DIRECTIONS: 

From Loveland, take Route 34 west to Drake.  Turn right onto County Road 43. Just before you reach Glen Haven, turn right onto Dunraven Glade Road, good gravel road, for 2 miles to the end of the road and the Dunraven Trailhead, there is a large parking area that fills up quickly on weekends.

HIKE DESCRIPTION:

The North Fork Trail is a long trail that passes through the Comanche Peaks Wilderness Area and enters Rocky Mountain National Park at about the 4 mile mark.  This hike description covers the first 1.6 miles of the North Fork Trail, which makes for a very pleasant and scenic hike along the North Fork of the Big Thompson River.  This trail sees a high degree of visitation on summer weekends so plan on arriving early or hiking on week days.

From the parking area, the trailhead is located on the southern end and heads south into the Comanche Peak Wilderness.  The trail quickly heads downhill through pine forest and massive boulders as it approaches the Big Thompson River.  Once you reach the river, the trail rambles through aspen forest (should be amazing in the fall) as it follows the cascading river for the next mile.  

At 3/4 of a mile the trail crosses a foot bridge and enters dense aspen groves.  The trail then turns north and enters a narrow canyon at the 1 mile mark.  As you leave the canyon the terrain opens up a bit and the leave the Comanche Peak Wilderness Area.  The trail then runs next to the Cheley Summer Camp.  At 1.6 miles, the trail crosses another bridge and meets the dirt road.  Turn left (west) to follow the North Fork Trail further, or turn around and retrace your steps.  If you turn right, you'll enter the summer camp on private road.  There is an authorized personnel only sign so avoid hiking through this area.  

This is quick and easy way to explore this area, which is beautiful.  If you want a longer adventure, the Bulwark Ridge Trail starts from the same trailhead.  I will definitely be summiting Signal Mountain from the Bulwark Ridge trail in the near future.  This initial portion of the North Fork Trail is great for kids but also fun for adults...again...this trail should be spectacular in late September.