Red Feather Lakes

I first came to know Red Feather Lakes when we were trying to find a fishing spot someone had recommended to us. We got lost and found ourselves driving amidst gorgeous lakes and beautiful scenery. We certainly didn't mind being lost in this area. While we never found what we were looking for, we did find a great fishing spot, although there were many to choose from. The lakes here are all very peaceful and not overcrowded like in some other areas of Colorado. There are the typical tourists, but for the most part it is serene and peaceful here. Many of the homes located here are set on several acres and the lucky ones butt up against a lake or stream.

Red Feather Lakes seems to be where a lot of people like to retire to for the fishing and outdoors. While the overall median age of Colorado is right at about 40, the median age in Red Feather Lakes is 60. It isn't surprising someone would want to retire here, especially people who are outdoor enthusiasts that enjoy fishing, camping, or canoeing. That isn't to say there aren't families here, because there are. The parents of students overwhelmingly give the schools here top ratings for both the staff and administration.

While there is a little shopping and dining out, for the most part people have to commute to Fort Collins for bigger needs. The drive takes about an hour in good weather, but that time can increase if there's been snow or during inclement weather.

awwww sweet Red Feather Lakes...Dowdy Lake (the largest of the Red Feather Lakes) is my favorite lake to frequent throughout the year. Living in Boulder I can get up to the lake and have my canoe in the water in about an hour and a half.

The little town or more like village of Red Feather is tour oriented but also has a strong local community. There is gas and a store and a couple hotels and restaurants. The neighborhood is small but there are many many homes scattered throughout the area. There are 15+ lakes that make up the "Red Feather Lakes" are, Dowdy being the largest with the largest campground facilities.

The homes around the area are classic Colorado style, many of them cabins or wooden homes, some modest and some elaborate. The cost of living is fair but in the valley but not "cheap" by any means. Just 30 minutes from Fort Collins, the area is a sweet hideaway from the heat of summer or the chaos of the "big city".

If you keep going west you go over Deadman's pass and across the range to a small county road 103 that if you go north on you are in Wyoming in 20 miles. The Red Feather Lake area is a high mountain valley area with lots of water, trees and cool rock formations jutting up in the countryside and the lakes.

This area is a perfect place for those looking to live close to the Front Range but in the mountains in a lush land of lakes and trees. The area is unique that it is so wet, especially compared to most other regions of Colorado. There are two canyons/highways you can use to access the area from the Fort Collins base camp, the Poudre River Canyon HW 14 or County Road 74. There are many side roads leading to large acre lots off both highways.

There are camping and RV lots for sale ideal for fishermen or retirees. Small lots with log cabins for $100,000-$200,000 are available around the lakes, so prices are reasonable. This is a special place that shouldn't be missed by anyone living in Colorado or visiting the west.