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Red Feather Lakes is a small, unincorporated community in Larimer County, Colorado, sitting at roughly 8,400 feet above sea level in the foothills northwest of Fort Collins. The name refers both to the community and to a cluster of about 13 natural lakes in the surrounding area. Despite its modest size — a few hundred full-time residents — the area draws visitors year-round for its uncrowded outdoor recreation and genuine mountain atmosphere.
The community developed largely as a summer retreat beginning in the early 20th century, and that quiet, cabin-community character persists today. There is no commercial downtown strip; instead, a small general store, a handful of local businesses, and a community center serve as the social anchors. Visitors who come expecting resort-style amenities will be disappointed; those seeking solitude and direct access to national forest land will feel right at home.
The surrounding Roosevelt National Forest provides the primary backdrop for recreation, offering trails, dispersed campsites, and lake access without the crowds found closer to the Front Range corridor. The area is accessible via Larimer County Road 74E, a paved road that winds through open meadows and ponderosa pine stands before reaching the lakes.
Before You Go
Red Feather Lakes is within the United States, so no visa is required for American citizens. International travelers should check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for entry requirements relevant to their nationality.
Altitude
At approximately 8,400 feet, altitude sickness is a real consideration, particularly for travelers arriving directly from sea level. Plan a gradual acclimatization period, stay well hydrated, limit alcohol in the first day or two, and avoid strenuous exertion on arrival. Consult a physician before the trip if you have cardiovascular or respiratory conditions.
Connectivity and Services
Cell coverage is limited and unreliable in much of the Red Feather Lakes area. Download offline maps before you leave Fort Collins. There is no hospital in the community; the nearest significant medical facilities are in Fort Collins, roughly 55 miles to the southeast. Carry a basic first-aid kit and let someone know your itinerary, especially if dispersed camping or hiking off marked trails.
Seasonal Considerations
- Summer (June–September): Afternoon thunderstorms are common and can be severe. Start hikes early and be off exposed ridgelines by midday.
- Winter (December–March): Roads can be snow-packed or icy. Four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive with snow tires is strongly recommended. Check road conditions with CDOT (Colorado Department of Transportation) before departing.
- Shoulder seasons: May and October can bring unpredictable weather; snow is possible in both months.
Getting There
By Car
The practical way to reach Red Feather Lakes is by car. From Fort Collins, take US-287 north to Livermore, then turn west on Larimer County Road 74E and follow it approximately 24 miles to the community. The drive takes roughly one hour under normal conditions. From Denver, add another 65 miles or so via I-25 north to Fort Collins.
Nearest Airport
Fort Collins/Loveland Airport (FNL) handles limited regional traffic. Denver International Airport (DEN) is the nearest major hub with extensive national and international connections. Renting a car at either airport is the most straightforward option, as no reliable shuttle or public transit connects to Red Feather Lakes.
No Public Transit
There is no bus, train, or rideshare service that reaches Red Feather Lakes. A personal or rental vehicle is essential for this destination.
Getting Around
Once in Red Feather Lakes, a vehicle remains your primary means of getting around. The lakes and trailheads are spread across several miles, and distances between points of interest are not walkable for most visitors. A high-clearance vehicle is useful for unpaved forest roads leading to more remote lakes and dispersed campsites, though many main access roads are passable with a standard passenger car in dry conditions.
In winter, snowmobiles are a primary mode of recreation and practical transportation on groomed trails. If you plan to snowmobile, verify current trail conditions and any permit or registration requirements with the U.S. Forest Service Roosevelt National Forest district before your trip.
Bicycling is possible on forest roads during summer but expect significant elevation changes and unpaved surfaces on many routes.
Where to Stay
Accommodation options in Red Feather Lakes are limited and skew toward cabin rentals rather than traditional hotels. Private cabin and vacation home rentals are available through major vacation rental platforms; searching specifically for Red Feather Lakes, CO will surface the most relevant listings. Book well in advance for summer weekends and winter snowmobile season, as inventory is small.
