Mount McConnel Trail

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Trail Distance: 2.4 miles
Time Estimate: 1 hr 50 min+
Elevation Gain: 1340 feet
Leash Rule: On Leash
Difficulty: Hard
Parking: Free
Route Type: Out-and-back
Restroom: Yes
Description
The Colorado mountains and national forests are an amazing place to see. The Mount McConnel Trail is a short hike, but worth it! This trail ascends the slopes of Mount McConnel and is officially known as the Mount McConnel National Recreation Trail, having been designated as a national trail in 1981.


The Mount McConnel Trail and Kreutzer Nature Trail trailhead are located along the Cache la Poudre River, offering up restrooms and a small parking area for visitors. The trail starts at the south side of the parking area, and heads past a few developed areas before reaching the wilderness. For the first half a mile of the trail, hikers will head deep into the forests of the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee National Grassland, walking along a small, but even path made from compacted soil. The trail is shaded nicely thanks to the canopy of alpines and Douglas-Furs.

After that, the trail becomes a bit steeper as it begins to climb Mount McConnel, and becomes more open to the sharp grassland and ridges that mark the side of the mountain. This part of the trail is a little hard to navigate, as it winds through rocky fields and steep switchbacks. If you're determined though, the trail gets to the top of the peak after another half a mile, where hikers can enjoy gorgeous views of the surrounding forests and grassy fields from the ridgeline. 

The trail descends down another part of the mountain while surrounded by grasslands for another .75 miles. The end of the trail enters back into the thick forest and returns to the entrance of The Mount McConnel Trail and Kreutzer Nature Trail trailhead, but not to the parking lot itself. Hikers will have to walk a couple hundred feet along the road of the entrance to reach the parking lot. You'll be able to reach your car in no time and enjoy a peaceful time in the next door picnic area.

Bring any supplies with you, such as water and clean up bags, and leave nothing behind along your journey.

For a pawrific hike in the beautiful Colorado mountains, check out the Mount McConnel Trail with your pup!

Wag! does not allow or encourage Pet Care Providers to bring dogs to parks.
Trail Features
Ice, Loose Terrain, Rocky, Steep Inclines, Forest, River, Diverse Landscape, Mountains, Grassland
Scenic, Wildflowers, Abundant Wildlife
Cautions & Considerations
Parking is limited to only 5 spaces for the trail, but more parking is also available in the Mountain Park Recreational Area for $6. Wildlife like mountain lions and bears can come onto the trail from the surrounding areas.
Address
22499-22789 Poudre Canyon Rd
Livermore, CO 80536
Hours
Mon Sunrise - Sunset
Tue Sunrise - Sunset
Wed Sunrise - Sunset
Thu Sunrise - Sunset
Fri Sunrise - Sunset
Sat Sunrise - Sunset
Sun Sunrise - Sunset
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Address
22499-22789 Poudre Canyon Rd
Livermore, CO 80536
Hours
Mon Sunrise - Sunset
Tue Sunrise - Sunset
Wed Sunrise - Sunset
Thu Sunrise - Sunset
Fri Sunrise - Sunset
Sat Sunrise - Sunset
Sun Sunrise - Sunset