Hiking the Young Gulch Trail in Poudre Canyon
Adventure Destination

Hiking the Young Gulch Trail in Poudre Canyon

Explore the scenic and diverse Young Gulch Trail, a 9.6-mile round trip hike near Fort Collins, Colorado. With a moderate difficulty, this trail is known for its stream crossings, varied landscapes, and wildlife spotting. Ideal for adventure seekers looking for a serene hike.

Hiking7.8/10Moderate
Photo Gallery

Category

Hiking

Typical Duration

2-4 hours

Difficulty

Moderate

About This Adventure Destination

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.

Editorial Assessment

The Young Gulch Trail in Poudre Canyon offers a scenic hiking experience with its varied terrain and stunning views, making it an appealing destination for outdoor enthusiasts. While it provides a great adventure, it lacks the unique geological features that would classify it as a top global landmark.

Hiking the Young Gulch Trail in Poudre Canyon

Adventure Guide to Hiking the Young Gulch Trail in Poudre Canyon

1

- Trail Location and Highlights

  • Overview: 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.
  • Details: **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.
  • Details: **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.
2

Local Insights

  • Overview: 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.
3

Visitor Tips

  • Details: **Best Time to Visit**: Late spring through fall, especially early morning for cooler temperatures.
  • Details: **What to Bring**: Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots for stream crossings, sunscreen, bug spray, and plenty of water.
  • Details: **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.

Reviews

G
Grayson Espinoin the last week

I can think of few things better for my mental health than a hike up and down this trail in summer and fall. There are 16 bridges or "bridges" depending if you count the single logs and stone bridges (6 definite wooden bridges if you don't). The 4th and 5th bridges are very close together. You will see many yellow, white, blue, and purple flowers. There are also raspberry plants and edible mushrooms, and tempting as it would be, I wouldn't take any. You will smell pine. You will hear birds, flies, and an occasional airplane, or twig trampled by deer. Oh, and you'll "hear" plenty of silence, too. 1.7 miles in, the trail will be briefly interrupted by a large pile of pink rocks. Do not forget to look for the trail to the left on the way back, or you will have a bad time. About 3.6 miles in, there will be a fork in the trail to which the left ends abruptly, and the right continues to the end. Do not forget to look for this fork on the way back after passing a small water crossing, or you will have a bad time. There are other forks before this one where both paths converge to the main trail. The halfway point of the trail is a very recognizable sharp left turn with a good view of the valley ahead, then the trail itself begins to descend for a bit. About 4 miles in, there will be a sudden transition to a flat area with a bunch of ponderosa pines that invokes a primal emotion that I can't describe other than oddly comforting. The trail ends at a sign which has private property on the other side of it. I usually take 96 minutes out and 101 minutes back.

E
Elizabeth T-E2 months ago

Beautiful place to hike. But, keep in mind: NO toilet on site. Lots of poison ivy around the trail. Not a ton of parking (it would be better if people didn't space the cars out so much). Saw a green snake, butterflies, and lots of wildflowers. Very exposed in the old burn area.

M
M C11 months ago

Great trail even through the burn scar. My app measured 11 miles and 1300 ft of elevation for the entire trail. It is a gradual climb most of the way out. The middle 3 miles are exposed. That's okay because of the beautiful views.

S
Sara Bombacia year ago

Beautiful trail with lots of birds in spring.

N
Noah Adamsa year ago

Great hike. Small creek in the spring, some shade but mostly exposed.

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