
Poudre River Trail
A scenic ribbon of trails along the Poudre River, offering hiking, biking, fishing, and access to unique venues like The Mishawaka.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Poudre River Trail
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic ribbon of trails along the Poudre River, offering hiking, biking, fishing, and access to unique venues like The Mishawaka.
"From challenging canyon hikes to leisurely riverside strolls, the Poudre River Trail offers something for every outdoor enthusiast."

🚗 Shuttle to The Mish
Limited parking at The Mishawaka? Use the shuttle service for easy access to this unique venue!
👟 Trail Shoes Recommended
For hikes in Poudre Canyon, sturdy shoes are a must. Some trails can be rugged!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Mishawaka Amphitheater
Poudre Canyon
Iconic music venue and restaurant nestled in Poudre Canyon, offering live music and stunning riverside views.

Horsetooth Falls Trail
Near Fort Collins
A popular, accessible hike with a beautiful waterfall, perfect for families and offering great views after spring runoff.

Poudre River Trail (Greeley Section)
Greeley
A 21-mile paved path perfect for walking, biking, and enjoying riverside scenery, with access to parks and dining.

Grey Rock Trail
Poudre Canyon
A challenging hike offering breathtaking panoramic views of the canyon and surrounding mountains.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Poudre River Trail Adventure
Navigating the Poudre River Trail System
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Shuttle to The Mish
Limited parking at The Mishawaka? Use the shuttle service for easy access to this unique venue!
👟 Trail Shoes Recommended
For hikes in Poudre Canyon, sturdy shoes are a must. Some trails can be rugged!
🎣 Fly Fishing Hotspots
The Poudre River is a prime spot for fly fishing, especially for trout. Early mornings can be best!
🗺️ Download Trail Maps
Cell service can be spotty in Poudre Canyon. Download offline maps for navigation.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Shuttle to The Mish
Limited parking at The Mishawaka? Use the shuttle service for easy access to this unique venue!
👟 Trail Shoes Recommended
For hikes in Poudre Canyon, sturdy shoes are a must. Some trails can be rugged!
🎣 Fly Fishing Hotspots
The Poudre River is a prime spot for fly fishing, especially for trout. Early mornings can be best!
🗺️ Download Trail Maps
Cell service can be spotty in Poudre Canyon. Download offline maps for navigation.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Options
Some sections of the Poudre River Trail, like in Greeley, are dog-friendly. Always check local rules!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Poudre River Trail's natural beauty and recreational opportunities, from scenic hikes in Poudre Canyon to accessible biking paths in Fort Collins. The Mishawaka Amphitheater is a unique highlight. Some find parking challenging at popular spots, and cell service can be spotty in the canyon.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Poudre River Trail has multiple access points. In Fort Collins, you can easily hop on near downtown at Linden Street and the Poudre River. For Poudre Canyon, driving west from Fort Collins will lead you to various trailheads and points of interest like The Mishawaka. If you're coming from Denver, consider it a day trip with stops in Greeley.
Parking availability varies. Popular spots like The Mishawaka have limited parking, often requiring a shuttle. Natural areas and trailheads along the trail offer parking, but it can fill up on busy days. Consider public transport or biking to trail access points where possible.
Absolutely! The Poudre River Trail is a central part of Fort Collins, with easy access points downtown and near natural areas like Riverbend Ponds. It's a great way to explore the city and its natural surroundings.
Driving through Poudre Canyon offers stunning views and access to trailheads. Many visitors enjoy combining a scenic drive with hikes like Horsetooth Falls or Grey Rock, or visiting the Mishawaka Amphitheater.
Shuttle services are primarily available for specific venues like the Mishawaka Amphitheater to manage parking. For general trail access, personal vehicles or local transport are the main options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, no. The Poudre River Trail itself is a public access area and does not require tickets. However, specific venues along the trail, such as the Mishawaka Amphitheater for concerts, will require tickets for entry.
Accessing the Poudre River Trail and most trailheads is free. Some natural areas might have parking fees, but the trail itself is open to the public without charge. Concerts or events at venues like The Mishawaka will have associated ticket costs.
