Poudre Canyon

Poudre Canyon is a river gorge in northern Colorado carved by the Cache la Poudre River, featuring narrow passages and rock walls that rise through different elevations. State Highway 14 runs through it, providing access to campgrounds, hiking trails, and fishing spots managed by Roosevelt National Forest.

Native tribes including the Arapaho and Cheyenne inhabited the canyon long before European explorers arrived. Prospectors came in the late 1800s seeking gold, which led to permanent settlement and development of the valley.

The Mishawaka Amphitheatre hosts regular music performances that draw visitors and locals throughout the season. A teaching campus at Pingree Park operated by Colorado State University brings students here to study the natural environment.

The canyon is easily accessible and well-marked with clear trails and signs throughout the area. Visitors should prepare for changing weather conditions at higher elevations and wear sturdy footwear for hiking.

The Cameron Peak Fire in 2020 burned through large forest sections in the canyon, changing the landscape significantly. The natural recovery process has opened up new rock exposures and viewing points that hikers can discover today.