‘Tis the season to be outside in the mountains, fishing the creeks and lakes and HIKING. The Encampment River Trail is a favorite. Many hikers make hiking this trail an annual or even more frequent experience. The trail follows the Encampment River which is a red ribbon trout fishing stream, popular with fly fisherman all over the world.
The trail head is an easy drive from Riverside Lodge. At about 15 miles one way, you will be a real enthusiast if you make the trip to the end at Commissary Park, near Hog Park Reservoir and back to Riverside Lodge in one day. Some people go part way and turn around. Others make arrangements for a vehicle to meet them at the end and get a ride back to Encampment.
The trail is largely a foot trail. Horses can go the entire trail (be a friendly rider and clean up after your horse). There is a point where no wheeled equipment is permitted. The bridge across the Encampment River at the trail head is a beautiful experience. There is a very nice parking lot there.
Bring water and a light sweater or jacket. Quick rain showers can chill you quickly. Wear comfortable shoes and if you insist on wearing shorts, understand that there may be some brush that can scratch you. Oh, and did I say, bring water. I would also tuck a flashlight and camera in the back pack. You will almost certainly want the camera and some folks have hiked longer than they expected to. Coming out after dark isn’t impossible, but it works better with a light.
Call us at 307-710-5660 for reservations at Riverside Lodge and information about hiking the Encampment River Trail.
