Big South Trail - Hiking trail near Fort Collins, Colorado, United States - Description

This trail enters the Comanche Peak Wilderness a half mile from the trailhead. The trail follows the Cache la Poudre River and goes by 19 designated camp sites before intersecting the river after seven miles. There is no bridge over the river and fording the river is not always possible, particularly during spring runoff. About a half mile south of the river, a connector trail leads to Peterson Lake. The Big South Trail continues southward to join the lower end of the Corral Creek Trail (#989) and provides access to Rocky Mountain National Park.

General Wilderness Regulations:

* Dogs must be on a hand held leash
* No motorized or mechanized equipment allowed
* Camps, campfires, and stock, where allowed, at least 200 feet from water and trails
* Group size limited to 12 people or stock animals combined

Big South Travel Zone Regulations:

* Camping allowed only in designated sites
* No campfires - stoves only
* Overnight stock use prohibited

In Rocky Mountain National Park:

* Dogs are prohibited
* Permit required for overnight camping in park
* Check with park for other regulations

Travel 11 miles northwest of Fort Collins on U.S. Highway 287 and Colorado Highway 14. Turn left on CO 14, and travel 49 miles west. Trailhead parking is located on the left just before the road crosses a bridge and the Big South Campground.