no cell service nor gas stations.

Beautiful mountain views, with such beautiful animals around where you can see them. Always something nice to see

Great drive up the Louder River canyon. River was low with plenty of places to park and fish. The drive was beautiful as the Aspen trees were turning colors.

This river surprised us! Was an excellent, exciting 8 miles! If you like to white water raft, this one was at the top of my list of the 7 rafting trips we've done.

As good as it gets along the front range. Bring a picnic and enjoy. Take a raft trip and cool off. Take a hike. Fish for trout.
Great scenery, uncrowded, accessible and the road is open all year long.

The Poudre Canyon is a must see for any trip to Ft. Collins. Even if it's a short trip up the canyon to the Stove Praire School turn and then left again at the Stove Praire for a return to Ft. Collins via Rist Canyon. Or dirve farther up the canyon all the way to the top of Cameron Pass. The Canyon is home to much histroy and was pivotal in the forming of Ft. Collins. Enjoy a stop @ MIshawaka , a world famous music venue or just enjoy a quiet picnic or hike up any of the numerous trails. I am biased in favor of the area as one grandfahter homesteaded in the area and was involved in much of the early water distribution projects in the area. And the other grandfather was a gold miner in this area as well.

watch for the hummingbirds and the deer along side the river. hike, Kayak, canoe or fish...the river is amazing.

Highly recommend taking a ride on the poudre and either going rafting or to one of the concerts at mishuawaka.

This is a beautiful river. I wanted to go somewhere to just sit and enjoy the view. I drove from Fort Collins to LaPorte, Colorado and went north on 287/14 toward Poudre Canyon. There is a beautiful little park about a mile after you turn on Poudre Canyon Road. It's a great place to enjoy the river, fly fish, or have a picnic.

Loved watching people raft and tube the river. Beautiful place to stop and take pictures. The drive was very relaxing and plenty of places to stop and look at river.

COLD if you wade in, but all snow melt rivers in area are! Poudre trail follows river. Beautiful area to hike or raft.

The wilderness area around this river is fun for camping and hiking. The best time for rafting is May through July, and it is not for faint hearted. Want excitement and adreneline rush, go for Level IV and V rafting.

I am a 40 year resident of Fort Collins and I just love the Poudre Canyon. It has changed over the years as the word has gotten out. It is fabulous for picnics, camping, hiking, fishing & rafting. There are many trails of the main road, all levels of ease or difficulty. We often drive up just for a picnic dinner at our favorite picnic spot, sorry, can't tell you where that is!! Lot's of great camping, reservations recommended as the canyon fills up. I don't fish, but I know fisher folk are having a fabulous time out there. Fort Collins has many rafting companies that will take you for a trip down the canyon. It's a different view when you are in the water. Come enjoy our canyon, leave only footprints.

We took a beautiful ride up through the canyon the beginning of October and really enjoyed the scenery. There are alot of spots you can pull over to walk around and get down by the river.

Beautiful canyon drive, mule deer sighting, river (fly fishing), and beautiful spot for picnic lunch.

Went White Water Rafting and Driving along this river, stopped for pictures and took a long drive. It is part of Colorado that everyone knows. It is fantastic. Loved it.

We went white water rafting on the Poudre. It was awesome. We had the best time. We went with Rocky mountain adventures and the guides were all cool and kept us all safe.

Another must see when visiting...along with Old Town and the many breweries. A drive through Poudre Canyon along the Cache La Poudre River is a must if you love the beauty of the outdoors and not far from Fort Collins. There are plenty of places to stop along the way to take pictures, walk along the river, hike, or stop for a picnic. It's great for fly fishing with brown and rainbow trout, as well as river rafting if you are here in season (May-Aug). If you have the time check out some of the rafting companies in Fort Collin or LaPorte as it is a fun thing to do with families...easier to difficult levels can be booked. Living here we get to visit year round and it's beautiful all seasons.

Love visiting Colorado and seeing all it's beauty! Would encourage any one traveling to see this beautiful place!

Steven's Gulch is the first picnic area as you drive toward Rustic. Nice picnic areas and easily accessed from the parking lot. The river allows a great day fishing. Go early if fishing is your goal. Later in the season, the river is full with water rafters.

What a beautiful ride thru the mountains with the river on your side the entire way. Stop along the way and watch rafts go by and watch the fly fishing.

I loved my trip to Fort Collins, CO. There are so many things to do in the area. Fort Collins itself has a great downtown area. There are plenty of shops, restaurants, art galleries and antique stores. What I really enjoyed was the day trips close to Fort Collins, (Poudre Canyon, Loveland, Flat Irons Reservoir, Devil's Backbone hiking area.
Loveland has great murals and art galleries downtown as well as the Benson Sculpture Park. Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are also close by. Lots of interesting things to keep one busy.

