Big South Trail

The Big South trail follows the Big South Fork of the Cache la Poudre into the Comanche Peak Wilderness from the upper Poudre Canyon, a river trail through granite slabs, aspen, and spruce that runs 10 miles up the valley. The 2020 Cameron Peak Fire burned most of it, and the trail reopened through the scar; the day hike turns around at about 4 miles, and the 14-mile version reaches the meadows near the Flowers trail junction.

From the Big South trailhead on Colorado 14, the trail heads south along the east bank of the river, entering the wilderness within half a mile. The first 2 miles roll along the river over granite slabs and through stands of fir and aspen, with the water loud in the narrows, then climb above the river through the burn, where the standing dead trees and the new aspen tell the story.

The valley opens around 4 miles, at about 9,000 feet, into meadows along the river that are the usual turnaround for a day. The trail continues 6 more miles to the Flowers trail junction and the Comanche Peak high country for backpackers. Return the same way.

From Fort Collins, drive 11 miles northwest on US 287 to Ted's Place, then west on Colorado 14 up Poudre Canyon about 49 miles to the Big South trailhead on the left, just before the highway bridge and the Big South campground, a few miles below Poudre Falls and about 10 miles east of Cameron Pass. The lot holds about 19 vehicles. The lot is small and rarely full. No fee or permit for day use. There is a toilet at the trailhead and Big South campground next door.

Dogs are allowed on leash in the wilderness. The distance and the burn hazards are why the trail is not marked kid-friendly; the first mile along the slabs is fine for a family. Carry a filter; the river is beside the trail. Camping is allowed under Comanche Peak Wilderness rules: camps and fires at least 200 feet from water and trails, groups of 12 or fewer, and no campfires at all in the travel zones the Forest Service marks along this trail. Fort Collins is 90 minutes away; there is nothing in the canyon but campgrounds and a lodge or two. The Fort Collins hikes page has Greyrock at the bottom of the same canyon.