Missing Activity Template – Mt. Margaret Trail

Missing Activity Template – Mt. Margaret Trail

This is the second in a series of Ascending Hikes in Northern Colorado. Ascending hikes are designed to help members improve their personal hiking speed, strength, and stamina and build upon their hiking knowledge. This hike will take us to the summit of Mount Margaret, with a bit of a scramble at the end and provide views of the Red Feather Lakes landscape. Please note that this will be the same route as the April 27, 2024 Ascending Hikes trip and is an attempt to accommodate the waitlist or members that cannot make it on the 27th.

  • Easy
  • Easy
  • Mileage: 7.2 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 600 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 8,166 ft
  • Pace: 1.5-2.0 MPH

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))

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)

Roster
Route/Place

Mt. Margaret Trail


Required Equipment

Required Equipment

10 essentials are required. Trekking poles are recommended.

Trip Reports