Poudre Park is a small community in Front Range region of Colorado in the USA. It sits on the banks of the Cache La Poudre River about a ten-mile drive up Poudre Canyon/Hwy 14 from Fort Collins.
Poudre Park formed from a small cluster of homes in the early 1920s and remains the relaxed retreat of a number of mostly older residents seeking mountain quietude. At an elevation of 5,676 feet, the air is clear and the stars breath-taking. The community is almost entirely residential, consisting of a cluster of small cabins and trailers surrounded by a few larger houses, a church, a community center, a fire station, a campground and a small store. The name 'Cache La Poudre' comes, according to local legend, from the label placed on the map of a French trapper to indicate where he had hidden a stash of gunpowder and is pronounced 'cash la pooder' by locals.
Poudre Park can be reached by taking College Ave./Hwy 287 north from Fort Collins and taking a left onto Poudre Canyon Hwy/Hwy. 14. Gasoline is not available in the Lower Canyon, so start with a full tank. The canyon walls surround one almost immediately and the road itself follows the winding river through high walls of grey rock. Expect sharp curves and drive cautiously, especially after storms, as the road ices easily and heavy rain can wash boulders into the road. Poudre Park will be on your right, between the road and river, and can be noted only by the modest sign and the gradual increase of houses.
A car is necessary for traveling the canyon, though most of the community can be easily reached on foot or bicycle. Be aware that many people tire more easily at higher elevations and plan accordingly. Bicycling in the canyon can be very difficult, due to the steep grades and sharp curves and the relative lack of shoulder between the road and river. Buses routinely transport rafters during high water season, but no public transport exists. Most passerby are very friendly toward hitch-hikers, however, and, in season, a shuttle exists to ferry concert-goers from public parking near the mouth of the canyon to the Mishawaka Amphitheatre.
Poudre Park is surrounded by breath-taking natural views. The hillsides are forested with evergreen pine and craggy rock formations soar high above. The river rushes by over the stones creating a constant noise which rises to a roar in high summer and is reduced to a murmur in the drier months. During the winter, the upper layers of water freeze solid, creating a layer of ice that is strong enough in places to venture out on. Deer, black bear, fox, rabbit and numerous species of birds are frequent visitors and occasionally, mountain lion and bobcat are spotted. Because of the prevalence of bears, which feed on the wild apple trees and chokecherry bushes, caution should be taken when hiking and food and trash should be securely stored or properly disposed of. Elusive columbine flowers grow in places and wild raspberry, plum and currant can be found along the river banks. The night sky is dazzlingly clear of pollution and, during the day, eagles, hawks and turkey vultures soar overhead.