Mount McConnel in Poudre Canyon may sit at an elevation of just 8,000 feet, but it is no easy hike. The trail starts at a popular campground and quickly climbs 1,300+ feet in about 2.1 miles. The trail rarely flattens out, expect an uphill climb for 85 percent of the hike.
The hike starts in a picnic area at the Mountain Park Campground (directions below). The first 0.8 miles of the hike is officially the Kreutzer Nature Trail. The interpretive signs along the way give you an excuse to stop and catch your breath. The signs describe the animals, geology and plants. One sign details the history of the area from Native American hunting ground, to gold mines to becoming home to homesteaders.
In 1905, the area was added the country's Forest Preserves. The nature trail is named for the first official forest ranger in the U.S., William Kreutzer. Mt. McConnel is named for R.C. McConnel, one of the first rangers in the Poudre District.
In 0.8 miles, the Nature Trail continues on, but the Mt. McConnel trail turns off and keeps climbing. At about 1.5 miles you'll come to an impressive talus slope. The peak above you is not Mt. McConnell, it's actually on the next hill south. Keep climbing up the trail enjoying the views when the trees open up.
About 2.1 miles from the trailhead, the trail winds through some rock formations. The highest is the summit of Mt. McConnell. While the summit is below treeline and in the forest, you will get a view of the snow-capped peaks and snow-filled gullies of the Mummy Range in the distance.
From here, return the way you came or follow the trail to an old sign that says "rough primitive trail ahead." We had no problem following the trail, creating a loop, but if you struggle to find the trail, watch for the cairns along the way to help you. Be aware, the trail gets very steep and rocky on the way down. There are times you will need to use your hands to maneuver down the rocks. The trail also has some steep drop offs which may be uncomfortable for people who are afraid of heights.
At about 3.6 miles, the Mt. McConnell loop meets the nature trail again. You can cut across the nature trail and drop back down the way you came up or continue on the loop. On this section of the downhill path, you'll hear the traffic from Highway 14 directly below you, but you may also hear a more steady, rushing noise. That's the Poudre River. It widens out here filling your ears with the sound of rushing water. At times, it can be so loud that it drowns out the traffic noise.
The trail ends at the entrance to the Mountain Park Recreation Area. Walk back to your car in the picnic area.
Details: The Mt McConnel loop is about 4.5 miles (from parking lot to parking lot) with about 1,300 feet in elevation gain.
Directions: From Fort Collins, take Highway 14 to Poudre Canyon. From Ted's Place at the canyon entrance, drive 23.5 miles to the Mountain Park Campground. Cross the bridge and turn right to the picnic area. Drive through the picnic area, past the bathrooms, to a parking area with five parking spaces for hikers. A trailhead sign next to the parking area leads you 0.1 miles to the real trailhead in the campground.
Read more about the Kreutzer Nature Trail.Find more great hikes in Colorado and through the west here.
Don't miss any of my hiking reports, click on the "subscribe" button at the top of this article for an alert each time I publish. And follow me, HikingDebbie on Twitter or DenverHikingExaminer on Facebook.
Comments