Jump of point
little info on Ted
Went the whole way. Good thing I did it when I did. 1 month later fire is burning through the Canyon
Finally warmed up so I could take the top down
Pulled over and had a great wade out in the Poudre
The Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area (CALA), designated by Congress in 1996, is one of 55 National Heritage Areas throughout the United States and was the first to be established west of the Mississippi. The CALA extends for 45 miles and includes the lands within the 100-year flood plain of the Cache la Poudre River. It begins in Larimer County at the eastern edge of the Roosevelt National Forest and ends in Weld County, at the confluence of the South Platte River just east of Greeley. The Cache la Poudre River is essential to the lives of the more than a half-million people in the northern Colorado Front Range and is the heart of the National Heritage Area. View irrigation ditches and canals built in the late 1800’s by early settlers, many of which are still in use today. Bike the Poudre River Trail for miles of natural beauty and rich history. Sites of historical interest within the Heritage Area include the Fort Collins Water Works, the Great Western Sugar Beet Flume (a National Historic Site), and the Eaton House at the Boardwalk Park Museum in Windsor, all of which contribute to the history and story of water use in the West. Also nearby are the 1960’s era Missile Silo Park, the site of a WWII POW Camp, and the Kaplan-Hoover Bison Bonebed, where the remains of over 200 bison (dating to 860 BC) were excavated beginning in 1998. From outdoor activities like hiking, biking, whitewater rafting, fishing and birdwatching, to museums and historical attractions, the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area is a great location to learn, explore and become inspired. This Heritage Area includes the following sites:
little wade on a HOT Day
Closed ...;(
Headed into the Canyon
Cool down spot
Reminds me a bit of devils postpile
Description Gateway Natural Area is the kind of place you will want to bring your family for a day in the mountains and definitely a place you will be proud to say is part of Fort Collins. Gateway Natural Area (formerly Gateway Mountain Park) is the site of the city's old water filtration plant, where the North Fork of the Poudre River joins the main Poudre River. Visitors enjoy it because its tucked away from the noise of Highway 14 and Gateway is only 15 miles from Fort Collins! You'll find hiking trails, a designated launch area for kayaks and canoes, fishing, picnic tables with grills, informational kiosks and a natural playground.
Had to stop to refill with drinks and crisps
cute little cabin you can stay in...No time for me to stop though
Fuel
it’s amazing the home on the river
The Roosevelt National Forest is a National Forest located in north central Colorado. It is contiguous with the Colorado State Forest as well as the Arapaho National Forest and the Routt National Forest. The forest is administered jointly with the Arapaho National Forest and the Pawnee National Grassland from offices in Fort Collins, and is denoted by the United States Forest Service as ARP (Arapaho, Roosevelt, Pawnee). Roosevelt National Forest Rawah Wilderness.jpg Map showing the location of Roosevelt National ForestMap showing the location of Roosevelt National Forest Location Colorado, United States Nearest city Fort Collins, CO Coordinates 40°42′32″N 105°34′52″W Area 813,799 acres (3,293.33 km2) Established May 22, 1902 Named for Theodore Roosevelt[1] Governing body U.S. Forest Service Website Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland Map of Colorado. The area of the Roosevelt National Forest is in red. The forest encompasses a mountainous area of the foothills on the eastern side of the Continental Divide of the Front Range in Larimer County and Boulder County. In Larimer County it includes the upper valleys of the Cache la Poudre and Big Thompson Rivers. It includes forested areas along both sides of the Poudre Canyon and along the north and east sides of Rocky Mountain National Park. Smaller parts of the forest also extend into northern Gilpin and extreme northwestern Jefferson counties. Entrance to Roosevelt National Forest near Estes Park, Colorado. The Roosevelt National Forest is divided into two ranger districts, the Canyon Lakes Ranger District, with offices in Fort Collins, and the Boulder Ranger District, with offices in Boulder. The Roosevelt National Forest began in May 22, 1902 as part of the Medicine Bow Forest Reserve. It was renamed the Colorado National Forest in 1910, and was renamed to honor President Theodore Roosevelt in 1932.[1] The forest has a total area of 813,799 acres (1,271.56 sq mi, or 3,293.33 km²).[2] Several volunteer groups work with the US Forest Service to help manage the Roosevelt National Forest, including the Poudre Wilderness Volunteers. Wilderness areas Edit There are six officially designated wilderness areas lying within Roosevelt National Forest that are part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Four of them extend into neighboring National Forests, and one of these also onto National Park Service land (as indicated). Cache La Poudre Wilderness, 14.47 square miles Comanche Peak Wilderness, 104.4 square miles Indian Peaks Wilderness, 119.9 square miles (mostly in Arapaho NF; partly in Rocky Mountain National Park) James Peak Wilderness, 26.59 square miles (partly in Arapaho NF) Neota Wilderness, 15.51 square miles (partly in Routt NF) Rawah Wilderness, 119.4 square miles (partly in Routt NF)
