Dunraven Trailhead: North Fork Trail to Kettle Tarn, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Dunraven Trailhead: North Fork Trail to Kettle Tarn
Rocky Mountain National Park
The North Fork Trail stretches 7.2 miles along the North Fork Big Thompson River from the Dunraven Trailhead in the Comanche Peak Wilderness Area to Lost Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park. Kettle Tarn fills a shallow depression in a bordering moraine 5.2 miles from the trailhead. Hikers, runners, equestrians and winter recreationalists will enjoy miles of aspen-lined river banks, lengthy meadows, diverse forests, fourteen backcountry campsites and renowned fishing along the North Fork Big Thompson en route to this interesting glacial feature.
| Related Trails: | North Fork Trail to Kettle Tarn |
Looking down valley on Kettle Tarn
Abundant aspen along the North Fork Trail produce brilliant late spring and autumn colors
The North Fork Big Thompson flow peaks late May - early June
Mount Dickinson (11,831') from an outlying pond at Kettle Tarn
Aspen, spruce, fir and lodgepole crowd the upper trail
The trail follows North Fork Big Thompson River to Kettle Tarn and beyond
Nine backcountry campsites are located in a string of open ponderosa parks along the river
The trail's higher elevations offer a glimpse of the Mummy Range
In between summer storm clouds on the North Fork Trail
Looking northwest from Kettle Tarn
Opens meadows are frequently visited by deer and elk
Miles of accessible stream make the North Fork Trail a favorite among anglers
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