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- Region
- Rocky Mountains
- Country
- United States
- Trip length
- 7.5 to 8 miles round trip
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Climbing
- Mountaineering
- Winter Camping
- Skiing
- Desert Hiking
- Canyoneering
Key takeaways
- Trip length: 7.5 to 8 miles round trip
- Top activity: backpacking
Topic summary
A low-elevation montane route through granite outcrops and pine stands.
Intended uses
backpacking
Verification notes
Last verified October 17, 2026.
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Base Weight CalculatorEvery ounce is carried — total your kit and find your base weight.
- Pack Volume SizerSize the pack for your trip length and season.
- Water Purification MatrixTreat water from streams and lakes on trail.
- Layering CalculatorCold-season miles: layer for climbs and camp.
Plan with verified data
Mount Margaret Trail via Dowdy Lake trip tools
How to get there
For Mount Margaret Trailhead, travel 22 miles northwest of Fort Collins on U.S. Highway 287 to Livermore. Turn left onto County Road 74E, Red Feather Lakes Road, and travel west for about 20 miles to trailhead parking on the right. For a Dowdy Lake Campground start, confirm the campground approach and connecting trail location separately.
- Dowdy Lake Campground
At least one trail originates in the campground and connects with the Mount Margaret trail network. Confirm the departure point and route through the junctions before starting.
- Mount Margaret Trailhead
Designated starting point for Mount Margaret Trail #167, with parking for approximately 20 vehicles and five trailers. Access is from County Road 74E.
Sources: fs.usda.gov · Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Popular pursuits at Mount Margaret Trail via Dowdy Lake
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
- Winter Camping
Cold-season travel and camp craft; layering matters more than mileage.
- Skiing
Ski-touring access when the road closes for the season.
Animals around Mount Margaret Trail via Dowdy Lake
Maps, GPS & compass for this trip
Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.
Waterproof topo maps
- Waterproof topographic map — Mount Margaret Trail via Dowdy LakeAmazon search for waterproof, tear-resistant topo maps covering this area.
- National Geographic Trails IllustratedThe waterproof Trails Illustrated series — check for a sheet covering this area.
- Waterproof map case & compass lanyardKeep a paper map readable in rain, spray and a swamped boat.
Fishing at Mount Margaret Trail via Dowdy Lake
Planning to fish Mount Margaret Trail via Dowdy Lake, Rocky Mountains? Fishing licences, open seasons and catch limits in Rocky Mountains are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.
Do I need a fishing licence at Mount Margaret Trail via Dowdy Lake?
- A Rocky Mountains fishing licence is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
- Read the current Rocky Mountains fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
- Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
We don't have a verified licensing link on file for Rocky Mountains yet — contact the park or land manager listed on this page for current hunting and fishing rules.
Hunting near Mount Margaret Trail via Dowdy Lake
Thinking about hunting Mount Margaret Trail via Dowdy Lake, Rocky Mountains? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in Rocky Mountains are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.
Is hunting allowed at Mount Margaret Trail via Dowdy Lake?
- Confirm the land around Mount Margaret Trail via Dowdy Lake is open to hunting and which management unit it falls in.
What do I need to hunt in Rocky Mountains?
- A Rocky Mountains hunting licence — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
- Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
- Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.
We don't have a verified licensing link on file for Rocky Mountains yet — contact the park or land manager listed on this page for current hunting and fishing rules.
Meadows, pine woods, and a canyon overlook
Mount Margaret Trail crosses a landscape of meadows, sparse lodgepole and ponderosa pine stands, and granite outcrops. Much of the walking follows old logging roads rather than a continuous narrow footpath. The main trail crosses South Lone Pine Creek and passes through Five Points, a junction where five roads or trails meet. Beyond that junction, it continues nearly two miles to the base of Mount Margaret, overlooking a deep canyon, North Lone Pine Creek, and Prairie Divide Road. The destination is the mountain’s base and canyon outlook, not a described summit route. The listed peak elevation is 8,180 feet. Plan for a mountain outing with changing weather, and carry water and layers suited to time in both open meadows and scattered woodland.
Starting from Dowdy Lake
Dowdy Lake Campground offers a trail connection into the Mount Margaret network, while Mount Margaret Trailhead is the designated starting point for Trail #167. These are distinct access choices: the driving directions to the main trailhead should not be treated as directions to the campground connection. Five Points is the key junction to understand when planning this outing. At least one connecting trail originates in Dowdy Lake Campground, and other trails form loops off the main route. Carry a map that shows those connections, and confirm the campground departure point before setting out. Choose the route and turnaround deliberately rather than assuming every branch leads toward Mount Margaret. For a trip beginning at Dowdy Lake, allow for the connecting trail as well as the main-trail portion beyond Five Points.
Shared use and practical planning
Mount Margaret supports hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, so expect to share the route with users moving at different speeds. Stay attentive at junctions and give other parties room to pass. The main trailhead accommodates approximately 20 vehicles and five trailer parking spaces; keep trailer maneuvering space clear when parking. Riders bringing stock must use certified weed-free hay. The trail lies in the Canyon Lakes Ranger District, which is the place to confirm current access conditions and any permit or pass requirements before departure. Check current weather and fire restrictions rather than relying on a past conditions report. The mix of meadow openings, pine woods, creek crossings, and granite terrain calls for sturdy footwear, drinking water, and a route map.