The Roosevelt National Forest is a National Forest located in north central Colorado. It is contiguous with the Colorado State Forest as well as the Arapaho National Forest and the Routt National Forest. The forest is administered jointly with the Arapaho National Forest and the Pawnee National Grassland from offices in Fort Collins, and is denoted by the United States Forest Service as ARP (Arapaho, Roosevelt, Pawnee). Roosevelt National Forest Rawah Wilderness.jpg Map showing the location of Roosevelt National ForestMap showing the location of Roosevelt National Forest Location Colorado, United States Nearest city Fort Collins, CO Coordinates 40°42′32″N 105°34′52″W Area 813,799 acres (3,293.33 km2) Established May 22, 1902 Named for Theodore Roosevelt[1] Governing body U.S. Forest Service Website Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland Map of Colorado. The area of the Roosevelt National Forest is in red. The forest encompasses a mountainous area of the foothills on the eastern side of the Continental Divide of the Front Range in Larimer County and Boulder County. In Larimer County it includes the upper valleys of the Cache la Poudre and Big Thompson Rivers. It includes forested areas along both sides of the Poudre Canyon and along the north and east sides of Rocky Mountain National Park. Smaller parts of the forest also extend into northern Gilpin and extreme northwestern Jefferson counties. Entrance to Roosevelt National Forest near Estes Park, Colorado. The Roosevelt National Forest is divided into two ranger districts, the Canyon Lakes Ranger District, with offices in Fort Collins, and the Boulder Ranger District, with offices in Boulder. The Roosevelt National Forest began in May 22, 1902 as part of the Medicine Bow Forest Reserve. It was renamed the Colorado National Forest in 1910, and was renamed to honor President Theodore Roosevelt in 1932.[1] The forest has a total area of 813,799 acres (1,271.56 sq mi, or 3,293.33 km²).[2] Several volunteer groups work with the US Forest Service to help manage the Roosevelt National Forest, including the Poudre Wilderness Volunteers. Wilderness areas Edit There are six officially designated wilderness areas lying within Roosevelt National Forest that are part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Four of them extend into neighboring National Forests, and one of these also onto National Park Service land (as indicated). Cache La Poudre Wilderness, 14.47 square miles Comanche Peak Wilderness, 104.4 square miles Indian Peaks Wilderness, 119.9 square miles (mostly in Arapaho NF; partly in Rocky Mountain National Park) James Peak Wilderness, 26.59 square miles (partly in Arapaho NF) Neota Wilderness, 15.51 square miles (partly in Routt NF) Rawah Wilderness, 119.4 square miles (partly in Routt NF)
The forest is located in the Rocky Mountains, straddling the continental divide in the Front Range west of Denver. It was established on July 1, 1908, by President Theodore Roosevelt and named for the Arapaho tribe of Native Americans which previously inhabited the Colorado Eastern Plains. The forest includes part of the high Rockies and river valleys in the upper watershed of the Colorado River and South Platte River. The forest is largely in Grand and Clear Creek counties, but spills over into neighboring (in descending order of land area) Gilpin, Park, Routt, Jackson, and Jefferson counties. There are local ranger district offices located in Granby and Idaho Springs. Wildlife Edit The ponds also produce many insects and other invertebrates (protein) needed by most female waterfowl for successful egg laying. These insects also serve as an essential food item for the growth of ducklings and goslings during the summer months. The first waterfowl arrive in the spring when the ice vanishes in April. The peak migration occurs in late May when 5,000 or more ducks may be present. Canada geese have been reestablished in North Park and begin nesting during April. Duck nesting usually starts in early June and peaks in late June. The forest produces about 9,000 ducklings and 150 to 200 goslings each year. The Fish and Wildlife Service expects that when refuge lands are fully acquired and developed, waterfowl production should increase significantly. There have been 198 bird species recorded in the forest.[2] Primary upland nesting species include the mallard, pintail, gadwall, and American wigeon. A number of diving ducks, including the lesser scaup and redhead, nest on the larger ponds and adjacent wet meadows. Most species may be observed during the entire summer season. Fall migration reaches its height in late September or early October when up to 8,000 waterfowl may be present. The wetlands also attract numerous marsh, shore, and water birds. Sora and Virginia rails are numerous but seldom seen. If they are present, Wilson's phalarope, American avocet, willet, sandpipers, Greater yellowlegs, and dowitchers will be easy to observe. Other less common species include great blue heron, black-crowned night heron, American bittern, and eared and pied-billed grebe. The upland hills harbor sage grouse year around with a winter population of more than 200 birds. Golden eagles, several species of hawks, and an occasional prairie falcon circle the skies above in search of food. Their prey includes Richardson's ground squirrel, white-tailed prairie dog, and white-tailed jackrabbit. Badger, muskrat, beaver, coyote, and pronghorn are commonly observed. It is also possible to see a raccoon, red