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

Today
A slight chance of snow showers before noon, then a chance of snow showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy. High near 36, with temperatures falling to around 33 in the afternoon. East wind 5 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.

Tonight
Snow likely and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 28. East wind 5 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Saturday
Snow likely before noon, then a chance of snow showers. Cloudy, with a high near 37. East southeast wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of around one inch possible.

Saturday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27. South southwest wind 1 to 7 mph.

Sunday
Sunny, with a high near 60. West southwest wind 3 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Sunday Night
A slight chance of rain showers before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 40. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Monday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 65. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

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