Hike the Bellvue Dome
Laporte, Colorado
Details
Distance
1.75 miles
Elevation Gain
600 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Josiah Roe
Gorgeous views up and down the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, from Greyrock Mountain to Boulder, all while overlooking the Cache la Poudre River some 600 foot below.
The Bellvue Dome, known locally as "Goat Hill", was created by the same geological forces that made the Rocky Mountains, but what makes this structure unique is its shape, the steep cliff on its western edge carved by the Cache la Poudre River at the base, and its prominent location dominating the skyline just north of Fort Collins along Highway 287.
Despite this, the Dome is rarely if ever climbed, largely because it is almost completely surrounded by private land, even though the majority of it the Dome itself is public and owned/managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
To gain access from the East you must receive permission from a property owner on the east side of the Dome or the City of Fort Collins for access along the utility access road. To approach from the west up the bluffs you should receive permission from the Colorado Division of Wildlife who maintains the large trout hatchery below.
To reach the base of the Dome take Highway 287 to old Highway 287 B, just north of the Dome. Head south on 287 B and take your first right on North County Road 23E. Park along the road here, as your first right is access road / easement.
If you've received permission, walk up the road until you see the remains of an old concrete water tank on your left. At this point leave the road and head right and up the ridgeline till you gain the main ridge of the Dome. There are several obvious use trails. Follow the main ridgeline till you gain the summit, where you'll find a Colorado Geological Survey marker.
Be sure to come back down the way you came so you do not accidentally trespass on land you have not received permission to cross.
Be respectful of the land owners at the beginning of the road and do not cross any of the fences into the City of Fort Collins water storage facility as this is (obviously) off-limits to the public.
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Hike the Bellvue Dome Reviews
Please check hunting map and CO state trail map. BLM is surrounded by private land. Edge of dome where most people go the peak is private and posted no trespass. Furthermore all trespassers are being filmed by game cams and drone and reported as they are disrupting nesting Golden Eagles. Eagles are protected and even more so when nesting. All trespassers stand right above both nests. This spring the eagles were nesting and abandoned nest after continuous human disruption. Be aware I will turn in all footage to authorities when you are on private part of dome top. Low star as eagles should not be disrupted and owners do not want trespassers. This is not a trail.
1.0
Most of the Dome is public land, and one of the property owners on the SE side was super chill and let us cross his land to the BLM public land to the summit. The views of the Poudre and Horsetooth are awesome!
5.0
We were driving by on our way to Rist Canyon for some climbing, and one of the neighbors was chill enough to let us quickly run up to the top from the north. There’s a lot of scrub so I’m glad I had long pants on. The views were awesome!
5.0
The people were so kind to let us access it. Just be polite and ask permission!
5.0
I read & followed the original directions, but was informed by the property owner that the easement was not public. I think getting permission for this is almost impossible. Especially due to this article, which has seemed to upset the property owners to the point on never granting permission to cross their property.
1.0
As someone who was present for the shooting of this hike, we presented only truthful information and received permission to go up there - we also moved our car to a location the property owner requested. This was a wonderful hike and worth it, just be sure to get permission.
5.0
Leave No Trace
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