This area could easily fill a trip for my family. Hiking and scenery was great. We will go back to raft and drive the entire canyon.

besides the beauty of the area, there is so much to do,
a great variety of places to eat, hike, want to have fun? go go go

Each year special tours are set to hear about the homestead sites by relatives of that early generation. A wonderful historical review of the early canyon days.

Who doesn't love a beautiful river? This place was magical. Stunning views of paddlers, rock climbers, and hikers. I want and need to go back.

Went for an afternoon of relaxing with girlfriends. Plenty of cool spots to sit in shallow parts to watch others float by or swim. Great spots for picnic lunch.
Beautiful scenery to relax in

You can ride or walk many miles on this trail which is next to the Poudre River. Many great area stops including restaurants, parks, brewery. River is busy near town but many areas with good fishing, tubing and relaxation.

We went white water rafting on the la poudre river and it was so much fun! The sights and sounds are marvelous. The rapids where amazing, but the water was some what cold. Just a really fun, fun time.

We volunteered in the Poudre Canyon this summer, it is a great place to enjoy river rafting and white water kayaking, camping, hiking, mountain biking and wildlife viewing. We were in the canyon from May through September and had generally nice weather with cool nights. A beautiful place to visit.

We took a day trip up the Cache La Poudre river, it was STUNNING!!! We spent time exploring in the park, along the waterfalls and stopped at a little riverside restaurant for lunch.

Take a drive along the Cache La Poudre River and enjoy the beauty or stop off at one of the pull offs and take some pictures. You will even find some places along the way with picnic tables and toilet facilities. The Poudre River is a treat in the Ft. Collins area!

Took a rafting trip down the river and even in August with lower water levels it was exciting! I'd love to come back in June / July when the levels are higher - I think :)

The Poudre River and Canyon offer activities suitable for everyone. The Poudre is a designated Wild and Scenic river and is the only remaining free-flowing river in CO. Follow the river from the mouth of Poudre Canyon for 60 miles to the top of Cameron Pass at an elevation of just over 10,000 feet and you will be rewarded with uncomparable views. There are many places to camp, fish , hike, whit-water rafting, and just about any other outdoor activity. The road is open and cleared year round, so winter sports enthusiasts can frolic to their heart's content.

Beautiful river and mountain setting for a white water rafting experience. Our family suggests that this is a great vacation destination

Camping, fishing, hiking, rafting -pick your fab or try all. Parking can be a problem at the more popular spots. Don't miss a cold one at Mishawaka.

drove by the river before rafting it - great scenery. Friends hiked and enjoyed it - nice river near Fort Collins.

We took the drive on a weekend and were disappointed that every pull-out was full of outfitters taking in and putting out rafts. However, the river itself and the scenery surrounding it were lovely and worth the drive.

Great place to go and enjoy the wonderful scenery and the peace and quiet and sunshine. Loads to do, hiking, fishing, cycle trails and watersports on the river.

This is a tamed river with a modicum of kaiak opportunities. It's best feature is that in Fort Collins there are attractive walking trails.

The Cache La Poudre River/canyon is just a short drive from Fort Collins. There are wonderful picnic and camping sites right on the river. There is also every level of hiking on many trails. In the spring and summer there is rafting, kayaking and tubing.
Plus, the place is just beautiful, only a two lane road, no interstate so travel can be slow at times but,,, that is why you go.

Pretty level for those who do not want to run/walk mountains. Great smells, easy to find.... we'll be back!

Highly recommend rafting down this river!! We had a blast!! Poudre River did not disappoint with its scenic views!

This beautiful and historic river is definitely one to be seen. The surrounding scenery is stellar, and if your an outdoorsman/outdoorswoman, there is so much to do around to truly enjoy your experience. You won’t regret your visit! Be sure to bring a sweater, as storms can roll through leaving temperatures lower!

Stopped in the area for a few Hours for some restful exploring, wonderful area little bit hard to find Most of the Your car GPS may not get good reception you may need a good Backup like a cell reception and a good phone app one issue is the phone battery using gps is soon drained have a spare battery pack handy and a good first aid kit medical aid is at least 30 minutes away if you are found some areas have remote and limited parking water trails are clearly marked the area is wonderful with sights and sounds and places to explore. Highly recommend an Excursion through the area.

Just hopping on the river for a few hours is so relaxing. From fly fishing to rafting, theres plenty of activites you can utilize the poudre for. Super nice float in town on a hot day.

The Poudre River is a beautiful place to fish and picnic near. It offers many different spots to stop and some have facilities. The river was running a little low, but still nice.

The "water park" is a short section of the river that is set up for playing - wading, swimming, kayaking, etc. It's also a great place to sit by the water and enjoy the activity.

