Lady Moon
Directions: Head north on U.S. 287 from Fort Collins for about 17 miles outside of town. Turn left on W County Road 74E/Red Feather Lakes Road for 20 miles. Lady Moon parking lot will be on your left hand side across from the Mount Margaret parking lot and trailhead.
Description: Easy to moderate, this trail intersects with multiple additional trails and old logging roads. Molly Lake is about 3.7 miles from the trailhead.
Use: Horses, Backpacking, Hiking, Snowshoeing
This past weekend I spent a cloudy afternoon near Red Feather Lakes with my lab mix Melody. I had been wanting to check out Lady Moon for backpacking and this was our chance. The drive up from Fort Collins was easy and paved the entire way. The deer were not deterred by the vehicles and I saw many of them near the road, so keep your eyes peeled! While it was in the low 60's in town I couldn't believe how cold and cloudy it was by the time we spotted our trailhead. Always a great reminder to bring extra clothes, Colorado is very indecisive!
The trail itself is easy to follow and I soon fell into rhythm with my breath and the sound of my boots crunching on the snow. The snow coated the trail by several inches in many spots but snowshoes nor spikes were necessary. Since the trail follows a road for much of the hike it would be perfect for snowshoeing in the darker winter months. It also left me belting out "Take Me Home, Country Roads" by John Denver. Thankfully for their sake, there were no human ears to hear. About a mile in, a fork in the road gives you the option to head to the Boy Scout Camp or up to Molly Lake. Molly Lake is another 2.7 miles but the hike along the way is beautiful and easy with only minor hills and valleys.
Molly Lake is the way to go!
On many of the trip reports hikers mentioned seeing hunters, its always a good idea to wear hunters orange during the season. There are several gates you pass through along the trail, it is vital to shut the gates behind you. After 3 miles in I had to turn back due to high winds and low viability. Some days its more about the journey than the destination. I am eager to backpack this trail next summer or maybe even snowshoe this winter. There are so many options with this trail!
Nothing like a snowy trail!
The scenery was classic for Colorado winters and I believe summertime would be stunning as well. I passed countless Aspen groves and Mountain Mahogany brush all dormant for the coming winter months, I have no doubt the summer and fall colors are stunning. I love the mountains in the wintertime because they are incredibility serene and not overcrowded in the slightest. This time of year is one of my favorites to hike and snowshoe. Lady Moon was the perfect Sunday afternoon hike and I felt invigorated to be outside enjoying the sunshine and snow. Bring it on Colorado!
Kathryn