Route options
- Mount Margaret via Dowdy Lake Campground
Use the campground's connecting trail to join the Mount Margaret network. Navigate through Five Points and follow the main trail nearly two miles beyond the junction to the base of Mount Margaret and its canyon outlook. Confirm the connecting route on a map before departure.
- Mount Margaret Trail #167 from Mount Margaret Trailhead
Follow the main trail across South Lone Pine Creek, through meadows and scattered pine stands, and along old logging roads to Five Points. Continue nearly two miles beyond the junction to the mountain's base, overlooking North Lone Pine Creek, a deep canyon, and Prairie Divide Road.
Sample itineraries
- Dowdy Lake Campground to Five Points · 1 day
Use the trail connection originating in Dowdy Lake Campground for a shorter outing toward Five Points. Confirm the connecting route before setting out: Five Points joins five roads and trails. Turn back there for a day focused on meadows, pine stands and granite outcroppings.
- Dowdy Lake Connection to Mount Margaret · 1 day
Follow the campground connection to Five Points, then continue on the main trail nearly two miles to Mount Margaret’s base. Look over the deep canyon, North Lone Pine Creek and Prairie Divide Road. Plan the return before departure; the nearly two-mile segment is not the full distance from Dowdy Lake.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Check current trail conditions before departure
At a listed peak elevation of 8,180 feet, plan for changing temperatures. If thawing conditions are present, assess footing carefully and check conditions at the South Lone Pine Creek crossing when using the main trail.
Summer
Choose timing around the current forecast
Meadows and sparse pine stands provide limited shelter along portions of the route. Carry drinking water, sun protection and a weather layer. Check current Forest Service fire restrictions before the trip.
Fall
Plan around daylight and current weather
Carry warm layers for this high-elevation outing and leave enough daylight to navigate the return through Five Points. Do not assume that a connecting road or loop leads back to Dowdy Lake Campground.
Winter
Confirm access and surface conditions before travel
If snow or ice is present, reassess traction needs and route visibility. The network of old logging roads and trails calls for reliable navigation. Keep clear of the deep canyon edge near Mount Margaret’s base.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Check current trail conditions before departure | At a listed peak elevation of 8,180 feet, plan for changing temperatures. If thawing conditions are present, assess footing carefully and check conditions at the South Lone Pine Creek crossing when using the main trail. |
| Summer | Choose timing around the current forecast | Meadows and sparse pine stands provide limited shelter along portions of the route. Carry drinking water, sun protection and a weather layer. Check current Forest Service fire restrictions before the trip. |
| Fall | Plan around daylight and current weather | Carry warm layers for this high-elevation outing and leave enough daylight to navigate the return through Five Points. Do not assume that a connecting road or loop leads back to Dowdy Lake Campground. |
| Winter | Confirm access and surface conditions before travel | If snow or ice is present, reassess traction needs and route visibility. The network of old logging roads and trails calls for reliable navigation. Keep clear of the deep canyon edge near Mount Margaret’s base. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current permit, fee and reservation requirements with the Forest Service’s Canyon Lakes Ranger District, including any requirements for using Dowdy Lake Campground.
Official source: Mount Margaret Trail - USDA Forest Service · Verified October 17, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Five Points is an intersection of five roads and trails. Carry a map and identify the Dowdy Lake Campground connection before committing to a branch.
- The main trail crosses South Lone Pine Creek. Assess the crossing before proceeding; do not assume conditions will match an earlier trip.
- Mount Margaret’s base overlooks a deep canyon. Keep a safe margin from the edge, especially while taking photographs.
- Granite outcroppings require attention to footing. Avoid stepping onto slick rock when conditions are wet or icy.
- Hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding share this trail network. Stay alert around bends and give other users room.
What to pack for Mount Margaret Trail via Dowdy Lake
- Trail map showing Five Points and the Dowdy Lake Campground connection
- Offline navigation with backup power
- Headlamp
- Layered clothing for changing temperatures
- Weather-resistant outer layer
- Footwear with reliable grip
- Sun protection for meadows and sparse woodland
- Drinking water
- Food for the outing and return
- First-aid supplies
Mount Margaret Trail via Dowdy Lake FAQ
- Can the trail be reached from Dowdy Lake Campground?
- Yes. A trail originates in Dowdy Lake Campground and connects with the network around Five Points. Confirm the precise connection on a trail map before starting; several other trails form loops off the main route.
- Does the described route reach Mount Margaret’s summit?
- The main trail continues to the base of Mount Margaret, overlooking a deep canyon, North Lone Pine Creek and Prairie Divide Road. Treat the base as the described destination rather than assuming a summit route.
- How far is Mount Margaret from Five Points?
- The trail continues nearly two miles beyond Five Points to Mount Margaret’s base. That is a one-way segment, not the complete distance from Dowdy Lake Campground.
- Where is the main Mount Margaret Trailhead?
- Travel 22 miles northwest of Fort Collins on U.S. Highway 287 to Livermore. Turn left onto County Road 74E, Red Feather Lakes Road, and continue west about 20 miles to parking on the right. This is the main trailhead, not the campground connection.
- What parking is available at the main trailhead?
- Mount Margaret Trailhead accommodates approximately 20 vehicles and five trailer parking spaces. These figures apply to the main trailhead, not Dowdy Lake Campground.
- Are bikes and horses allowed?
- Mountain biking and horseback riding are listed activities on Mount Margaret Trail, alongside hiking. Certified weed-free hay is required for stock. Confirm suitability and access rules for the specific Dowdy Lake connection before using it.