Lake Agnes via Michigan Ditch Trail

WARNING! AVALANCHE DANGER!Make sure you have avalanche safety knowledge and equipment. This route enters avalanche terrain.If you are looking for one of the ultimate cross-country ski treks along the northern Front Range, look no further. This trip takes you to the American Lakes at the base of the Nokhu Crags providing you with ample views and the potential to see elk and moose. This trip is 1...

To get to Cameron Pass, drive west out of Fort Collins from Highway 287, to Highway 14, into Poudre Canyon. Take the drive all the way through Poudre Canyon, and soon you will climb out of the canyon and towards the continental divide at Cameron Pass. Once you see the sign at the top of the pass there will be a parking lot on the right, pull in there, this will be the primary parking lot.From h...

From the front range, drive west of Fort Collins, Colo. on Highway 14 towards Walden, Colo. When you enter Highway 14 from Fort Collins, look for Ted's Place. Ted's is a gas station and convenient store, stop here to hit the bathroom, fill up on gas, and grab some snacks. There will be very few facilities once you enter Cache la Poudre Canyon. The first 60 miles or so will be at lower elevation...

While the trail does have quite a bit of elevation gain you don't really feel it since it is dispersed among five miles of trail. The first part of the trail is a wider road with a few look out points of nearby Chambers Lake. About two miles in you reach the end of the National Forest area. From here there are no longer blue tree markers on trees telling you where to go, but don't worry, the tr...

American Lakes are two high alpine lakes located within State Forest State Park and the Never Summer Mountain Range. The park is located about 75 miles west of Fort Collins, Colo. along Highway 14 on the west side of Cameron Pass.Coming down from Cameron Pass, look for a sign for the American Lakes Trailhead. When turning into the access road, make sure to fill out the form and pay the daily fe...

Unfortunately, Nokhu Hut is closed indefinitely.  The Nokhu Hut is part of the Never Summer Nordic Hut system, and makes for the perfect beginner Hut trip. The Hut has a stocked kitchen, wood shed, and small wood burning stove that keeps the tiny hut toasty warm. From the Hut, it is a short, easy hike to Lake Agnes - the trail often stays snowy until July. There is good skiing nearby, but als...