If you’re heading to Red Feather Lakes in northern Colorado, make time for a walk around Dowdy Lake. The easy loop offers nearly constant water views along with ponderosa pines, quiet coves and interesting rock formations.
It’s an ideal trail when you want a relaxing walk rather than a lung-busting climb.
Trail Stats:
2.3-mile loop trail
Mainly flat and wide trail
Lots of shade (about half of trail is in trees)
Passes by campground with 70 sites, including 10 walk-in tent sites. Can reserve sites 6 months in advance on recreation.gov.
Multiple beach areas along trail
Couple of bathrooms available
Dog-friendly (on leash)
Getting There:
Dowdy Lake is about a mile from the village of Red Feather Lakes and 48 miles northwest of Fort Collins. It’s off of Red Feather Lake Road (County Road 74E) surrounded by ponderosa pines in Roosevelt National Forest.
Parking is available at the Dowdy Lake day-use area on the north side of the lake. The recreation complex includes picnic areas, restrooms, a campground and a boat ramp. Day use fee is $9 or included with annual National Park Service pass, which you must show.
Walking Around Dowdy Lake
My friend Adeina and I started with lattes from Outlawtte inside Red Feather Trading Post. Before hiking, we sat on rocks along the shoreline and watched fish in the clear water and paddleboarders circle two tiny islands.
Looking across the lake from the day-use area, we followed the trail to the right. The first portion wound through ponderosa pines and past the campground. The shade made it especially pleasant on a sunny summer morning.
For the first half of the easy hike we were mainly in the trees as we passed the campground. The shade of the ponderosa pines made it delightful. As I walked by a campsite with a couple relaxing in their lounge chairs enjoying the view outside of their RV. I said, “Y’all are just missing glasses of wine.” They laughed and he replied, “That’s for later.”
They had been returning to the campground for 6 years and told us they reserved their favorite site as soon as the booking window opened six months before the day they want to arrive. Prime waterfront campsites clearly have loyal fans.
As we continued around the lake, the trail moved out of the trees and into full sun. Small coves, ponds and rock formations added variety to the scenery. We also stopped to watch anglers casting into the 115-acre lake.
The lake is designated no-wake. Motorized boats are allowed, but a 10-mph speed limit is enforced. Its calm water makes it a popular spot for paddling and fishing.
Know Before You Go
Bring sun protection because much of the loop is exposed. Summer afternoons can also bring thunderstorms, so morning is typically the better time to hike.
The trail is mostly wide and level, but natural surfaces, roots and rocks may still make portions challenging for some visitors. Carry water, even on this short hike, since the elevation is above 8,000 feet.
Dowdy Lake Campground has 60 single and double campsites with electric hookups, plus 10 tent-only sites without hookups. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov and can be competitive during summer, so book 6 months in advance.
Is Dowdy Lake Trail Worth It?
Dowdy Lake Trail is a delightful option for hikers of many ability levels. The loop is short, easy to follow and filled with lake views. Pair it with a picnic, paddle or a longer day exploring Red Feather Lakes.
For more ideas nearby, read my guide to spending a day in Red Feather Lakes.
Jennifer Broome has traveled extensively across Colorado. She enjoys sharing some of Colorado’s unique places. Check out the Explore Colorado section for more. For another great hike in northern Colorado, check out Arthur’s Rock in Lory State Park.
