Cache La Poudre River

Question

I will be in Fort Collins for two days next July and on one of those days I'd like to take Highway 14 to see this river. I'm interested in enjoying the drive, but would also like to get out and do one or two short accessible hikes. At the end of the day, I would return to Fort Collins.

Any advice on how to plan the day? How far to go along the road? Where to stop?

Many thanks for any help.

Answer

The Cache La Poudre River Scenic Byway along Highway 14 is a beautiful drive from Fort Collins into the Roosevelt National Forest. It’s perfect for a day trip with opportunities for short hikes and enjoying river views. Since you’ll be returning to Fort Collins the same day, planning your stops and distances is key.

Here’s a suggested plan for your day:

Start early: Leave Fort Collins around 8:00–8:30 a.m. to maximize daylight and avoid mid-day heat in July.
Drive to Poudre Canyon: Follow Highway 14 west along the Cache La Poudre River. The drive itself is scenic with numerous pullouts to stop and take photos.
Recommended stopping points for short hikes:
- Horsetooth Falls: A 0.5-mile hike from the parking area. Quick, easy, and impressive waterfall views. Great as a first stop if you want a short break near Fort Collins.
- Rist Canyon Trailhead: Moderate 1–2 mile round trips along trails paralleling the river. Offers wildflowers and forest scenery.
- Mount McConnel Trail: About 3 miles round-trip, accessible from a trailhead near Highway 14. Provides panoramic views of Fort Collins and the surrounding area. Can be shortened if needed.
- South Canyon Trail: Around 2 miles round-trip. Easy hike along the river with shaded spots and picnic areas.
Turnaround point: For a half-day trip, consider turning around near Rustic or Pingree Park, roughly 30–45 miles from Fort Collins. This keeps the drive manageable and gives enough time for stops.

Additional tips:

Bring water, sunscreen, and hats; July can be warm and exposed.
Pack a picnic if you want to stop by the river; there are multiple pullouts and picnic areas.
Watch for wildlife along the road, especially deer and birds.
Allow extra time for slower drives and short hikes; the scenery may tempt you to linger at multiple pullouts.

Returning to Fort Collins by early evening gives you time to enjoy dinner in town. This route offers the perfect combination of scenic driving and accessible short hikes without needing overnight accommodations.

Cache La Poudre River

More Fort Collins Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions