The best MTB trails in Cache La Poudre Wilderness
37
riders
4
rides
Mountain bike trails in Cache La Poudre Wilderness traverse a rugged canyon carved into granitic bedrock, offering diverse terrain. The region features elevations ranging from approximately 6,100 to 8,700 feet, with landscapes dominated by ponderosa and lodgepole pine forests, alongside Douglas fir. The trails often follow the Cache la Poudre River corridor, providing varied riding experiences through high cliffs and interesting rock formations. This area provides a mix of challenging climbs and scenic routes for mountain bikers.
Best mountain bike trails in Cache La Poudre Wilderness
- The most popular mountain bike trail is Young Gulch Trail, a 10.3 miles (16.6 km) trail that takes 1 hour 40 minutes to complete. This moderate route features varied terrain through a scenic gulch.
- Another top favourite among local mountain bikers is White Rock loop from Stove Prairie, a difficult 37.8 miles (60.8 km) path. This challenging loop includes significant elevation gain and expansive views.
- Local mountain bikers also love the Hewlett Gulch Trail Loop, a 7.9 miles (12.7 km) trail leading through a forested gulch, often completed in about 1 hour 20 minutes.
- Mountain biking in Cache La Poudre Wilderness is defined by rugged canyon landscapes, diverse pine forests, and routes alongside the Cache la Poudre River. The network offers options for different ability levels, from moderate singletrack to difficult, longer loops.
- The guide includes highly-rated routes that showcase the best of the region's landscape. More than 30 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore Cache La Poudre Wilderness's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
5
riders
16.6km
01:40
360m
360m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
60.7km
06:02
1,350m
1,340m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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15.3km
02:42
1,120m
130m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
15.3km
02:42
1,120m
130m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
24
riders
12.7km
01:20
320m
320m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Cache La Poudre Wilderness
Tips from the Community
The Young Gulch Trail is a fantastic, hidden gem that takes you gently upward across over two dozen stream crossings and through fields of wildflowers. The trailhead, just off the highway, offers parking for about a dozen cars but no facilities. As you ride, you'll pass through stands of juniper, ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and hundreds of wildflowers, especially in the spring. The trail was designed to be bike-friendly and follows the creek for most of its length, though it now runs higher above the water due to rerouting after a fire and flood. While much of the trail passes through areas burned during the 2012 High Park Fire, leaving some sections exposed and hot on sunny days, other parts remain well-shaded by forests, with meadows and diverse flora providing a respite. The trail's moderate terrain and beautiful scenery make it a popular ride just a short distance from Fort Collins, despite the challenges posed by creek crossings during spring runoff and the fire damage.
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After about two miles, you will hit a split in the Hewlett Gulch Trail. From here you can either take a right, left, or turn around and retrace your steps down the sloping hillside to the trailhead. If you take a left, you will climb steeply uphill on a series of switchbacks with increasingly great views. If you take a right, the trail stays relatively flat, passing some unique rock formations, and across the river a few times. Most mountain bikers go right up the flatter trail to save the switchbacks for a fun, techy downhill, however, most hikers take the left to climb uphill, so be aware of them as you ride.
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After about two miles, you will hit a split in the Hewlett Gulch Trail. From here you can either take a right, left, or turn around and retrace your steps down the sloping hillside to the trailhead. If you take a left, you will climb steeply uphill on a series of switchbacks with increasingly great views. If you take a right, the trail stays relatively flat, passing some unique rock formations, and across the river a few times. Most prefer getting the elevation out of the way early by going left at the fork, saving the river crossings and rock formations for the way out.
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The Hewlett Gulch Trailhead is located just across the highway from the Poudre Park in Poudre Canyon. There is ample parking, vault toilets, and trash cans at this popular trailhead. The Hewlett Gulch Trail ascends a gently sloping, open and sunny hillside next to, and sometimes crossing, Gordon Creek. You get great views across the canyon and can see plenty of unique plant (including cactuses!) and animal life along the way.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mountain bike directly within the Cache La Poudre Wilderness?
No, mountain biking is not permitted within the designated Cache La Poudre Wilderness area itself. Mechanized transportation, including bicycles, is prohibited to preserve its primitive character. However, the surrounding Cache La Poudre River Canyon and adjacent areas offer extensive mountain biking opportunities, and the routes listed in this guide are located in these permissible areas.
How many mountain bike trails are available in the Cache La Poudre River Canyon area?
This guide features 4 unique mountain bike routes in the broader Cache La Poudre River Canyon area, catering to various skill levels. These include trails like Young Gulch Trail and the challenging White Rock loop from Stove Prairie.
What are the difficulty levels of mountain bike trails in the Cache La Poudre River Canyon?
The trails in this guide range from moderate to difficult. You'll find 2 moderate routes, such as Young Gulch Trail, and 2 difficult routes, including the White Rock loop from Stove Prairie and Moody Hill OHV Route.
Are there any challenging mountain bike trails for experienced riders?
Yes, experienced riders can tackle challenging routes like the White Rock loop from Stove Prairie, which covers over 60 km with significant elevation gain, or the Moody Hill OHV Route, known for its substantial climbs.
What are some moderate mountain bike trails suitable for intermediate riders?
Intermediate riders can enjoy routes like the Young Gulch Trail, a 16.5 km ride with over 360 meters of elevation, or the Hewlett Gulch Trail Loop, which is just over 12.5 km long with 318 meters of ascent.
Are there any loop mountain bike trails in the area?
Yes, this guide includes loop options such as the White Rock loop from Stove Prairie, a long and challenging ride, and the Hewlett Gulch Trail Loop, which is a moderate option.
What kind of terrain and elevation can I expect on these trails?
The Cache La Poudre River Canyon features rugged terrain carved into granitic bedrock, with elevations ranging from approximately 6,100 to 8,700 feet. Trails can include narrow treads, wider vistas, and significant climbs, such as the Moody Hill OHV Route with over 1100 meters of ascent.
What is the best time of year to go mountain biking in the Cache La Poudre River Canyon?
Due to a generally dry climate, many areas, especially south-facing slopes, remain snow-free for a significant portion of the year. This makes spring through fall ideal for mountain biking. Always check local conditions before heading out, as higher elevations can retain snow longer.
Are there family-friendly mountain bike options in the area?
While the trails in this guide are rated moderate to difficult, the broader Cache La Poudre River area, particularly near Fort Collins, offers more casual cycling experiences like the paved Poudre River Trail, which is suitable for families. For specific family-friendly mountain biking, look for trails outside the immediate canyon that are explicitly designated as easy.
What natural features and wildlife can I see while mountain biking in the Cache La Poudre River Canyon?
The canyon is renowned for its rugged beauty, featuring high cliffs, interesting rock formations, and diverse forests of ponderosa, lodgepole pine, and Douglas fir. You might spot wildlife such as mule deer, bear, coyote, and mountain lion, and even bighorn sheep seasonally. The Cache la Poudre River itself is a centerpiece, offering stunning views.
Are there any permits required for mountain biking in the Cache La Poudre River Canyon?
While mountain biking is prohibited in the Cache La Poudre Wilderness, specific permits for mountain biking in the surrounding Poudre Canyon and Roosevelt National Forest areas may be required depending on the trail or land management agency. It's always best to check with the local land management office or park authority for the most current regulations before your ride.
Where can I find information about current trail conditions?
For the most up-to-date information on trail conditions, closures, or any specific requirements, it's recommended to check with the local land management agencies, such as the Roosevelt National Forest, or local visitor centers in the Fort Collins area.
Most popular routes in Cache La Poudre Wilderness
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