Drove in for about 30 miles and it started to snow. Not wanting to get stuck in the mountains and being unfamiliar with the road we turned around and drove back out. What we saw was nice and will have to go again

Had a day and decided to take this ride. Was quite pretty through and through. Would certainly recommend it.

The Cache La Poudre River is great for fishing with miles and miles of places to choose from. The folks at St. Pete's Fishing Shop were very helpful in pointing out the best places to fish this time of year.

extremely close with many hikes and picnic places to offer! I personally like the Grey Rock hike, but the river is stunning to see at any season!

This is a great drive to take on a lazy Saturday! Beautiful scenery! The roads are two lanes, but there aren't any steep drop offs.

Places to buy food/drinks and restroom facilities are limited along the river. So, it's a good idea to pack snacks and take potty breaks where you can.

Like most places in CO, the higher up you go, the cooler it gets. Make sure to take a light jacket, even in the summer, as it cools off quickly.

The river is close to Fort Collins and offers places to camp as well as for fishing. It is a great fishing place.

there are numerous rafting companies with really fun tours and guides to take you down the mellow...or not so mellow...portions of the river. Check out Mishawaka while you're up there for lunch!

The title might be misleading because I only had one day here and I hiked along the river. But I got so many great pictures of people rafting down the river, that I will be back to try that next time. That said there are many great hiking trails and campgrounds along the river. The drive along the river is beautiful for those that don't have time for all the other activities.

When I came to Colorado in 1976 I drove up the Poudre Canyon and was dazzled by the beauty of the Poudre River. I have never been disappointed in these 40 years with a drive up the canyon. It offers adventure for those who love to camp, kayak, fish, snow shoe, go back country skiing, or just enjoy going up to see panoramic views at the top. There are moose, elk, deer, big horn sheep, amongst other wildlife. Cameron Pass is very beautiful. My favorite hike is up around American Lakes at the pass. It leads into Rocky Mountain National Park and is a dog friendly hike. Another dog friendly hike is towards the beginning of the drive up the canyon at Hewlitt Gulch.

Such a fun river! One of my favorite hidden gems in Colorado. It was a great place to learn how to river run, and an even better place to fish.

I am a repeat visitor to this scenic drive. I have driven here many times and on one memorable occasion spent the night solo camping after arriving at a secluded spot on my bicycle!

Colorado's mountains and streams always take your breath away and Cache La Poudre River Canyon is no exception.

Before you do this drive or bike ride, I strongly recommend you tell friends where you are going what color clothes you will be wearing and such details - especially if you are thinking solo. This is just a precaution. The mountain sides are steep and rugged.

On the fun side minimally Google this place; the Colorado State University Library and the Ft Collins Public Library offer books you might want to read before doing the canyon.

not the best drive in colorado......dry not much scenic till 60miles up the canyon. lot of idiots driving on weekends and holidays. I avoid at all costs on these times been doing it since the 60' and don't enjoy it except to go snow shoeing up high at the top around Chambers lake

The Poudre is a delightful river Cascading out of the Rockies. Lots of places to stop and enjoy. Try Verne's in LaPorte for lunch.

Always love the drive in any season. I can always count on taking several photos of beautiful scenes.

Nice drive. But can be crowded, especially in peak summer months. Never can fully escape the road noise. Gateway Park, along the way a must see.

The drive was beautiful years ago but sadly man has manages through throwing out Butts stroked with fire a beautiful place
Then we have framing which destroys the water throughout more. I pray Colorado and rain and the north west gets snow and to regain growth

it is an amazing river, free flowing trough Fort Collins and Colorado state. You can watch the fall colors or go fishing or white water rafting, it is so amazing place to be right in our backyard.

been on the river since 1984 they have made changes in places to stop and of course the "vandals" have ruined some of the old places along the way. The Cabin from the mini-series Centennial was built up the canyon but the kids wrecked it, shame, have WWRafted this many times and fished it also. Good place to go for the day.

Only 1/2 an hour north of Fort Collins, the drive changes as soon as you start driving up the river. Trees are green, the water is blue, and the twisting canyons are picture perfect. Temperatures start to drop the higher you drive up the canyon and looking forward to visiting during the warm summer months.

A very pretty drive with nature around every curve.

I take my son here fishing all the time, and recently he has gotten into whitewater kayaking.......I'm into both- but my favorite way to enjoy the Poudre canyon is to put a chair by the side of the river-listen to the rustle of the water, and read- it's where I come when I need to "center" my life

Rafting Trip - amazing day! The river is awesome and the views are spectacular. We did a splash rafting tour and everybody love it.

I love driving up the Cache La Poudre. Lot's of hiking and picnic options as well as rafting. If you like to Run, sign up early for the Colorado Marathon as it runs down the canyon.

