Colorado is famous throughout the country for many things – its capital Denver, with its mile-high altitude; luxury ski resorts in Vail and Aspen; and beer brands like Fat Tire and Coors. Perhaps Colorado’s best-known claim to fame, however, is its awe-inspiring landscape. A great way to see all the amazing scenery The Centennial State has to offer is to go for a trek on one of its numerous hiking trails. McCullough Gulch Trail, located in White River National Forest just south of Breckenridge, is a great place to start…if you’re up for the challenge. Here is a challenging, yet scenic hike in Colorado you may want to try.
Drive roughly 20 minutes south of Breckenridge on Colorado State Highway 9, then turn onto Blue Lakes Road, off of which will be the trail’s designated parking lot.
Note that while parking on McCullough Gulch and Blue Lakes Roads was permitted in the past, this is no longer allowed. You must park in the Blue Lakes Road lot. You are required to reserve a spot at the lot if you wish to hike the trail between June and September. A reservation is not required during the trail’s winter season. Once you’ve parked, walk to the trailhead to begin the 6.4-mile round-trip journey. Be warned: the trailhead is an additional two miles from the parking lot.
The McCullough Gulch Trail is not for the faint of heart! Along with the 6.4-mile hike itself and the walk to and from the parking lot, the trail is also at an altitude of over 14,265 feet, or almost three miles up in the Rocky Mountains. Not only that, there is an elevation gain along the way of 1,607 feet.
Given that you’re up in the mountains, snow can often be a problem, as well. If you want to hike the McCullough Gulch Trail during the winter keep in mind that the snowfall can get pretty deep.
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Some people like to bring their dogs along for hikes. If you choose to do so keep in mind that canines are allowed off-leash only in certain areas.
On the topic of animals, be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife along the trail. Among the fauna that you may spot are deer, elk, moose, bears, and even sometimes mountain goats.
About halfway down the trail you will reach White Falls. This beautiful landmark is a great place to take a photograph and re-hydrate before continuing your journey.
At the end of the trail, you will be rewarded with views of a sparkling alpine lake. Stop a moment to take in the spectacle and snap a photo before beginning your return journey back to the trailhead.
The McCullough Gulch Trail, a scenic hike in Colorado with its over-six-mile length and several-mile-high altitude, is not for everyone. But if you are brave enough to take it on, it will reward you with spectacular views of Colorado’s natural beauty as well as offerings for both wildlife and wildflower photographers. If you would like more information, check out the trail’s webpage. Have you hiked the McCullough Gulch Trail before? Have you been on another Colorado trail you think our readers should know about? Let us know in the comments!
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