fox, mink, long-tailed weasel, or porcupine. As many as 400 mule deer have wintered here and up to 200 elk are frequently seen during the winter months. Moose have recently been reintroduced into North Park and may occasionally be observed in the willow thickets along the Illinois River bottoms. There are no venomous snakes anywhere in this forest. Wilderness areas Edit There are six officially designated wilderness areas lying within Arapaho National Forest that are part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Four of them are partially in neighboring National Forests, and one of these also onto National Park Service land (as indicated). Byers Peak Wilderness, 13.93 square miles Indian Peaks Wilderness, 119.9 square miles (partly in Roosevelt NF; also partly in Rocky Mountain National Park) James Peak Wilderness, 26.59 square miles (mostly in Roosevelt NF) Mount Evans Wilderness, 116.3 square miles (partly in Pike NF) Never Summer Wilderness, 32.95 square miles (partly in Routt NF) Vasquez Peak Wilderness, 19.22 square miles In popular culture Edit
naw I did not hike that
had to have a cool down
refuel
Arrowhead Lodge was originally built as a summer mountain resort. Construction began in 1933 and the lodge opened for business in 1935. In 1984, Arrowhead Lodge was transferred from private to public ownership in a land exchange with the U.S. Forest Service. Today Arrowhead Lodge serves as a visitor center for people traveling and recreating in the Cache la Poudre River corridor. Staff answers questions, and sells forest maps and federal recreation passes. The lodge is also known as a viewing spot for bighorn sheep, mostly on the hillsides behind the main buildings.
closed...:(
Would have been really cool to stay here
Arrowhead Lodge was originally built as a summer mountain resort. Construction began in 1933 and the lodge opened for business in 1935. In 1984, Arrowhead Lodge was transferred from private to public ownership in a land exchange with the U.S. Forest Service. Today Arrowhead Lodge serves as a visitor center for people traveling and recreating in the Cache la Poudre River corridor. Staff answers questions, and sells forest maps and federal recreation passes. The lodge is also known as a viewing spot for bighorn sheep, mostly on the hillsides behind the main buildings.
not sure what this is but I liked it so I kept it
weather moving in...should have paid attention
water really rushing
really nice little falls
nice falls
North Diamond Peak
Snow still
Cameron Pass (elevation 10,276 ft (3,132 m)) is a mountain pass in north-central Colorado in the Rocky Mountains of the western United States. The pass is a gap between the south end of the Medicine Bow Mountains and the north end of the Never Summer Mountains. It sits on the border between Jackson County and Larimer County, approximately 3 mi (5 km) north of the boundary of Rocky Mountain National Park. The pass provides the most convenient route between Fort Collins and Walden in North Park, using State Highway 14. Cameron Pass Cameron Pass (Colorado).JPG One of the signs at the top of the pass. Elevation 10,276 ft (3,132 m)[1] Traversed by SH 14 Location Jackson / Larimer counties, Colorado, United States Range Rocky Mountains Coordinates 40°31′15″N 105°53′33″W Topo map USGS Clark Peak The pass was named for Robert Cameron, the founder of the Fort Collins Agricultural Colony and former Union general, in 1870.[2] The pass was surveyed several times for railroads, including once by the Union Pacific Railroad as a possible route for a line through the Rockies. No railroad was ever built over the pass however. The pass is located the boundary of the Roosevelt National Forest and the Colorado State Forest State Park. Parking lots on the east and west sides of the pass, as well as at the summit allow access to nearby trails that are popular both for hiking in the summer and cross-country skiing in the winter. The pass receives much snow during the winter months and is prone to avalanches, but it usually remains open all-year round. The pass has a mild approach from the West, and is steep from the East. The pass is drained on the north side by a tributary of the Cache la Poudre River, Joe Wright Creek,[3] in the basin of the South Platte River. It is drained on the south side by the Michigan River, a tributary of the North Platte River in North Park.
State Forest State Park is a Colorado State Park located in Jackson and Larimer counties east of Walden, Colorado, United States. The 70,838-acre (286.67 km2) park was established in 1970 in the Medicine Bow Range of the Rocky Mountains. Facilities include a visitors' center, 187 campsites (including RV and tent sites), over 60 dispersed camping sites, 15 cabins and yurts, picnic sites, boat ramps and 94 miles (151 km) of hiking trails.[1] State Forest State Park North Michigan Creek Reservoir.JPG North Michigan Creek Reservoir Map showing the location of State Forest State ParkMap showing the location of State Forest State Park Location Jackson / Larimer counties, Colorado, United States Nearest city Walden, CO Coordinates 40°30′41″N 106°00′37″W Area 70,838 acres (286.67 km2) Established 1970 Governing body Colorado Parks and Wildlife About 52,000 acres (210 km2) of the park are forested in lodgepole pine, Douglas fir, Colorado blue spruce, aspen and other species. An unprecedented epidemic of Mountain pine beetle is currently reshaping the park's flora landscape.[2] Wildlife in the park includes moose ("Moose is our claim to fame"), bighorn sheep, black bear, mule deer and elk.
