Young Gulch Trail 999

From Coloradohikingtrails

Young Gulch Trail 999
Meanders up Young Gulch and Prairie Gulch. 33 stream crossings over 4 miles. Butterflies and wild flowers in the spring make it an attractive family hiking destination, although stream crossings can be tough during spring runoff season.

Fast Facts
Distance(Miles):	4.9 to Stove Prairie Overlook
Trail Surface & Condition:	Dirt
Other Trail Users:	Bicycles, Dogs, Horses
Ownership:	National Forest
Best Seasons:	Year around weather permitting
Type:	Out-and-Back
Beginning Elev (Feet):	5,816
Ending Elev (Feet):	6,981
Elevation Gain (Feet):	1,165
Difficulty Rating:	12.1
Young Gulch Trailhead GPS Coordinates:	Latitude: 40.6886167 Longitude: -105.3481667
Trails End GPS Coordinates:	Latitude: 40.6435167 Longitude: -105.366416

Trailhead Information

Young Gulch Trailhead
Near To: Fort Collins and Poudre River, Colorado

Driving Directions To Trailhead From Ted's Place at US-287 and Hwy 14 (Poudre Canyon Hwy), 13 miles up Hwy 14 is Ansel Watrous campground is on the right. Just beyond the campground entrance at mile marker 109, a dirt road to the left will take you to the parking lot. Facilities available at Ansel Watrous campground, none at the trailhead.

Young Gulch Trailhead

Elevation: 5,816'

Maps & Images Lat: 40.6886167 Long: -105.3481667

Street map from Google Maps or Yahoo! Maps

Satellite image from Google Maps or Microsoft Virtual Earth

Aerial image or topographic map from TerraServer-USA

Trail & Hike Description

This is a popular trail that follows the stream most of the way, climbing very gradually up Young Gulch, crossing the stream 33 times in 4 miles. This can present a challenge in the spring when the stream flow is heavy from runoff. Other times of the year, it can be easily stepped across, and in summer can be dry. Spring is a pleasant time of your to hike Young Gulch, as the butterflies and wild flowers are in abundance. The climb is very gradual and scenic, with Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir dominating the hillsides. Alder, maple and cedar are the primary species along the stream. The upper part of the trail opens up into meadows and views of the surrounding mountains. The trail ends at at someone's private property, with a view of Stove Prairie Rd. below.

The trail is heavily used by mountain bikes and by hikers with dogs. Watch out for others coming down the trail quickly.

The high difficult rating is due to the round-trip length. But much of the beauty of this trail is found in the lower reaches, so one can turn around at any point to reduce the hike to a lesser distance.

External Links & References

Young Gulch Trail Description on US Forest Service web site