Mount McConnel Trail

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
2.5-3.5h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
6.8 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
428 m
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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Directions to Trailhead

Lace those hiking boots and fill your water bottles because we are heading out on the Mount McConnel Trail. Hike through the diverse terrain that the Cache La Poudre Wilderness has to offer and summit the Mount McConnel peak.

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Route Description for Mount McConnel Trail

The Mount McConnel Trail is a unique adventure through the Front Range. This path will guide you through the eerie burn area blazed by a wildfire before guiding you through lush pine forestlands. Travelling through several types of terrain, this excursion will do anything but bore you. Note that in the winter and autumn months the ground is often layered with snow and ice, we recommend bringing microspikes to navigate these possibly icy sections. Due to the beetle kill in the area and burn damage, the path is hard to find in areas, bring along the trail GPS to avoid taking a wrong turn.

From the parking lot the trailhead is tucked behind a gate. From the gate you will confront a fork on the road, this adventure can be completed in either direction, but we went clockwise. Turn left onto the Mount McConnel Trail and trek through the dense tree coverage. As you hike the trail will gradually gain elevation. Soon the tree shade will become sparse as you walk through granite outcroppings. Continue trekking up the trail and you will soon near the base of Mount McConnell. As you climb up to the peak the path will be lined with towering granite cliffs and spires. Hike up the rocky terrain to the summit of Mount McConnel. Revel in the vistas of the mixed landscape below and the encompassing rolling mountains.

When you descend the mountain take the Mount McConnel Trail west and navigate rocky switchbacks down the ridge. Trek along the path and it will eventually lead you back to the parking lot.

Getting to the Mount McConnel Trail Trailhead

The Mount McConnel Trailhead is located within the Mountain Park Campground off Poudre Canyon Highway.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground

    Mountain Park Campground

  • When to do

    April-September

  • Pets allowed

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly

    Older Children only

  • Route Signage

    Poor

  • Crowd Levels

    High

  • Route Type

    Circuit

Mount McConnel Trail Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

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Mount McConnel Trail Reviews

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