Red Feather Lakes is in the heart of Roosevelt National Forest, located northwest of Fort Collins and surrounded by sparkling streams, lush meadows and mountain peaks. The forest was named after President Theodore Roosevelt, who is credited as the inspiration for the development of the national-forest system.
Roosevelt National Forest spans 1,240-square-miles, and offers hiking, mountain biking, four-wheeling, fishing, and camping. It includes the Cache la Poudre (poo-der), a wild and Scenic River, and several designated wilderness areas for a variety of recreational activities. National forest regulations generally permit leashed dogs and mountain bikes on trails, except in designated wilderness areas.
Of the fourteen lakes in the Red Feather Lakes area, six are open to the public for fishing and boating. Some of the lakes are in Roosevelt, and others are on private land.
Fishing
Fishing in the area is top-notch. In the national forest's mountain lakes, as well as the two Lost Lakes, there are a variety of trout (rainbow, cutthroat, brown), and some kokanee salmon. Be aware that some parts of the Poudre are designated Wild Trout waters; catch-and-release fishing and artificial lures and flies are required.
Another popular fishing spot is Joe Wright Reservoir, located in the forest at 10,000 feet just off the northwest corner of the national park. For more information on fishing regulations and costs, or to buy your license online, check out Colorado Division of Wildlife. For tips on fishing in the Red Feather Lakes area, click here.
Hiking
There are hundreds of miles of trails leading to beautiful scenic areas. Here are some recommended trails in the Red Feather Lakes area you might consider, and are easily accessible from Red Feather Lakes' road and subsequent County Roads.
Killpecker Trail: Moderate, with a peak elevation of 10, 920 feet. The trail leads through the Pine Forest along Killpecker Creek, and crosses over Forest Road 300. Length one-way is 4.4 miles.
Lady Moon Trail: Easy, with a peak elevation of 8,100, feet. Trail goes slightly south to meet up with Molly Lake Trail. Then take the Molly Lake Trail west and check out numerous game trails, logging roads and a viewing area above Lady Moon Lake (private) on the Forrest Service Land. Length one-way is 1.1 miles, and crosses onto Molly Lake Trail, which is an additional 3.8 miles.
Mount Margaret Trail: Easy, with a peak elevation of 8,810 feet. The trail crosses South Lone Pine Creek, and then wanders through meadows and lodgepole and ponderosa pine trees. There are five designated camp sites that are first come, first serve. It also crosses through the "Five points", where five roads and trails intersect. Total length one-way is 3.7 miles.
North Lone Pine Trail: Moderate, with a peak elevation of 10, 720 feet. This trail is level at the beginning, and then ascends along the North Lone Pine Creek. It passes through the stream and junctions with some old logging roads, before reaching a forest of mixed lodgepole pine, spruce, fir and Aspen. Offers a great view of Red Feather Lakes. Total length one-way is 4.7 miles.
Horseback Riding
Many forest trails used by hikers are also suitable for horseback riding. Check with forest-service offices for recommendations. If you take hay into the forest for feed, you must be able to show that it is certified weed-free.
Mountain Biking
Several forest trails are open to mountain bikes, but not all of them. Be sure to check with forest-service offices for details. Bike rentals are available in Estes Park and Fort Collins.
Rafting
Rafting along the Cache La Poudre, Colorado's only federally designated Wild and Scenic River, offers exciting white-water rafting with rapids rated mostly Class III and IV. These are fun for experienced boaters with good-quality equipment; however you can get a guide to take you down the river, regardless of your experience level.
Contact Rocky Mountain Adventures (tel. 800-858-6808 or 970-493-4005) and A-1 Wildwater (tel. 800-369-4165 or 970-224-3379) to get information about tour times and equipment rentals.
Off-roading
Most off-highway vehicles (OHVs), which include all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) dirt bikes and other unlicensed vehicles, are only permitted on OPEN TO roads. Please check trailhead signs for ATV and other dirt bike symbols. Most of these routes are closed during the winter and early spring, and re-open around Memorial Day.
Colorado residents must register OHVs and other vehicles with Colorado State Parks. Please note that all OHV routes originate in the Red Feather Lakes area, and must be carried on a trailer to the trailhead(s) - approximately ½ hour from Kroeker Mountain Properties.Hunting
Big game hunting is allowed in Roosevelt for the following animals; deer, elk, pronghorn, bear and moose. You must have a license, and can use a variety of guns and bows. Designated hunting hours are a half hour before sunrise and sunset, unless specifically restricted.
For information about licenses, fees, applications and transport of game, as well as the hunting-designated areas and specific seasons for each animal, visit Colorado Division of Wildlife.
Just for fun
Deadman Fire Lookout Tower: This historically-recognized fire tower is run by volunteers, and aids in the discovery of local fires. Under perfect conditions you can see Laramie Peak 102 miles to the north. You can also view Colorado's eastern plains, and the Rawhide Power Plant. Facing south and west, you can see Mummy Range, Rocky Mountain Park, Comanche Peak and Medicine Bow Range.
In addition, the tower serves as a radio communications site for the Roosevelt National Forrest and Larimer County Sheriff's department. The equipment is powered by solar panels and batteries. Deadman tower was named for its close proximity to Deadman Park, and the story of the "deadman" is still a mystery. To learn more, you can visit the tower from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from July through Labor Day weekend. Take 74E to Deadman Road, drive west until you hit Forest Road 170, then turn right and keep going until you hit the tower.
For additional information
Forest Service Information Center
2150 Centre Ave., Building E
Fort Collins, CO 80526
970-295-6700