Young Gulch Trail (#999) – Poudre Canyon, Colorado

Young Gulch is an awesome out and back hike that features a trail with 20+ river crossings, meadow views, cliff views, forest views, and more. This trail takes hikers through diverse terrain with a gradual gain that is perfect for trail runners.

Distance – 10.2 miles round trip (16.42 km)
Height – 7,010 feet (2,136.65 meters)
Elevation gain – 1,427 feet (434.95 meters)
Duration – 4 to 6 hours
Difficulty – Intermediate
Seasons – Year-round (caution needed in winter – see below)
Trailhead Location – Young Gulch Trailhead – 5,840 feet (directions below)

Trail Map

 

Here is a Google Map with a GPX file.

Trail Options

Young Gulch Trail (#999) Out And Back: 10.2 Miles Round Trip | 1,427 Feet Elevation Gain

Young Gulch Trail (#999) is the only route at this trailhead. This trail is very well traveled, features 20 or so river crossings (some with bridges, some with rock hopping, some with log crossings), and fantastic views.

This trail features fantastic views from the very beginning. The gulches that this trail meanders through follows a creek. Hikers will find themselves with views of the surrounding mountains, small waterfalls, burnt forest, green meadows, and forest views.

The end of this trail is very clearly marked with a log and sign, both saying, this is the end of the trail. The trail ends in trees, and without views. Hikers simply retrace their steps back to the trailhead.

Due to the gradual gain across the 5 miles, this is a fantastic trail running option.

Hiking Young Gulch in Winter

This is a great winter hiking area. Extra caution needs to be taken during wet and icy times. We highly recommend bringing traction devices such as microspikes to remain safe on the trails and to avoid falls.

Camping And Other Information

There are no official campsites near the trail, however all along Poudre Canyon there are many campgrounds to choose from that are very close, including the Ansel Watrous Campground located only a few hundred feet from the trailhead. You can read more about amenities and camping nearby here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/arp/recarea/?recid=36779

Dogs are allowed here on leashes.

You can find information on the official government site here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/arp/recarea/?recid=36863

Current weather conditions:

Here is the detailed weather forecast for the next few days.

Laporte, CO

Overnight
Mostly clear, with a low around 31. Northwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 16 mph.

Thursday
A slight chance of snow showers between 2pm and 4pm, then a slight chance of rain showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 52. West wind 8 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Thursday Night
A slight chance of thunderstorms and a chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33. West southwest wind 3 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Friday
A slight chance of rain and snow showers before noon, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 54. West northwest wind 5 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Friday Night
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm, then a slight chance of thunderstorms and a slight chance of rain and snow showers between 10pm and midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 30. West wind 1 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Saturday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 59.

Saturday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 40.

Directions & Parking

The parking area has 20+ car spots, and there are some street overflow parking spots along highway 14.

Directions to Young Gulch Trailhead:

Additional Pictures