Love to drive to Cameron Pass through Cache La Proudre! So many places to stop and enjoy the river, the peacefulness. It is breathtaking in so many spots

One of my favorite drives in the state. I never get tired of this drive or the wonderful stops on the way to Cameron Pass. The river is beautiful.

Beautiful streaming water. Great for picture taking. The greenery and rocks make a beautiful screen.

We enjoy exploring the canyon roads in Colorado, and when we learned that Big Thompson Canyon (US Route 34) is closed for road repair, we decided to head up State Route 14 Poudre Canyon Road along the Cache la Poudre River northwest of Fort Collins, CO. This canyon is a relatively peaceful alternative to the busy routes to Estes Park. As first timers, we were in awe of the views of the river, the formations and colors of the canyon walls in the morning sunshine, and how the vegetation in the burned areas seemed to be starting to come back to life. We were thrilled to see a small herd of bighorn sheep near Mishawaka's. The area has many trails and campsites (which are closed in the winter months), but some rest facilities with pit toilets are open during the winter -- look for the ones along Poudre Canyon Road that aren't in sites with locked gates. The road seems to be well maintained even in the winter, but signs warn motorists that the road isn't plowed overnight; the road has some steep drop-offs with no guard rails, so drivers will want to be careful when the road is snow covered or icy. From what I saw, I suspect this area sees a lot of activity in the summer, but it's definitely worth a look.

Whitewater rafting down the Cache La Poudre was a phenomenal experience! We used Mountain Whitewater Decents and getting the tour from our guide - Bobby "Whitewater Jesus" - was awesome. I'd recommend to anyone without hesitation!

Spent two nights at the Ranger Lakes campground in the State Forest State Park just past the Poudre canyon and had a great time. Drove the Long draw road in a snowstorm to its end. Photographed two young eagles and two adults. Watched a small group of elk. Hiked to Lake Agnes and watched eagles and mink.

The Poudre River features spectacular views, a nice road (for the most part), numerous pull-outs, camping facilities, picnic areas, hiking trails and areas to simply park your vehicle, grab your gear and go. The river can be quite crowded during the busy summer season and on many weekends, including the fall when leaves are changing colors.

You'll share the area with motorists, mountain bikers, RVs, campers, hikers, dog walkers, fishermen, photographers, and others who enjoy this outdoor splendor located close to Ft. Collins, CO, and also just a short drive away from the beautiful Roosevelt National Forest.

There are fees for various campsites of course, and fishing licenses are required for the season. Restroom facilities are limited to mostly the campsites and some picnic areas. Be sure to bring your own food and plenty of water. This is a river worth visiting more than once, that's for certain.

This has always been one of our favorite places in Colorado. Go earlier in the morning as traffic really picks up in the afternoon!

Great for fishing, walks, bike rides, skating of all kinds, dog walks, leisurely strolls, rafting with a guide, picnics, tubing, and a ton more. Its beautiful and changes depending where you are along the river. Nature is amazing. Help keep it that way by cleaning up after yourselves and picking up what others have left behind.

Beautiful scenery and lots of trails/paths for walking/biking. Located within Fort Collins proper, the Poudre is ideal for a quick getaway from town without having to travel far.. It's great for kids as well. It's a regular for my daily bike rides.

Scenic drive down Hwy 14 along the Cache De Poudre River. This is designated as a "wild & scenic river". It's length is 101 miles, but the first day we only went as far as Cameron Pass.

We started at Fort Collins. It's a beautiful drive.
There's numerous pull offs & picnic areas on this side. Also, some stores/restaurants.

The tunnel is the first point of interest. There's a pull off on the other side. A few miles after that is profile rock, which is quirky. Kind of hard to take a picture. If you see the Poudre Canyon Chapel parking lot, pull in. The rock is kind of far, but I got a pic.

What I really needed was a visitor center & Arrowhead Lodge was the next stop. On the National Register Of Historical Places, I was looking forward to seeing it.
IT WAS CLOSED! WTH? No maps, no info. Stop if you want a pic, but not open.

Big Bend Sheep viewing area was also a bust. No sheep. Some information boards.
Poudre River Falls was ok. It's signed, but you have to get out of your car to actually see it. We stopped on our way back. The parking is better on the other side of the road.

Joe Wright Reservoir is next. We stopped at a parking area, but if you wanted to see it, you had to walk down a trail. There's another small pullout by the dam area. There was snow everywhere & the lake was frozen!

Cameron Pass has a fairly big parking lot & pit toilets. It's also the trailhead for more than one trail. This is a beautiful area & we stopped to take pictures & eat lunch.

I took Hwy 14 from Ft. Collins to State Forest Park, about 75 miles. The views of the river are beautiful with many scenic stops along the way!

