Comanche Lake Trail
Description:
The
Comanche Lake Trail begins on the Beaver Creek Trail about 3.7 miles from
the Comanche Lake/Hourglass Trailhead. The trailhead has room for 20 to 30
vehicles and will accommodate large horse trailers. The trail starts off to
the south through a rocky area and soon turns west along Beaver Creek. It
shortly crosses the creek via a log bridge and turns east along the creek.
Soon it turns south again and makes a moderate climb through a dense spruce
forest. After about .25 miles the trail levels off, making it a pleasant walk
through the forest. There are a few boggy spots along the way but these shouldn't
pose any problems. The trail crosses a stream about a tenth of a mile below
Comanche Lake. You can cross over on some logs or just walk through the stream
as it is fairly shallow.
There
is a boggy area just below the lake that could prove troublesome for horses.
Large logs provide an easy crossing for hikers. Horsemen could tie their stock
below the bog as it is a short distance to the lake. It could be difficult
finding a way around it. Comanche Lake is a beautiful lake surrounded by spruce
forest and a high rock wall on the north. The lake contains cutthroat trout.
The trail lies in the Comanche Lake Travel Zone where camping is restricted
to designated campsites and livestock are not permitted overnight. This trail
is an easy hike for a little over a mile one way.
Features:
| Length: |
1.15 miles (1.85 kilometers) |
| Elevation Range: |
9,572' - 9,945' |
| Elevation change: |
395 feet |
| Season: |
July 1 - Sept 30 |
| Difficulty: |
Easy |
| Use: |
Low |
| USGS maps: |
Comanche Peak |
| Trailheads: |
Comanche Lake/Hourglass |
| Restrictions: |
Pets must be on a leash, no open fires
in travel zone, camping in designated sites only |
| Suitable for mountain bikes: |
No (not permitted in wilderness) |
| Suitable for horses: |
Yes |
Vicinity Map
Altitude Profile
Other Nearby Resources:
Directions:
Take
Highway 287 north from Fort Collins to Laporte. Continue on Highway 287 to Highway
14. Travel west on 14 for 24 miles to the Pinegree Park Road. Turn left and
travel 15.5 miles to the turn-off to Tom Bennett Campground. Follow this road
for about 2.5 miles (past the church camp) to the Comanche Lake/Hourglass Trailhead.
Take the Beaver Creek Trail for about 3.7 miles to the Comanche Lake Trail.
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