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 Reporter |
Summary: This lightly used trail provides a great workout with fairly steady uphill hike that provides brief views of the area along the trail. Except for these brief views the trail provides a otherwise pleasant but not greatly interesting hike. The real reward for this hike comes in the last few hundred feet of the the hike, when your socks are blown off your feet. The views from the top of Lookout mountain itself are probably just about the best in Larimer county. Make sure you take a camera along because if you do this hike on a clear day there is no way to take in all the views in a short time. Binoculars would also be a great idea so you can can get closer to some of the views. Estes Park, Longs Peak, Mummy Range, Fort Collins, Greyrock Mountain are just some of the views you can see easily. Much of the trail is shaded so even in June there are patches of deep snow covering the trail for short distances. Take a coat even on warm days because the summit is windy. Trailhead: Directions for I-25 from either North or South. Take Exit 265 (Harmony Road) Head West on Harmony Road into Fort Collins Continue on Harmony Road through town to the west side of Fort Collins Turn right (North) on Taft Hill Road (CR-19) After about a half mile turn left (West) on CR-38 (N Harmony Dr) Take CR-38 past Horsetooth Reservoir to Masonville (nearly 10 miles) Continue on the same road for 10.5 miles, but road changes to CR-27. After 10.5 miles you should see a small road offshoot to the left, this is CR-44H, but the sign is hard to see. GPS N40 34.503 W105 19.652 Follow CR 44H 11 miles to the Buckhorn Ranger Station. Parking is just to the right of the main road near the Ranger Station. The trail to Lookout mountain is North of the ranger station, just past the cattle grate. If you have a good 4-Wheel drive vehicle you can drive 3 miles up Ballard Rd (just before the Ranger Station) and save yourself four miles of hiking. (Lat:40.58178 Lon:-105.46913) Trail Guides for Lookout Mountain: HIKING TRAILS OF NORTHERN COLORADO by Mary Hagen (Azure Publishing) Trail Guide of Northern Colorado by Melodie S. Edwards (Pruett Publishing Co) Best Seasons: Fall, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Canyon Lakes Ranger District (970)498-1375 TDD:498-2769 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Dan Edwards Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Mike on 5/17/2009 VERY SECLUDED. Did this hike mid-May, still a fair amount of snow on the upper half, lots of dry parts mixed with some deep drifts of slush (probably could have done it without snowshoes but it would have sucked). Shouldn't take more than four or five hours round trip if you drive up Ballard Road. Did not see anyone on the trail except for a few dirt bikers at the very end. Top features excellent view of the northern Front Range, you see the Mummy Range through Longs down to peaks west of Denver/Boulder as a single continuum of ridges. Also nice looks at the 'backsides' of Horestooth and Grey Rock. You can see southern Ft. Collins and northern Loveland quite well but don't expect to pick out your house from this far. 
Reviewed by CAROLYN on 10/31/2007 The scenery was fantastic one of the most beautifull ive ever seen in my life.i would recomend it to alot of people. I realy would like to go there again.
Reviewed by ne on 6/14/2007 the only thing i didnt like is that, at the first opening you have to hang a left or you would have wasted 30mins walking the wrong way. 
Reviewed by Bill on 5/29/2006 A good workout hike, not much for scenery, but the day was overcast. Even on memorial day did not see any other hikers, some motorcyclists, but the trail is ruuged so they have good trail manners and rode cycles that were quiet and well cared for, no wallys or squids. The trailhaed actually says Donner Pass No.926, then fork off to Danner Hill Trail and then the crossroads. Recommend this hike for a workout and to get away from people.
Reviewed by Marcus on 1/25/2006 PART I I can still smell the scent of jasmine and mountain sedge that covered the ground as I hike my way across a valley leading to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. The cool wind gusts ever so gently across my body, bringing to me the faint smell of the towering ponderosa pine trees. From the corner of my eye, I notice countless elk and mule deer cautiously grazing in the grass. Although I am aware of the great challenge that lies ahead, I grow more and more excited with each step that brings me closer to the foothills of the mountain. Lookout Mountain is where I’m headed, in hopes of catching a glimpse of the legendary Pike’s Peak, the summit from which inspired the song “America the Beautiful.
Reviewed by Julia on 6/12/2005 Going there this afternoon. One correction to directions (Harmony Road has been rerouted) Ignore the part in their directions about turning on Taft Hill Road, Harmony leads you straight to N. Harmony Drive and on up to Horsetooth. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