Although there is still fire damage in the lower regions, the drive up the Poudre River is still relaxing and awe-inspiring. Lots of pullouts for stopping to take pictures. Crowded in the warm months. Great places for hiking, picnicking, back country skiing and fishing. Not many amenities like toilets and food, so plan ahead.

Our journey today led us through the winding road along side the river. The snow covered areas with break through areas of running water was simply beautiful. Well worth the drive!

I love going to the Poudre! It’s great fishing, sightseeing or meditating. The rafting adventures are outstanding and the hiking possibilities are endless. Just try to go on weekdays as weekends ate crowded

The Poudre river is a small but powerful river during runoff so be careful during that time. The scenery driving along the river is beautiful as it runs through a mountain canyon that starts just outside of town and continues on as long as you want to drive along it. There is commercial rafting that is the way to go if you are not familiar with the river. There is tubing also but you need to be careful. The road along the river also makes for a great motorcycling road but the curves can be dangerous and more than a few folks have left the road unintentionally so pay attention to speed and sand on the Road. There are great picnic and day use spots along the river along with National Forest camping/rv spots. The Mishawaka tavern and amphitheater is a great stop for a meal right on the river or for a concert also. Take your picnic basket, camera and love for the outdoors and you'll love the Poudre. Have fun.

This is very close to Ft Collins and we spent about 3 hours including several stops for pictures and a drink on the back deck at Mishiwaka's. Great afternoon drive!!

This is a great river for a whitewater rafting trip with various stretches to suit different skill levels. There are multiple companies that provide rafting trips. Nature and wildlife abound.

Beautiful canyon and mountain views along the river as you ascend. The river was very high due to late snows, making rafting possibilities here look very exciting. Rock formations above and rapids in the river make for great sightseeing and photo ops. Ft. Collins is only 30 minutes away from the start of your upward drive.

Cache La Poudre is one of the best go-to places to take a scenic route to one of the restaurants on the road, to view the vast beauty of nature. to pull out of the traffic and fish the river (with a fishing license), camp, hike, and for some booking a river rafting trip. A trip out into this wilderness beauty is the best medicine to soothe oneself!!!!

We love to drive this beautiful canyon. Its long and twisty and has great places to stop and fish or have a picnic.

Second time down the Poudre and I have loved both times. Gorgeous, clean, absolutely pristine! Refreshing!

The Poudre River runs the entire western border of our club outdoor archery range. While the river is probably responsible for washing away hundreds of our miss shot arrows, it also provides us with a glorious backdrop to our beloved archery range. In spring and summer it may be roaring past us at phenomenal speed & ferocity, ( just in time for our first 3D shoot ) and in winter and fall may be so low as to allow us to wade across to retrieve our wayward arrows. But always it provides us with beauty and inspiration !

The Poudre river is 1 of my favorite rivers no matter if it is in the mountains or on the plains. It is always different and unique. I find it very peaceful and inspiring.
Sadly, due tot he drought the water level is down and in some places it just now a dry creek bed.
There is a beautiful trail to walk and enjoy it's many different views.

Traveled Route 14 (Poudre Canyon Rd) up the Cache La Poudre River valley to the summit of Cameron Pass summit (Elev. 10,276 Ft). The first section about 15 mile has had a fire that took out most of the trees. Once passed that section the trip is breath taken. Saw fly fisherman, white water rafters and wild life all along the trip. Give ourself plenty of time to stop and take picture. Also I recommend you pack a lunch. We only so two locations you could purchase food and beverages. Neither was a restaurant. There several picnic areas along the way.

There are many trail heads to choose from and several activities to enjoy along the river in Larimer and Weld counties. Check the Fort Collins Natural Areas website to see if they are offering a program (or to check if sections are closed for repair or flooding). Wade the River is one that no one with kids should miss although I met some young adults that stayed for hours. The only downside is that the trail near Lee Maritnez is very crowded on summer weekends with bicyclists (free bikes available from the Fort Collins bike library), dog walkers, inline skaters and water lovers enjoying tubing, swimming, and fly fishing. Trail heads at Lions Den in LaPorte, at Prospect or Timberline in Fort Collins or those in Weld County are less crowded. Since this trail is plowed, it is an excellent winter walking path (or bicycling for the hardy).

What a beautiful bike path along the Poudre River. I started at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery where there is a Zagster Bike Rental. Rented a bike and headed out. If you head East on the path there are lots of little places to stop and explore. West goes to a lovely Butterfly Ranch. There are beautiful bridges and paths to explore. This is one of my favorite things to do in Fort Collins.

We wanted a little day trip into the mountains and found Route 14 going west out of Fort Collins to be one of our most memorable experiences. The drive along the Poudre River is breathtaking. Mountains and the cascading river up close and personal with many places to pull off and take pictures. We stopped at the Mishawaka Inn for lunch. Built around 1916, this old, creaky, very casual restaurant is an event itself. Good burgers and outstanding views. Very enjoyable afternoon.

