Ascending Hikes – Mt. Margaret Trail

Carpool Place & Time: Pringle's parking lot on Drake Rd, Fort Collins, CO at 7:30AM for 7:45AM departure (Pringle's Fine Wine & Spirits - Google Maps)

We'll carpool to the Mount Margaret Trailhead parking (Mount Margaret Trailhead - Google Maps)

This loop route is an easy hike along mostly old logging roads that meander through meadows, ponderosa pines, and granite outcroppings. From the trailhead, we will approach the South Line Pine Creek in less than a mile. The trail continues northeast past the intersections of Frog Pond and East Dowdy Lake trails. Mount Margaret is reached by following the trail left at the next two junctions. The trail stops short of the summit, but it is a short, easy scramble to the top, affording views that showcase the beauty of the surrounding Red Feather Lakes landscape. We will have a lunch/snack at or near the summit. Our return route will take us through a saddle between some granite rock formations. Our pace will be comfortable for all participants. Overall ~7 miles and ~600 ft of elevation gain. (Mount Margaret Loop - CalTopo)

The Colorado Mountain Club's Ascending Hike Section (AHS) provides an opportunity to make new friends and explore new places in Colorado's backcountry, while increasing your personal hiking speed, strength, and stamina. The section is administered by CMC volunteers. There is no cost, fee, or scheduling commitment. There are no dues or elections. Open to all CMC members. To join the section, contact the CMC office. (Ascending Hikes Section — The Colorado Mountain Club (cmc.org))