ugh moose...so cool. He only had 1 horn
I went Jeeping for a bit. Very cool heading back here for a couple days
Views from the Trail
Closed...Also look at the sky! I had the coldest trip home in shorts and tee
Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge
The Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge is a United States National Wildlife Refuge located in north central Colorado. It is one of over 560 national wildlife refuges which manages and protects natural resources for future generations. The refuge is located in North Park in central Jackson County south of the town of Walden. The refuge was established in 1967 to furnish waterfowl with a suitable place to nest and rear their young. It was created in part to offset losses of nesting habitat in the prairie wetland region of the Midwest. It is located in the valley of the Illinois River, a tributary of the North Platte River. It is administered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.[1] Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area) DSCN2554 arapahonatlwildliferefuge 600.jpg View of the Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge, looking out over the valley of the Illinois River from State Highway 14. The Park Range is in the background. Map showing the location of Arapaho National Wildlife RefugeMap showing the location of Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge Location Jackson County, Colorado, United States Nearest city Walden Coordinates 40°37′23″N 106°16′28″W Area 24,804 acres (100.38 km2) Established 1967 Governing body U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Website Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge Description Edit The dry climate of the area (at an elevation of approximately 8800 feet) requires the diversion of water from the Illinois River through a complex system of ditches to irrigate wetland meadows and fill water fowl brood ponds. Periodic burning, irrigation and various grazing systems are management tools used on the refuge meadows to maintain vegetative vigor for nesting purposes. Manipulation of water levels in the shallow ponds is intended to assure adequate aquatic vegetation for food and escape cover. The ponds also produce many insects and other invertebrates (protein) needed by most female waterfowl for successful egg laying. These insects also serve as an essential food item for the growth of ducklings and goslings during the summer months. The first waterfowl arrive at the refuge in the spring when the ice vanishes in April. The peak migration occurs in late May when 5,000 or more ducks may be present. Canada geese have been reestablished in North Park and begin nesting on the refuge during April. Duck nesting usually starts in early June and peaks in late June. The refuge produces about 9,000 ducklings and 150 to 200 goslings each year. The Fish and Wildlife Service expects that when refuge lands are fully acquired and developed, waterfowl production should increase significantly. There have been 198 bird species recorded in the refuge.[2] Primary upland nesting species include the mallard, pintail, gadwall, and American wigeon. A number of diving ducks, including the lesser scaup and redhead, nest on the larger ponds and adjacent wet meadows. Most species may be observed during the entire summer season. Fall migration reaches its height in late September or early October when up to 8,000 waterfowl may be on the refuge. Refuge wetlands also attract numerous marsh, shore, and water birds. Sora and Virginia rails - shy, secretive birds - are numerous but seldom seen. If they are present, Wilson's phalarope, American avocet, willet, sandpipers, Greater yellowlegs, and dowitchers will be easy to observe. Other less common species include great blue heron, black-crowned night heron, American bittern, and eared and pied-billed grebe. The upland hills harbor sage grouse year around with a winter population of more than 200 birds. Golden eagles, several species of hawks, and an occasional prairie falcon circle the skies above the refuge in search of food. Their prey includes Richardson's ground squirrel, white-tailed prairie dog, and white-tailed jackrabbit. Badger, muskrat, beaver, coyote, and pronghorn are commonly observed by visitors. It is also possible to see the mammalian species of raccoon, red fox, mink, long-tailed weasel, or porcupine. As many as 400 mule deer have wintered here and up to 200 elk are frequently seen during the winter months. Moose have recently been reintroduced into North Park and may occasionally be observed in the willow thickets along the Illinois River bottoms. There are no venomous snakes in the refuge. Public access Edit Public access to the refuge includes a self-guided 6-mile wildlife auto tour route from nearby State Highway 14, and overlook over the Illinois River valley. Public fishing is permitted along the Illinois River except in the areas marked as closed. Portions of the refuge are open to public hunting of some game species during appropriate state seasons. The refuge is open for day-use only. Fires are not permitted on refuge lands. An 1850-foot ADA compliant boardwalk was completed in August 2009 by Wildlands Restoration Volunteers. The volunteers built it over 5 years, with more than 6,000 man hours of labor. It winds along parts of the river where numerous animals and birds can be seen. Moose can often be seen among the willows. The boardwalk is about a mile southwest of the refuge headquarters.
oxbows
Walden Courthouse