The most beautiful part of our trip was spent on the drive along the river! We went up into Wyoming, then followed the river all the way back to Fort Collins. So gorgeous!

This is a beautiful drive. Lots of sites to see on th poudre canyon drive. Must take time and enjoy this drive. We were on a motorcycle.

I love going up poudre canyon along the river. There are many side roads, keep trails, and hiking areas where you won't see anyone else. Great fishing, some camping, but mainly it's not crowded especially during the week unlike boulder canyon. There's great white water rafting...but the main attraction is that you can get lost and enjoy nature and photography by yourself if you want to. There's moose, bear, mountain lion, even wolves up near walden. So be careful. The river is beautiful with some nice small falls and rapids. Up the canyon is Mishawaka falls...pretty and also a great venue for summer concerts.

Pack a tent and explore the canyons for the weekend! Best $20 camp fee ever spent! Falling asleep to the rushing river and waking up to the gorgeous sunrise over the river ... what a great time!
Grab your raft and experience the best whitewater ever!!!

Cannot wait for a day trip in the summertime! I can only imagine the joy of fly-fishing then --- should be fantastic!

May you be warned of traffic on the weekends. One on coming truck had a 10 foot raft sideways and just missed by head ( I was on a motorcycle).

Stunning river in one the most beautiful places on the planet. Plenty of camp sites and places to put a raft/kayak in. Plus enough places to eat/drink/relax.

One of the most beautiful rivers in the northern Colorado area. In early Spring - rafting and after runoff great fly fishing for trout. On the west side you might even encounter a bull moose.

We drove up the river and went over the pass and over to Steamboat Springs. There had been a light snow and the Aplen leaves were still ‘quaking’

What a lovely drive to the top of the pass. Possibility for moose!! The Poudre Falls is lovely. The tunnels are fun too

If you want a mountain cayon experience that would be what you would have experienced 40+ years ago, then this is it. Unspoiled by tourist traps, you will find 'resorts', with cabins, and lodge feel. If you are looking for fancy, this isn't it. It's good old fashioned mountain vacation, with hiking, exploring, no cell service, or wifi (you don't miss it). Ther are camp grounds in great spots. You will see Big Horn Sheep, chipmunks, bears, moose & more. If you want quiet and serene, hurry up, who knows how long this will last!

We whitewater rafted near the end of the season and the river and experience was wonderful! We'll be back a little earlier next summer to enjoy the river flowing!

This winding drive along a very well used recreational area offers many looks at the Poudre River. We had fun watching kayaking enthusiasts and many rafters along the way. I especially loved the rocky formations along the road. The tunnel cut through the rock was impressive.

Amazingly beautiful river and surrounding environment! I love to fly fish in such a peaceful and stress reducing place. Nature understands the importance of wild places.
Truly the solice of wide open spaces. Awe.

This designated Wild and Scenic River area is not to be missed. We drove the entire length of the Cache La Poudre Canyon from Walden to Fort Collins. The drive was peaceful, beautiful, stunning. There are several places along the way to pull off to take pictures or to let faster moving vehicles pass. There are several places to fish and to raft and to just sit to watch the river flow by. Take your time and enjoy the drive!

Mountain Park CG is the best, most civilized, across the river from the road, showers, very active and hard working hosts (2017).
Great fishing in this area. Further down stream you get all the yahoos in float boats.
Actually any of the campgrounds are good. Some are horse OK, some are more rustic back country.
DO NOT COME here to fish or camp if Mishawaka Bar has concert on. Far too many people for the resources and everything will be too busy. That said, big fun at the concerts!..just not a camping or fishing fun time.

From the lush greenery to the roar of the pristine River this is the place to be for peace and quiet. Do some fishing, hiking or having a picnic lunch this is where to go to become one with nature.

My husband brought me up the canyon after a stressful week at work. It was a beautiful fall day with bright sunshine and golden leaves. There was little traffic on the hour’s drive up from Ft. Collins. We made several stops along the river for photos and to remember why we live in Colorado!

With love the Poudre so much! This is really pick an adventure. One of our favorite family activities for six is white water tubing. We actually spent $400 and bought commercial tubes and I made a trailer. We drop off after Gateway and Float all the way down to Poudre rock Park. It takes a couple of hours I first seen my bike up and then write it back up to get the vehicle and come back down and pick my family up. This is so much more of a local River being the terrorist, I mean tourists stay away because it's built more around adventure and being a Coloradoan then tourism.

