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 Reporter |
Summary: Due to its proximity to the city of Loveland this trail can be heavily used at times. There are two hikes here, one can take the Foothills Nature Trail, maintained by the City of Loveland. Or take the Summit trail, which is on USFS lands. There are trail signs describing plants and areas as you progress up the mountain. After you leave the Foothils Nature Trail you will take a short (steep) climb, past the water sluice and connect with the summit trail. You will go East for about a mile, with several switchbacks, then it will continue up the mountain heading up the gulch. After about 2.5 miles you will pass thru some granite rock formations, where you will have an awesome view of the plains. The trail continues up the gulch, crossing a draw and meanders thru some aspens and firs till you reach a meadow (saddle), which is 3.5 miles up the mountain. From there the trail heads to the West and tops out in about 1.25 miles farther up the hill. Trailhead: From the Dam Store on Rt. 34 at the mouth of the Big Thompson Canyon, drive up the canyon for aproximately 4 miles. Viestenz Smith Picnic Ground (City of Loveland Park) will be on the North Side. Just past the pedestrian crossing sign take a left into the parking lot. There are facilities at the parking lot. Please sign the log book. (Lat:40.42018 Lon:-105.28524) Trail Guides for Round_Mountain: Route Finding by Gregory Couch (Falcon Publishing) Map and Compass by Cliff Jacobson (Globe Pequot Press) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Horses, Ranger Contact: Canyon Lakes Ranger District - 970-295-6700 Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Nick on 10/19/2003 Hike this often. Little spring at 3 mile marker. Top has poor view, but go west about 150 feet for good view west to front range. Good views east from about the 2 1/2 marker to near the top. Excellent conditioning hike, close to Loveland. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Colorado Hiking, Colorado Trails, Colorado Hikes, Larimer County Hiking, Larimer County Trails, Larimer County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
