Cache la Poudre River
This federally designated Wild and Scenic River has its headwaters in the northern end of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Plan Around Cache la Poudre River
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Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Cache la Poudre River Details
This federally designated Wild and Scenic River has its headwaters in the northern end of Rocky Mountain National Park, flows through the Roosevelt National Forest, and eventually empties into the South Platte River near Greeley, Colorado. The name means "hide the powder" in French, referring to an incident where early fur trappers got caught in a snowstorm and hid their gunpowder near the river. The river is known for trout fishing and, in the Poudre Canyon section, whitewater rafting and kayaking. Although a small river, the Cache la Poudre played an important role in the development of early waterdelivery and management projects and policies.
Difficulty
Low
Distance
N/A
Estimated time
Region
Trail Ridge Road
Nearby Parks Around Cache la Poudre River
Compare nearby parks around Cache la Poudre River when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Cache la Poudre River
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Cache la Poudre River while the map context is still fresh.
0.0 mi away
Medicine Bow Curve
This overlook is named for the Medicine Bow Mountains, which you can see in the distance.
0.0 mi away
Medicine Bow Curve
This overlook is named for the Medicine Bow Mountains, which you can see in the distance.
0.4 mi away
Fall River Pass
Trail Ridge Road traverses Fall River Pass at an elevation of 11,796 feet.
0.4 mi away
Alpine Ridge Trail
This short, well maintained trail climbs to an overlook near the Alpine Visitor Center on Ridge Road.
0.4 mi away
Alpine Ridge Trailhead
This quarter-mile walk is deceptively strenuous because of the high altitude of the trail.