Our family enjoyed a 10.5 mile bike ride in Ft Collins. Our loop began near the beautiful flower gardens on the CSU campus and included other open areas and ovals on the campus before following the RR to catch the Poudre River trail heading east ,downstream. Around our 6-7 mile mark we followed a trail to connect to the Spring Creek trail and followed it back west, upstream to CSU again. What a great scenic and relaxing bike ride! Ft Collins is as "cool and hip" as Boulder and even more beautiful. CSU campus is a beautiful place to see and just be.....soak in the peace and beauty of the stunning gardens and be renewed in the strength and majesty of the magnificent Rocky Mountains!!!

State Highway 14, built in the 1920s and paved in the 1960s, winds alongside the Poudre River, through deep canyons, across broad glacial valleys, and finally climbing over Cameron Pass to reveal the western slope of the Rockies. In my imagination, I visualize my grandparents as tourists traveling to nearby Rocky Mountain National Park. In fact, the Poudre River has its origins within the National Park. The Poudre River meanders past several businesses that offer small tourist cabins, past a historic campsite that housed the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, and past campgrounds developed after World War Two by the US Forest Service. If you use your imagination, an auto tour up the Poudre Canyon can feel like a journey to Rocky Mountain National Park 75 years ago.

This place is so BEAUTIFUL! If just visiting Fort Collins this is a must to see and have a picnic!!!

My son and I floated inner-tubes down the Cache La Poudre River outside of Ft Collins recently. (Aug 6 2016) On an overcast day, and the temperatures hovering about 75, it made for a cold float! But well worth it! Both my 12 year old son and I were so glad we floated, bumped off of boulders, shot through some rapids, and generally splashed our way down the river for close to an hour! We didn't float the entire two hour float that was suggested, but totally enjoyed the wet ride down the Poudre! My apologies to the "fly" fisherman I encountered and for breaking into his fishin' hole as I floated by!! Awesome scenery throughout the trip!

We recently visited Fort Collins. Our last day, the friend we were visiting had to work , but loaned us her car. We drove over to the Cache La Poudre River and hiked along the trails. It was " beautiful and peaceful!" Hardly anyone was out hiking. We saw many birds, turtles, and lots of wild flowers. The nice thing was that all of this was so close to town. The beauty of this area and the close proximity of other National Parks, has made us consider retiring to the Fort Collins area. Take a walk along La Poudre River, you'll enjoy it!

The river is one of the biggest draws in Fort Collins. The only river classified as a 'Wild and scenic' in Colorado, it is the perfect place to visit any time of the year.

Up Highway 14, which parallels the river for a long way, there are campsites, trailheads, vistas, and places to fish, tube, and rock climb. You can hire guides to take you on kayaking or river rafting tours. You can stop at Mishawaka for some mediocre food and great views.

The canyon winds through sloping foothills and through narrow rocky passes and a few tunnels cut through the rock. If you're a 4x4, there are tons of smaller roads to explore.

Where the river hits flatter land and slows down, running through the town, there are places to wade with small children in the various parks. You can hunt for crayfish under the bridges. Older teens can tube through the slower part.

BE CAREFUL, the river is fast and cold and the rocks are slipperty. There are often fallen branches under the deeper parts that can trap and drown tubers and swimmers.

You can ride the bike path along the Poudre and Spring Creek trails.

Amazing place to get away from the city. So peaceful and quite. Went here just north of fort Collins and was very happy that we came

Loved the river, the rafting, the sights were amazing! The parking was tight and bathrooms could be upgraded ( in the plans) but staff and owner works for great experience for all!

Rode motorcycles thru in August. Not a lot of places open before 11 a.m. Beautiful scenery. worth the drive!

The Poudre River starts west of Ft. Collins and flows out onto the plains. There is white water rafting in the mountainous flow, biking, kayaking and canoeing when it flattens. A beautiful river. Visit, enjoy and leave it as you find it!

I first saw the Cache La Poudre when I was 2 years old. It's a great place to dip your toe into the water and watch it flow by on a hot day. There is catch and release fly fishing for those who love to fish, also catch and eat fishing. Eating lunch on Mishawaka's deck. Honking your horn as you go through the tunnel (very short). Multiple places to picnic. Enjoy a hike to the top of Grey Rock Mountain for those who love to hike. Camp at the favorite spot Mountain Park. My family spent many trips there.

It was raining when we drove the Poudre river, but it was a great ride. The road runs right along side the river and you can see campsites here and there. Lots of people fishing and we seen one group getting ready to launch a rubber raft. Not much on the road, so don't get on it if you need gas. We saw one restaurant but they did not have gas. It's like your in a different world out there, very remote but beautiful.

What a beautiful drive. Gorgeous from beginning to end with great spots to pull over and enjoy breaks along the way.

