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 Reporter |
Summary: This is a beautiful trail that winds along a small creek through Young's Gulch. You start out in some flat meadow areas, and eventually get under some tree cover about 1/2 mile in. Depending on the time of the year, this hike is great to see an abundance of wild flowers, aspens, and wildlife. It is neat walking through the gulch as the large mountains surround you on both sides. This trail is popular with hikers and mountain bikers, so keep your ears and eyes open for others coming down the trail quickly. I recommend an early morning hike, as the sun is partially blocked by the mountains and creates some interesting photographic opportunities. Warning: This area is known for it's mountain lions and bears (read the signs...) Also, if you hike to the very end of the trail, you will have to turn back once you get to the Private Property signs. DO NOT TRESSPASS! The owner is known to prosecute to the full extent of the law. Trailhead: As you drive Hwy 14 up the canyon, it will be about 2.75 miles past Poudre Park. The parking area will be on the left side of the road and is easy to miss, so keep an eye out for it. It is right across from the upper part of Ansel Watrous Campground. There is a sign that says "Young's Gulch Trailhead" Parking for the trailhead is at N40 41.322 W105 21.011 (Lat:40.68927 Lon:-105.3494) Trail Guides for Youngs Gulch: Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Ranger Contact: Canyon Lakes Ranger District 970-295-6700 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Brad Tallis. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by AG on 5/6/2007 Hiked today and saw a brown bear about mid-trail. Water level is high making for some wet feet when you cross the stream. My dogs and I love this trail as it is off leash (and, by the way, is listed as SIGHT control, not VOICE and SIGHT). I recommend that if one does not like dogs, then this is not the trail for you. There are only a handful of trails up the Poudre that are off leash and all dog lovers know which ones they are and use them extensively! Great hike. 
Reviewed by Robyn on 5/26/2006 We hiked this on May 25, 2006. A nice easy hike with beautiful scenery. We saw a great deal of wildlife. Many small gardner snakes, one enormous snake (probably about 6 or 7 feet long), mountain goats, many butterflies, and fish in the stream in spots. The water level was fairly low when we went so we had no problem keeping our feet dry while crossing the creek. The trail is mostly flat, and climbs a little bit when you reach the end. The end of the trail is unfortunately not terribly exciting, you climb until you reach a little summit, which over looks a road and some private property. The creek makes it nice for you to bring your dog, which can be off leash with voice and sight control. It took us aalmost 5 hours w/ a few stops.
Reviewed by Christy on 5/25/2005 We hiked Young's gulch on Saturday May 21st arriving at the trailhead at 8:15. Not many people early but that changed as the day went on. We found there to be some mountain bikers but mostly hikers with lots of dogs off leash which we didn't mind. This is not a trail for those afraid of snakes as we saw many but no rattlers. Due to the spring runoff we crossed the stream 58 times (I kept track by marking a walking stick with notches). We did go to the end of the trail to a rocky outcropping overlooking Rist Canyon Rd. and returned to the trailhead by 3pm. If I were to do this hike again I would were sandals to cross the stream, I would go on a weekday, and I would not go in the summer as it has the propensity to get quite hot.
Reviewed by Carol on 8/1/2004 We hiked this on July 31, 2004; we took 5 hours roundtrip, walking at a slow pace. I would describe it as mostly easy with some moderate spots. The trail crosses the stream 40 times. We hiked in sandals, which worked out well for the frequent stream crossings; the trail is not rough enough to require boots. Since the trail is near the stream and shaded by trees it stays cool even on hot days. The meadows were full of flowers, several interesting mushrooms, many butterflies, even a snake.
Reviewed by Christian on 5/18/2004 I did this hike on May 8th 2004 and it was really wonderful out there. I just followed the instructions from Brad which were very useful. It took me 4 hours and 15 minutes for the roundtrip and I saw a fox crossing the trail (at least the tail with the white spot on it!). Also there were a lot of very colourful butterflies, very nice birds (I don't know their names!). All in all it was a wonderful time out there. Have fun! Christian Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Colorado Hiking, Colorado Trails, Colorado Hikes, Larimer County Hiking, Larimer County Trails, Larimer County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
