Hourglass Trail
Description:
The
Hourglass Trail begins at the southeast end of Comanche Reservoir and climbs
the ridge to the west ending at its intersection with the Mirror Lake Trail.
It begins at an elevation of 9,378 feet and makes a gentle climb through a
dense spruce forest. It soon turns into a moderate to steep climb for a short
distance as it parallels a stream. There is a fair amount of deadfall in the
forest making detours a good possiblility. The trail leaves the stream and
makes several switchbacks up a narrow ridge toward the alpine tundra. It breaks
out onto the tundra through some scattered smaller spruce trees. It travels
along a ridge where you can look back down the valley to the left and get
a good view of Comanche Peak. Off to the right you can see Comanche Lake below.
The
trail travels through the krummholz (wind stunted spruce) and across rocky
areas where it is often faint. There are a few rock cairns to mark the way.
The trail tops out at 11,952 feet and then descends to meet the Mirror Lake
Trail. An old wooden post marks this intersection in a wet area of the tundra.
This trail is about 4.4 miles long and of moderate difficulty.
Features:
| Length: |
4.4 miles (6.9 kilometers) |
| Elevation Range: |
9,414' - 11,956' |
| Elevation change: |
2,752 feet |
| Season: |
July 1 - Sept 15 |
| Difficulty: |
Moderate |
| Use: |
Low |
| USGS maps: |
Comanche Peak |
| Trailheads: |
Comanche Lake/Hourglass |
| Restrictions: |
Pets must be on a leash |
| Suitable for mountain bikes: |
No (no bicycles in wilderness) |
| Suitable for horses: |
Yes |
Vicinity Map
Altitude Profile
Other
Nearby Resources:
Directions:
The
Hourglass Trail is located in the Comanche Peak Wilderness and can be reached
via the Beaver Creek Trail. 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 Tom Bennett Campground.
Turn right and travel 2.5 miles (through the Sky Ranch) to the Comanche Lake/
Hourglass Trailhead. Hike about two miles on the Beaver Creek Trail to the Hourglass
Trail.
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