Platte River Trail

Platte River Trail is a moderate hike in the South Park Ranger District of Pike and San Isabel National Forests in Colorado. It follows the Platte River through its valley corridor, with access to the riparian areas along the water. The route is an out-and-back of about 6.3 miles round trip, returning the same way you came in. It gains about 575 feet one way, ranging between roughly 7,760 and 8,200 feet in elevation. Parts of the trail are exposed, so bring enough water and sun protection. The trail is open year-round, though water levels and trail conditions shift with the seasons, so check current conditions before heading out. Summer and early fall are the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Florissant Fossil Bed show highs of about 75 to 79°F in June and July and around 71°F in September. July and August bring the most wet days. Platte Springs and Longwater are both within about a mile and a half for more hiking. Happy Meadows Campground sits about 2.6 miles away, and climbers can find REMF Wall roughly 3 miles off.