Many chances to pull off for a view or a picnic or to toss a fly into the stream. Further upstream opportunities about to snowshoe or cross country ski
If you prefer rafting summer raft trips get booked solid so think early for reservations

A beautiful wild and scenic river. I have enjoyed the river many years ago and seeing it again was very special

The road that follows this river is one that inspires me to remember how special this world is! This time of year with the river rushing, rafters hanging on to avoid capsizing, and the spring growth and maybe, if I'm lucky, some spunky wild life! Last week we saw several moose hanging out at the top of the canyon. I never get tired of this special place! Perfect place to stop and admire Mother Nature's gift to us! Take a picnic lunch if you don't have time to do a mountain hike. Love this part of the world!

Went on a group ride up to Cameron Pass and it was a good ride. They do have some loose rock over oil for about 11 miles so if you are afraid of rocks on the rode don't go. If you want to eat, there are very few places along the way. The best one is The Mishawaka. It has a huge outdoor patio by the river pub food and cold beer!

On the way back from Laramie, I decided to take the right turn to check out the canyon. What a gorgeous drive. My advice, mind the speed limit, so you don't end up driving off the road while staring at the incredible rock and river views. Evidence of a massive fire is a reminder of how much fire can alter an ecosystem. Fishermen and women lined the route for miles on miles. I understand the Poudre is an excellent fishery. If you are in Ft. Collins and have a few hours, do yourself a favor and take a drive.

Being raised in Fort Collins, this was a common canyon/river to go to for picnics, hiking and outings, but it is anything but common. I go home every few years and always make my way up the Poudre Canyon. I have thousands of photos of it too!

My husband and I took a Rafting tour on this river Friday afternoon. We've done this before on the Colorado River, but I would do the Poudre River again....it's beautiful!.

Great camping, fall colors, crowded on weekends. Scarred by the 2013 fires, quick mountain trip from Fort Collins

Shoot the rapids then ride the bus back and enjoy a snack or drink. Professional guides make you feel completely safe.

Love visiting the Cache La Poudre River area when in Fort Collins. The drive up the valley is beautiful and the river is a blast to float during the right water levels.

I've spent many days throughout the years picnicking, and hiking
on the Poudre. I'm a native of Fort Collins so the Poudre was the go-to place. Beautiful river, well-maintained picnic areas.

Great, if not difficult, 5 day backpack trip through Rawah Wilderness. Sheep Mountain peak, and multiple lakes - just spectacular. Moose glaore; black bear and very few other 2-legged creatures to disturb one's reverie. BIG elevation gain/loss so give yourself ample days to do the loop.

When the river is running high enough, it is a great time floating on the river through town. Be sure to bring a shade or some sunscreen because you will want to keep floating all day!

At almost 11,000 feet of altitude, the La Poudre river and the pass it runs through, are truly a site to see! Since the river passes over the continental divide in several places, you can see the water running in two different directions when you visit those spots. High in the mountains of Roosevelt National Forest, the back roads can be very bumpy even for SUV's but the ride is worth it!
Beautiful scenery and home to a large Moose population, it is great for viewing wildlife up close. However, be careful about the weather, since it runs near the 'Never Summer Mountains', it can be chilly even in summer, and the area is known for it's spontaneous thunder storms.
Equipment such as water, rain gear, and walking sticks are vital to this trip.
But, if you're looking for a nice getaway, with beautiful hiking trails and a getaway from the big crowds of spots like Estes Park, you will love this area!

We drove up the valley and parked to walk on the trails to the summit of Mount McConnell. Good trails, well signposted with some unimproved parts. Great views of the surrounding area and river valley and good interpretation boards along the way.

One of the most beautiful places on Earth. I always take family and friends up the Poudre for day trips. A destination must for locals and tourists alike.

This drive is just a short drive NW of Fort Collins. You experience river canyon driving, people fishing, beautiful views, fire damaged trees on hillsides (not sure when the fire(s) were but have never seen this type of destruction personally before), mountain roads and some moderate heights around 10,000 feet.

Like all the scenery around this area, this is stunning as well. The rushing river sends waves of relaxation over you as you stare at the water flowing over the rocks. Several places to view this river from, all are equally beautiful. Follow it for a ways to get the full effect.

The road winds quite a bit and each turn offers more beauty. Go slowly and enjoy the views. Utilize the pull outs to take in the experience.

The Cache La Poudre river has excellent Fly Fishing above and below Fort Collins, and even thru the middle of town. A bike path follows the river almost all the way to Greeley. There are numerous parks, reservoirs, golf courses, tennis courts, and other recreations along the path. It is especially beautiful below town during the fall.

We drove Hwy 14 from Gould, CO to Fort Collins, CO. The scenery was breathtaking and diverse, from hay meadows to awesome mountains with amazing rock formations to the cool clear mountain river.

Great place for tubing, a swim, picnic or a hike. Beautiful natural rock formations and cool lovely water!!!!

We drove along the river and enjoyed it. We couldn't do any hikes due to poison ivy. Be aware if you are allergic to it.