Red Feather Falls

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Easy
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.
2-3h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
8.7 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.
228 m
User Ratings
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Directions to Trailhead

The hike up to the Red Feather Falls, otherwise known as Disappointment Falls, is a scenic nature walk. We know what you’re thinking, Disappointment Falls? The falls themselves are a little underwhelming, but the journey there makes up for the lack of grandeur. Hike through dense aspen forests, past grazing cattle and through granite outcroppings all before culminating at the Red Feather Falls.

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Route Description for Red Feather Falls

Though the thought of a hike up to “Disappointment Falls” may not be the most enticing adventure, the path up to the waterfall is stunning, especially in the fall. Though the Red Feather Falls trail can be completed year-round, we recommend hiking it in the fall when the aspens are a vibrant yellow. Note this path can be muddy after rainfall and snow melt, so consider leaving your new white runners at home for this hike. Add this hike to your Cache La Poudre itinerary so you can decide for yourself whether the falls are truly disappointing.

Begin your adventures up to the Red Feather Falls from the Lady Moon Trailhead. Track southwest along the forested Lady Moon Trail. Shortly after your departure from the carpark you will encounter an intersection. Ignore the intersecting paths and continue hiking the Lady Moon Trail. Track through the cattle field and notice Lady Moon Lake in the east. At the next junction, stay straight on the Lady Moon Trail and begin your descent down the aspen gully to the falls. Keep right past the merging paths and trek down the route to Red Feather Falls.

Explore the waterfalls and the surrounding rocky terrain. Decide for yourself if the falls are truly “disappointing” before beginning your return. When you are ready to roll, simply retrace your steps up the path, back to the trailhead and parking lot.

Getting to the Red Feather Falls Trailhead

The Red Feather Falls Trailhead is in the Cache La Poudre Wilderness off County Road 74E.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground

    No

  • When to do

    February-October

  • Pets allowed

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly

    Yes

  • Route Signage

    Good

  • Crowd Levels

    High

  • Route Type

    Out and back

Red Feather Falls Elevation Graph

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