Tired of resort-town crowds and interstate gridlock? Then head to the sleepy village of Red Feather Lakes — a warm and welcoming mountain retreat about an hour’s drive from Fort Collins.
From its Eastern influences to Western landscapes, September is a fantastic time to explore the area.
ENJOY THE LAKES
The Red Feather region lives up to its name, and you can enjoy over a dozen lakes in the area, including Parvin, Dowdy, Bellaire, and West lakes, which are open to the public. Try paddle sports, lakeside camping, and fishing.
FOLLOW A TRAIL
Whether you want to explore rocky ridgelines, flow-ering meadows, or forested gulches by foot, bike, or horseback, scenic trails abound in the area. Granite Ridge Trail, Lady Moon Trail, and Elkhorn Creek Trail intersect at various points in a network filled with out-and-back as well as loop options. Poudre Wilderness Volunteers is an excellent resource for detailed maps and trail descriptions. Learn more online by visiting pwv.org/trails/redfeather-lakes.
VISIT A FAVORITE WATERING HOLE
When Red Feather Tavern was destroyed by fire, the community rallied around the young husband-and-wife owners to help them rebuild as The Thirsty Moose. Today, this beloved gathering place is known for its cold drinks and warm hospitality. Check out their fresh and seasonal menu online at thethirstymooseredfeather.com.
STOP AT THE GREAT STUPA
No trip to Red Feather Lakes is complete without a stop at Drala Mountain Center — named by USA Today readers as one of the top yoga destinations and med-itation venues in the nation. The nonprofit center is “a sanctuary for deep spiritual practice, transformation, and peace,” offering a variety of virtual and in-person retreats that connect mind-body wellness with the nat-ural beauty of the surrounding landscape. Day visitors are always welcome to drop by and see the Great Stupa of Dharmakaya — an example of Buddhist architecture. Plan your visit at dralamountain.org/campus/visit-us/.
SATISFY YOUR SWEET TOOTH
After a fun day on the water or a trail, pick up a gour-met caramel apple at Mountain Morsels across from the supermarket on County Road 67A, open Friday through Sunday (while supplies last) in September. Discover new temptations at mtnmorselsco.com.
Story and photo courtesy of Becky Jensen.
