One of the busiest trails on the Canyon Lakes Ranger District also offers some of the best summit views and easiest access in the Poudre Canyon. The first half mile to the Meadows Trail Junction is an easy hike alongside the Cache La Poudre River, through mountain mahogany and wildflowers and some patches of poison ivy. The trail soon steepens and becomes more challenging. Take plenty of water as there typically is none in the creek beds after the trail junction.
This trail was originally constructed in the early 1900s by Ranger R.C. McConnell, one of the first forest rangers in the Poudre District. The trail was enhanced and completed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Thanks to their efforts and enduring craftsmanship, many of the trails you use today still exist!