Camping
Dispersed camping is permitted in the Roosevelt National Forest surrounding the community, subject to U.S. Forest Service rules. There is no fee for most dispersed sites, but campers must comply with fire restrictions, minimum-impact practices, and stay limits. Developed campgrounds with basic amenities may also be available in the broader forest; check the U.S. Forest Service Recreation.gov site for current availability and reservations.
There is no large resort or franchise hotel in Red Feather Lakes. Visitors requiring those amenities should consider basing themselves in Fort Collins and making day trips.
Things to See & Do
Fishing
The lakes in and around the community offer fishing for trout, including rainbow and brown trout. A valid Colorado fishing license is required; purchase one through Colorado Parks and Wildlife before or during your trip. Verify current regulations, including any slot limits or catch-and-release rules, on the CPW website or locally.
Hiking and Trail Walking
The Roosevelt National Forest provides trail access for day hikes of varying lengths and difficulty. Trails wind through ponderosa pine and mixed conifer forests, along creek drainages, and to lakeshores. Pick up a current forest map at a ranger station or download one from the U.S. Forest Service website before you go, as signage in some areas is minimal.
Snowmobiling
Red Feather Lakes is well-regarded in northern Colorado as a snowmobiling destination. A network of groomed trails is maintained in the area during winter months, though trail conditions depend on snowpack. Verify current grooming status and any required permits or passes with the relevant forest service district.
Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
Ungroomed or lightly tracked routes through the forest are popular with cross-country skiers and snowshoers when snow is adequate. No dedicated Nordic center operates in the immediate area, so self-sufficiency in navigation and gear is important.
Wildlife Observation
The area supports populations of mule deer, elk, black bear, wild turkey, and numerous bird species. Early morning and evening are the best times for wildlife observation. Maintain a safe and respectful distance from all wildlife, and store food securely when camping to avoid bear encounters.
Food & Drink
Dining options within Red Feather Lakes itself are very limited. A small general store in the community carries basic groceries, snacks, and sundries. Beyond that, options are few and subject to seasonal operating hours — verify locally before relying on any specific establishment.
The practical approach is to stock up on groceries and supplies in Fort Collins before making the drive up. If you are staying in a cabin rental, a kitchen is typically included, making self-catering the norm for most visitors. Fort Collins, roughly an hour away, offers a full range of restaurants, grocery stores, and specialty food shops if you need a resupply or a proper sit-down meal.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
For emergencies anywhere in the United States, dial 911. Response times in this remote area may be longer than in urban settings. The nearest hospital is in Fort Collins. Know the address or nearest landmark to your location before you need emergency services.
Fire Restrictions
Colorado's mountain communities are frequently subject to fire restrictions, particularly during dry summer periods. Check current fire restriction status for Larimer County and the Roosevelt National Forest before lighting any campfire or using charcoal. Violations carry significant fines.
Bear Safety
Black bears are present in the area. Use bear-resistant food storage containers or hang food properly when camping. Do not leave food, coolers, or scented items in vehicles overnight in bear country.
Water
Do not drink directly from lakes or streams without treatment. Carry a filter, use iodine tablets, or boil water if you will be relying on natural sources.
Fuel
There is no gas station in the Red Feather Lakes community. Fuel up in Fort Collins or Loveland before heading up. Running low on gas on a remote mountain road is a serious problem.
Safety
Red Feather Lakes is a low-crime rural community, and visitor safety concerns are primarily environmental rather than criminal in nature. The most significant risks are weather-related (lightning, blizzards, icy roads), wildlife-related (bears, occasionally mountain lions), and wilderness-related (getting lost, hypothermia, altitude illness).
Always tell someone your plans and expected return time when hiking or venturing into the backcountry. Carry the ten essentials: navigation tools, sun protection, insulation, illumination, first-aid supplies, fire starting equipment, repair tools, nutrition, hydration, and emergency shelter. A personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite communicator device is a worthwhile investment given the limited cell coverage in the area.
