Signal Mountain: A Hidden Gem of Colorado

Via Pennock Pass: Pretty good hike 90 minutes from Fort Collins if you're looking for a decent challenge, good views and seclusion. Hiked back in 9/2019 so not sure how burned this trail is now (the majority of the route from Dunraven certainly is). No other cars at the trailhead at the start or end, didn't see anyone. Took me 3 hours out, a little under 2.5 back. The streamside trail is pretty from the start. After 4 miles or so there is a very striking (apparently nameless) spire to the right of trail. Make sure you study the elevation relief maps--the first three miles are pretty gentle, but the last mile and a half is a tough slog as it's consistently steep going. Once you get above tree line you're almost there, still steep but nice Alpine tundra. Via Dunraven Trailhead: This is a more strenuous hike but much more accessible from Loveland (30 mins) and FoCo (50 mins), only requiring a short jaunt up a well maintained gravel road. The first mile is fairly steep with a short climb up the road to the trailhead, followed by a good set of switch backs. But the next mile or so is very nearly flat with a wonderfully lush and rejuvenated burn scar. This is followed by a ~2 mile stretch that is one of the toughest non-14er slogs I have done in Colorado. You move through a mixture of even more severe burn scarring (virtually no vegetation except dead trunks) along with some apparently unburned areas to the east of the trail. Lots of sand and loose rock during this part, bring poles for the trip down even if you don't normally use them. When you start to see the two apline tundra peaks of Signal Mtn and descend a few hundred feet, the worst is over. Another mile and a half or so to the north peak, there is still some gain but it's not too bad. Lots of cars at the Dunraven trailhead but encountered

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

Didn't see a single soul the whole way up. Definitely going back because it was such a pleasant hike.

Beautiful hike with a great variety of landscape and the summit is absolutely worth it! Some pretty steep climbing and the trail is illusive at times.

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.