Hiking the Young Gulch Trail in Poudre Canyon

Hiking the Young Gulch Trail in Poudre Canyon

Hiking the Young Gulch Trail in Colorado's Poudre Canyon combines scenic beauty and a dynamic hiking experience. This trail is a standout in the Fort Collins area because it weaves through a diverse landscape filled with creek crossings, shaded forested areas, open meadows, and dramatic rock formations. Known for its natural variety and accessibility, Young Gulch offers a moderately challenging hike that appeals to both casual and seasoned hikers. Its unique attributes, including changing landscapes and wildlife spotting opportunities, make it a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts.

Adventure Guide To Hiking the Young Gulch Trail

• Trail Location and Highlights
  Young Gulch Trailhead is located 13 miles up Highway 14 (Poudre Canyon Highway), about a 40-minute drive from Fort Collins. Spanning roughly 4.8 miles one way (9.6 miles round trip), the trail moves along Young Gulch Creek with 22 stream crossings, providing plenty of opportunities to cool off on warm days. The gentle elevation gain of about 1,500 feet ensures rewarding scenery without being overly strenuous.

• What Makes It Special
  Young Gulch Trail is noted for its shifting landscapes. Starting with open meadows bursting with wildflowers in the summer, hikers soon transition into shaded forests of ponderosa pines and Douglas fir. This variety is complemented by sounds of flowing water from the creek, creating a serene atmosphere. It’s also a favorite for hikers bringing their dogs, as the multiple creek crossings offer pups refreshment along the way.

• Trail Features
  Following a major rebuild after the High Park Fire in 2012 and subsequent floods, the trail reopened in 2018 with improved erosion control and updated features. Though it still has uneven terrain, the trail design makes it more sustainable and accessible for long-term use.

Local Insights

Wildlife enthusiasts may spot mule deer, red-tailed hawks, and fox squirrels. During early summer, wildflowers like columbines and lupines paint the trail’s edges with color.

Visitor Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Late spring through fall, especially early morning for cooler temperatures.
• What to Bring: Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots for stream crossings, sunscreen, bug spray, and plenty of water.
• Driving Directions: Head west on Highway 14 from Fort Collins. The trailhead parking is well-marked on the left, about 40 minutes from the city.