About Redfeather Ranger Station
Overview The Redfeather Ranger Station has two cabins, and an office with a visitor's center. The Ranger Cabin and the Assistant Ranger Cabin are available for lodging. Guests must provide linens, bedding, pillows, towels and toiletries. The Ranger Station is situated in a ponderosa pine forest at an elevation of 8,200 feet. Afternoon thunderstorms can be expected during spring and summer months. This site is located off the east side of Dowdy Lake Road in Red Feather Lakes, Colorado. The Forest Service access road into the station is approximately 1/4 mile north of the intersection of Dowdy Lake Road and West County Road 74E/Red Feather Lakes Road. The Red Feather Lakes community, located about 46 miles northwest of Fort Collins, is known for its recreational opportunities and remote scenic beauty. The Ranger Cabin is a spacious (1,660 square foot), three-room log cabin, that can accommodate six to eight people. It has one queen bed and four twin beds. The fully-equipped kitchen includes two stoves, two refrigerators, microwave, toaster, coffee pot, pots, pans, dishes and utensils. It was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1937 from adapted architectural plans from the Sunlight Ranger Cabin near Cody, Wyoming. The Assistant Ranger Cabin is a two-bedroom log cabin that can accommodate four to six people. There is a small fully-equipped kitchen with a small table. There is a log bed frame with a queen size bed in one bedroom and two twin beds in the second bedroom. Recreation Canoeing, paddle boarding and fishing are popular activities on the 115-acre, Dowdy Lake nearby and 25-acre, West Lake. Motorized boats are allowed on the lakes, but a 10 mph speed limit is enforced with no wake. Anglers cast for brown, brook, cutthroat and lake trout. Several additional lakes are in the vicinity. Many hiking, biking and horseback riding trails are nearby, including the Mount Margaret Trail, Lady Moon Trail, Elkhorn, Dowdy Lake Trail and others. Several off-road vehicle
How to Get There
The Redfeather Ranger Cabin is located off the west side of Dowdy Lake Road in the unincorporated town of Red Feather Lakes in Larimer County, Colorado and about 46 miles northwest of Fort Collins, CO. The Forest Service access road into the station is approximately 1/4 mile north of the intersection of Dowdy Lake Road and W County Road 74E / Red Feather Lakes Road (just past the Red Feather Supermarket and Rock Shop).
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
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Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
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High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
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Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
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First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Redfeather Ranger Station
Heading to Redfeather Ranger Station? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Redfeather Ranger Station?
No central reservation system listed for Redfeather Ranger Station. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10317346) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Redfeather Ranger Station?
The Redfeather Ranger Cabin is located off the west side of Dowdy Lake Road in the unincorporated town of Red Feather Lakes in Larimer County, Colorado and about 46 miles northwest of Fort Collins, CO. The Forest Service access road into the station is approximately 1/4 mile north of the intersection of Dowdy Lake Road and W County Road 74E / Red Feather Lakes Road (just past the Red Feather Super…
How do I contact Redfeather Ranger Station?
You can reach the park at phone: 970-881-2937 or 970-295-6600 or email: VisitARP@usda.gov.
References & Official Resources
