Greyrock Trek
Directions: From Fort Collins take take US-287 north. Turn left onto CO14 W near Ted's Pace, trailhead is 8.5 miles on the righthand side of the road. No fees at the parking lot.
Description: 7.1 Mile loop near Laporte, Colorado. Trailhead is marked and has its own designated parking lot. Trail is rated as difficult, bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
Use: Backpacking, Hiking, Dogs Allowed
Greyrock trail is a northern Colorado favorite and rightfully so, not only are the views from the top stunning but the trek itself is a challenge. Located a mere 8 miles up the Poudre Canyon, this trail perfect for a day trip. It is not for the faint of heart but I promise you it is worth every bit of sweat. After all, anything in life worth having is worth fighting for & climbing Greyrock is one of them.
Greyrock
Spring always brings with it that sense of urgency. Once the snow has melted and the flowers start battling their way to the life. It is then that I begin to feel the shifting in my soul. To be outside, in the mist of the grandeur of our Colorado mountains, rivers and lakes. Early in May of 2018, I found myself itching for a hike and the dogs were more than eager to comply. A quick jaunt up the Poudre River and we were at the trailhead in no time at all. My day-pack and two eager pups in tow, we exited the car and crossed the roaring river teeming with trout. My anticipation of the upcoming summer season was slightly dimmed by the trails incline and the incessant heat. Temperatures rose to the low 80's as we ascended the hillside. My afternoons of sitting by the fire with a good book in hand began to show as the sweat slid down my brow and my breath hitched up a notch. The dogs, on the other hand, seemed undaunted by the rocky trail and increasingly angled landscape before us.
Poudre River
The loop breaks off about 3/4 of a mile from the start of the trail. I opted to turn left and take Meadows Trail #947 for the views and open scenery. This side of the loop is longer but also less strenuous and very sunny. I also wanted to save the shaded trail (#946) for my hike back down the mountain when the temps were higher. It was 9 AM when I started my hike, the elusive breeze reminding me it was still spring after all. Meadows Trail is 2.6 miles long before it joins back with the main trail for the hike to the summit. The views of Greyrock and the surrounding peaks were catchy and tranquil in their beauty. When the only sounds are my beating heart, the birds & the breeze, that is where I truly find my Zen.
Meadows Trail
As Meadows Trail rejoins the main trail, remnants of the great High Park fire of 2012 abound. It is painful to see the destruction that continues to have an effect so many years later. I still remember the day the fire started and for weeks after we wore masks at the local State Forest Service Nursery in Fort Collins where I was working at the time. The smoke was abundant and oppressive, your lungs sucking in any fresh air they could. By the time the fire completed its obliteration, 259 homes were destroyed and over 87,284 acres. Heartbreakingly, the High Park fire still remains the second largest fire in Colorado history.
Destruction from the High Park Fire of 2012.
The hike to the summit is a challenge and I found it easy to lose the trail in many areas. The cairn rocks that mark the trail to the summit are incredibly helpful since it proved to be a little dicey with two dogs in tow. We spent about 30 minutes scrambling up and around as we lost the trail again and again. By the time we reached the summit, we were all ready for lunch and a break to enjoy the views. There are several small ponds at the top with plenty of great spots for a break. Since I started the trail early and it was during the day, I didn't run into the legendary crowds at Greyrock. I would highly recommend you start your climb early or climb during the weekday to avoid all the people as this is a very popular destination.
Hiking Buddies
Our climb back down was uneventful, trail #946 is steeper than Meadows Trail but so well traveled it is easy to follow and not overly rocky. A small mountain stream parallels this trail providing fresh drinking water for the dogs. I would still recommend that you bring extra water for them, the ponds at the top are notorious for Giardia. Overall, with my break for lunch, we spent four blissful hours on the Greyrock Trail. The weather was perfect and both the dogs and I hiked till our heart's content.
Upon further research, I was fascinated to find that this trail was constructed in the early 1900's by Ranger R.C. McConnel. Ranger McConnel was one of the first Poudre District Forest Rangers, he worked tirelessly to construct this trail and maintain many others. It is truly amazing to think of the thousands of folks that have walked this trial since that point in time. I feel honored to enjoy something, that someone else worked so hard to create. Are you up for the challenge?
- Kathryn
Everything in balance