Hiking – RMNP - North Fork of the Big Thompson River Trail

Trip

Hiking – RMNP - North Fork of the Big Thompson River Trail

North Fork of the Big Thompson River to "Deserted Village" meadow

  • Sun, Jun 25, 2023
  • Northern Colorado
  • Hiking
  • Adults
  • moderate
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 10.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 1,889 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 8,300 ft
  • Pace: Casual

We will enjoy the refreshing sounds of the North Fork of the Big Thompson River as we hike into the Comanche Peak Wilderness Area out-and-back 6-miles along this pretty wooded trail where it opens up to a meadow at the 3-mile mark.  Although the 2013 flood washed away the remainder of the buildings, this is where Fred Sprague built a resort camp in the 1890s called "Deserted Village."  Here we will enjoy a lunch break before hiking back as we search for moose and other wildlife.  As well as seeing evidence of the nearby Cameron Peak fire of 2020, this should be a great opportunity to see wildflowers and high runoff from the melting snowpack.

There are 2 meeting locations:  1) JAX parking lot (SE edge), 2665 W. Eisenhower Blvd., Loveland at 7:30 a.m. to carpool to Glen Haven, OR 2) Glen Haven general store at 8:15 a.m.  We will carpool a few miles along the Dunraven Glade Rd. to the Dunraven Trailhead by about 8:30 a.m.  There are restrooms at the TH.

Roster
Route/Place

RMNP - North Fork of the Big Thompson River Trail


Required Equipment

Required Equipment

Bring your essentials, lunch, water, raingear, and sturdy hiking boots.  Poles can be helpful.  Rideshare from JAX is $8.  

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