The Poudre River Trail is generally accessible year-round, from dawn to dusk. However, specific facilities or venues along the trail will have their own operating hours. Always check the hours for any specific destination you plan to visit.
Yes, there are camping options, including dispersed camping in Poudre Canyon. It's advisable to book campsites in advance, especially during peak season, through platforms like Airbnb or VRBO, or by checking with local forest service information.
While official guided tours for the entire trail might be limited, local outfitters often offer guided fishing trips or hiking excursions in Poudre Canyon. Checking with local tourism boards or outdoor adventure companies is recommended.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Poudre River Trail is perfect for a variety of activities! You can enjoy hiking, biking, running, fishing, birdwatching, and simply strolling along the river. Poudre Canyon also offers opportunities for rock climbing and kayaking in certain areas.
Yes, Poudre Canyon is renowned for its hiking trails! Popular options include the challenging Grey Rock Trail with its stunning views, and the more accessible Horsetooth Falls Trail. Many other trails offer varying difficulty levels and scenic beauty.
Many sections of the Poudre River Trail are family-friendly, especially paved portions in Fort Collins and Greeley. Hikes like Horsetooth Falls are also great for kids. Always assess the trail difficulty and your children's abilities.
You might spot various wildlife, including deer, various bird species (including condors ), and smaller mammals. The river itself supports fish populations, making it a popular spot for anglers.
Restroom availability varies. Developed parks and trailheads often have facilities. In more remote areas of Poudre Canyon, restrooms may be less common, so plan accordingly. Carrying a portable restroom or knowing Leave No Trace principles is advisable.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
In Fort Collins, you'll find numerous dining options near trail access points. Poudre Canyon is home to the unique Mishawaka Amphitheater, which offers food and drinks. Greeley also has dining options near its section of the trail.
The most notable dining spot in Poudre Canyon is the Mishawaka Amphitheater, which serves food and hosts concerts. Other options are limited, so packing a picnic is a great idea for longer excursions.
Absolutely! Many scenic spots along the Poudre River Trail are perfect for picnics. Pack your own food and enjoy the natural beauty. Some parks may have picnic tables available.
Fort Collins is known for its craft breweries, many of which are accessible from the Poudre River Trail. Some users have mentioned enjoying beer by the water after a ride.
For a day trip, packing a picnic is highly recommended. If you're looking for a meal, the Mishawaka Amphitheater is a unique option. In Greeley, Coyote's Grill is mentioned as a good spot with large portions.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire Poudre River Trail offers fantastic photo opportunities. Poudre Canyon provides dramatic mountain vistas and riverside shots. Fall colors are spectacular, and the Mishawaka Amphitheater offers a unique backdrop.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most beautiful light for photography. Fall colors are particularly vibrant during this time.
The Mishawaka Amphitheater, Horsetooth Falls, and the panoramic views from Grey Rock are popular photographic subjects. The river itself, with its bridges and surrounding nature, also makes for great shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive canyon views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod is helpful for low-light conditions or capturing the river's flow.
Yes, you can take photos at the Mishawaka Amphitheater, especially during the day or before a concert. However, check their specific policies regarding professional photography or during performances.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎣 Anglers and Fly Fishing Enthusiasts
🚴 Cyclists and Bikers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Poudre Canyon: A Scenic Escape
Key attractions within the canyon include the Mishawaka Amphitheater, a historic music venue and restaurant right on the river, and numerous hiking trails. Horsetooth Falls Trail is a popular, family-friendly option, while the Grey Rock Trail offers a more challenging climb with rewarding panoramic views. For those seeking solitude, dispersed camping opportunities are available.
Poudre River Trail: A Hub for Recreation
The trail extends for miles, with sections in Greeley also offering a pleasant experience for walkers and cyclists. Anglers find the Poudre River a prime spot for fly fishing, with many enjoying the tranquility of casting lines by the water. The trail system is continuously being improved, with ongoing efforts to connect remaining gaps, enhancing its accessibility and appeal for all users.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit