Red Feather Lakes, Colorado
Tucked into the mountains north and west of Fort Collins is charming and rustic Red Feather Lakes. This year-round getaway offers a bounty of activities for families, couples, and individuals.
About Red Feather Lakes
There are 12 named lakes in the area: Parvin Lake, Dowdy Lake, West Lake, Snake Lake, Letitia Lake, Red Feather Lake, Lake Ramona, Apache Lake, Shagwa Lake, Hiawatha Lake, Lake Nokomis, and Lake Erie. All the lakes drain into Lone Pine Creek.
Part of this village’s appeal is its remoteness – it is surrounded by Roosevelt National Forest, which provides a majestic buffer between visitors and the hustle and bustle of the world outside.
Activities for All Types
There is something to do outside every season, from hiking, rafting in Poudre Canyon, kayaking, fishing the lakes or in the Poudre River, biking, horseback riding, golfing or wildlife watching. In the winter, the landscape changes dramatically, and activities take a decidedly more snow-related turn – cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snow tubing, sleigh rides, and ice skating are a few popular pastimes.
Many visit the Shambhala Mountain Center, a Buddhist retreat, where meditation sessions and other events are hosted. The center is open to visitors of all religions.
Red Feather Lakes History
Soaking up some Colorado mountain history is another way to spend time at Red Feather Lakes. It’s easy to imagine the early 1900’s lifestyles of the area’s first loggers and ranchers just by visiting historic homesteads still standing in the region, albeit not entirely upright.
Resort Lodging and Amenities
Although life for those folks was not always easy, guests at any of Red Feather Lakes’ lodging facilities will find themselves taking it easy. A guest ranch provides creature comforts for two-legged guests, and a B&B for both people and their horses is another option.
Other lodging options include cozy and casual settings such as cabins, camping facilities, and RV parks.
A comfortable B&B stay provides home cooking for dining, and cabins are also equipped for cooking. Mementos are at the trading post, antique store, and gallery.