• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Uncover Colorado Logo

  • Blog
  • Activities
  • Events
  • Towns
  • Lodging
  • Dining
  • Transport
  • Shop
  • Search
  • Blog
  • Activities
  • Events
  • Towns
  • Lodging
  • Dining
  • Transport
  • Shop
  • Search
Mount McConnel National Recreation Trail Colorado

Mount McConnel Trail

FacebookTwitter

Tackle the great outdoors with Mount McConnel National Recreation Trail. Established in 1936, the trail leads to the summit of its namesake, Mount McConnel. It was not until 1981 when it was designated as a National Recreation Trail.

NRT Hiking Trail in Laporte, CO

Mount McConnel Kreutzer Trail Trailhead
Mount McConnel/Kreutzer Trail trailhead.

Just a bit of a background, though it is called “Mount” McConnel, it’s only 8,000 feet above sea level- barely passing as a mountain in Colorado’s standards. Nevertheless, because it is relatively easy to summit, has accessible location, and has well maintained class-1 trail and facilities, Mount McConnel National Recreation Trail remains very popular to hikers.

Mount McConnel National Recreation Trail is a moderately difficult 4-mile backcountry type loop trail located in Cache La Poudre Wilderness in Roosevelt National Forest. In Cache La Poudre Wilderness, there are only two maintained trails, the Kreutzer Trail, a 2 miles long nature walk and Mount McConnel National Recreation Trail, the upper loop off of Kreutzer Trail.

Trail Route

Mount McConnel Trail Picnic Area
Trailhead picnic area.

From the trailhead, gradually climb to the Upper Mountain Park Road. Continue your ascend on Kreutzer Trail for 0.7 miles through an open evergreen forest of pine and fir. Just up ahead a little, you will see a junction where Kreutzer Trail meets Mount McConnel National Recreation Trail. The easier way is the summit is to follow the left route. Follow the right trail for a more satisfying hike.

After about 0.2 miles, turn north and follow the trail for a long and gradual climb until you reach Mount McConnel summit. Now 7,980 feet above sea level, take pleasure in the 360 degree splendid views of the Mummy Range, Poudre Canyon, and other striking peaks.

Unlike other descents, you will appreciate the trail ahead NOT because it’s easy, yes it is pristine and more admirable, but it is also more challenging and surprisingly takes longer time to finish. Take extra caution. There are very steep areas and you might need your hand to assist some of your drops.

After almost 2 miles from the summit, the loop ends and rejoins Kreutzer Trail. Enjoy this refreshing shaded part of the trail then go west to begin your enduring descent to Poudre River and eventually back to the trailhead.

Tips for Hiking Mount McConnel Trail

Mount McConnel Trail Colorado
Mount McConnel.

The hike usually takes about 3 hours on regular pace. It has an average grade of 10% and an elevation gain of 1500 feet. It’s best to visit Mount McConnel National Recreation Trail during April to September but it is open for the whole year. Its low elevation point makes it accessible even during winter. Also, expect a parking fee. Dogs must be on leash and motorized vehicles and equipment are not allowed.

Getting There

From Fort Collins, travel northwest for 11 miles on US Highway 287. Turn left on Colorado Highway 14, continue for 24 miles until you reach Poudre Canyon. Turn another left and cross a bridge into Mountain Park Campground. Trailhead is after the bridge on the right side.

Mount McConnel National Recreation Trail Colorado
Hiking the Mount McConnel National Recreation Trail.

Details

Address: Laporte

Season: Year round (best April to September)

Length: 4 miles (loop)

Pets: yes, on-leash

Website: fs.usda.gov/…

Primary Sidebar

Join our Colorado travel community

Enter your email below and grab our free locals' guide and monthly what's up designed to help you live your Colorado life and uncover fun things to do. —and never miss out again.

National Recreation Trails

  • All Hiking
  • Alamosa South Bluff
  • Apex
  • Barr
  • Bear Creek
  • Big Dry Creek
  • Calico
  • Clear Creek
  • Crag Crest
  • Devils Head
  • Fish Creek Falls
  • Grays Peak
  • Greyrock Mountain
  • Highline Canal
  • Highline Loop
  • Lake Fork
  • Mineral Belt
  • Monte Vista Walking
  • Mount Evans
  • Mount McConnel
  • Petroglyph Point
  • Platte River Greenway
  • Poudre River
  • Rio Grande Nature
  • Rocky Mountain Arsenal
  • Round Mountain
  • Sand Creek Regional Greenway
  • Swamp Park
  • Two Elk
  • Two Ponds
  • Vail Pass
  • West Lost Trail Creek
  • Wheeler Ten Mile
  • White House Ranch

Footer

Get In Touch

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Write For Us
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us
  • Resources
Facebook Instagram Pinterest Twitter

Disclosure: Uncover Colorado is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Things To Do

  • Travel Blog
  • Colorado Activities
  • Colorado Events
  • Colorado Towns
  • Colorado Hotels
  • Colorado Restaurants
  • Colorado Transportation
  • Made in Colorado

Visit Mile High Happy Hour for Denver neighborhoods' restaurant happy hours.

Winter Activities

  • Camping
  • Cross Country Skiing
  • Federal Lands
  • Hot Springs
  • Ice Skating
  • Skiing and Snowboarding
  • Snow Tubing
  • State Parks

Vacation like a VIP! Leisurely Lifestyle shares life and travel hacks, as well as cheap luxury travel.

Copyright © 2021 · Uncover Colorado - Vacations, Travel & Tourism | Sitemap | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer