Trail Riding in the Gunnison, Colorado Area

Since the days of the ancient Ute Indians, the Gunnison River Territory in southwest Colorado has played host to a number of colorful legends. This area has seen the likes of the frontier settlers, mining golddiggers, dastardly outlaws, lonesome and chivalrous cowboys and a modern day legend- the outdoor enthusiast. There are hundreds of miles of trails in more than 600,000 acres of public land in the upper Gunnison River basin that offer varied horseback riding experiences.

Gunnison Spur of the Colorado Trail

Trail Length: About 20 miles from Gunnison to the Taylor Canyon Road
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Season of use: May through October
Amount and type of use: Light hiking, trail running, mountain biking, vehicle and horseback use
Elevation change: 7,760 ft. - 10,100 ft.

Directions: From the center of Gunnison, drive east on Hwy. 50 about 6 blocks to Mc Donald's. Turn left and go a long block to the first stop sign. Turn right and follow the curving road around the edge of the WSC campus. About halfway up the hill you will see a large parking lot for the WSC library. Park on the eastern edge of the parking lot and cross the road to the entrance of the trail.

Trailhead Parking/Camping: Adequate parking for any size vehicle is available at the College parking lot. No camping is available at this trailhead. Camping is allowed on public land along the trail.

Hazards/Considerations: Make sure to stay on the trail when crossing College land. Signs are posted in some places indicating the direction of the trails that need to be followed. It is important to be prepared for typical July and August afternoon thundershowers. Stay off ridges and away from open ground to avoid lightening strikes during storms. Be sure to bring sunscreen, rain gear and drinking water. Be sure someone knows where you are going and when you plan to return. You are sharing the trails - be courteous to other users. Please help us take care of your public lands - Leave No Trace of your visit.

Alpine Gulch Trail

Trail Length: 6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate walking at high altitude - steeper towards the end
Season of use: July through October
Amount and type of use: Light horse use; light hiking
Elevation change: 9,000 ft. - 12,480 ft.

Directions: From Lake City take the Henson Creek Road west for 2 miles. The trailhead is on the south side of the road where a sign indicates the Alpine Gulch Trail.

Trailhead Parking/Camping: Parking is available in a wide pullout on the north side of the Henson Creek Road. Camping is permitted along the upper part of the trail.

Hazards/Considerations: A compass, and a map are recommended to be packed. It is important to be prepared for typical July and August afternoon thundershowers. During storms stay off ridges and away from open ground to avoid lightning strikes. Be sure to bring sunscreen, rain gear and drinking water. Remember, hiking at high altitude requires more time and energy. Take your time, enjoy the scenery and avoid over-exertion. Be sure someone knows where you are going and when you plan to return.

Additional Information: The Alpine Gulch Trail can be used in conjunction with Williams Creek Trail for an overnight hiking trip.

Williams Creek Trail

Trail Length: 7.5 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous walk up steep terrain and at high altitude
Season of use: June through October
Amount and type of use: Light horse use; light hiking
Elevation change: 9,185 ft. - 12,480 ft.

Directions: From Lake City take Hwy 149 south, 2.5 miles. Turn right at Lake San Cristobal Recreation area turn off. Follow the paved road approximately 4 miles, then continue on the dirt road for about 2.6 miles. The trailhead sign and parking area are on the right hand side of the road just before the Willliam's Creek Campground.

Trailhead Parking/Camping: Parking is available at the trailhead but there is no space for camping. Low impact camping is permitted all along the trail.

Hazards/Considerations: At some points in the tundra, the trail can become hard to see. Be sure to take a map of the area and a compass to aid you in staying on the right path. It is important to be prepared for typical July and August afternoon thunder showers. It is best to get an early start and plan to be off the ridge by noon or 1:00 p.m. Be sure to take sunscreen, rain gear, and drinking water. Remember, hiking at high altitudes requires more time and energy. Take your time, enjoy the scenery and avoid over-exertion. Be sure someone knows where you are going and when you plan to return.

Additional Information: Williams Creek Trail may be used in conjunction with the Alpine Gulch Trail for a beautiful overnight hiking trip.

Williams Creek Trail

Trail Length: 7.5 miles
Difficulty: Strenuous walk up steep terrain and at high altitude
Season of use: June through October
Amount and type of use: Light horse use; light hiking
Elevation change: 9,185 ft. - 12,480 ft.

Directions: From Lake City take Hwy 149 south, 2.5 miles. Turn right at Lake San Cristobal Recreation area turn off. Follow the paved road approximately 4 miles, then continue on the dirt road for about 2.6 miles. The trailhead sign and parking area are on the right hand side of the road just before the Willliam's Creek Campground.

Trailhead Parking/Camping: Parking is available at the trailhead but there is no space for camping. Low impact camping is permitted all along the trail.

Hazards/Considerations: At some points in the tundra, the trail can become hard to see. Be sure to take a map of the area and a compass to aid you in staying on the right path. It is important to be prepared for typical July and August afternoon thunder showers. It is best to get an early start and plan to be off the ridge by noon or 1:00 p.m. Be sure to take sunscreen, rain gear, and drinking water. Remember, hiking at high altitudes requires more time and energy. Take your time, enjoy the scenery and avoid over-exertion. Be sure someone knows where you are going and when you plan to return.

Additional Information: Williams Creek Trail may be used in conjunction with the Alpine Gulch Trail for a beautiful overnight hiking trip.

Cuba Gulch Trail, T#477

Trail Length: 3.25 miles to the Continental Divide
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Season of use: June through October
Amount and type of use: Light horse use; light hiking
Elevation change: 10,880 ft. - 12,900 ft.

Directions: From Lake City take Hwy 149 south, 2.5 miles. Turn right on the road to Lake San Cristobal. Follow paved road approximately 4 miles, then continue on dirt road for about 8.3 miles. Turn left at the fork and travel 1.4 miles to the Cataract Gulch trailhead. Park your 2WD vehicle and walk or drive a 4WD vehicle about 3.2 miles further along the road to the Cuba Gulch trailhead.

Trailhead Parking/Camping: Parking and camping is available at both the Cataract Gulch and Cuba Gulch trailhead.

Hazards/Considerations: It is important to be prepared for typical July and August afternoon thundershowers. During storms stay off ridges and away from open ground to avoid lightning strikes. Be sure to bring sunscreen, rain gear and drinking water. Remember, hiking at high altitude requires more time and energy. Take your time, enjoy the scenery and avoid over-exertion. Be sure someone knows where you are going and when you plan to return.

Waterdog Lake Trail, T#3317

Trail Length: 3.8 miles to Waterdog Lake
Difficulty: Moderate - at high altitude
Season of use: Mid-June through October
Amount and type of use: Light hiking, horseback, and mountain biking
Elevation change: 8,600 ft. - 11,100 ft.

Directions: Cross the bridge at the north end of Lake City from highway 149. Turn left and continue one block. Turn left again to the sewage treatment plant.

Trailhead Parking/Camping: Park just outside of the sewage treatment plant fence in the area indicated with signs. No camping is available at the trailhead. Camping is permitted at Waterdog Lake.

Hazards/Considerations: Make sure to stay on the trails when crossing private land. Signs are posted, indicating when public lands are being entered and exited. Signs also point in the direction of the trails that need to be followed. It is important to be prepared for typical July and August afternoon thundershowers. Stay off ridges and away from open ground to avoid lightening strikes during storms. Be sure to bring sunscreen, raingear and drinking water. Remember, hiking at high altitude requires more time and energy. Take your time, enjoy the scenery and avoid overexertion. Be sure someone knows where you are going and when you plan to return.

Devil's Creek Trail

Trail Length: 6.8 miles to Devil's Lake
Difficulty: Moderate - at high altitude
Season of use: Mid-June through October
Amount and type of use: LLight hiking/horse use; moderate during hunting season
Elevation change: 8480 ft. - 12,000 ft.

Directions: From Lake City take Hwy. 149 north 7 miles to a dirt road heading northeast. A large, brown sign marks the entrance to this road advising that the road is steep and narrow. Turn onto this road and follow it across the Lake Fork River and up a hill to another dirt road to the left marked with a "TRAILHEADS" sign. Turn onto this road and continue about .5 mile to the Devil's Creek Trailhead.

Trailhead Parking/Camping: Parking is available at the trailhead in a defined area. No camping is allowed at the trailhead, but low impact camping is permitted along the trail.

Hazards/Considerations: Please stay on the trail when it departs from the old road to avoid creating areas where erosion will occur. Be sure to take a map of the area and a compass to aid you in staying on the right path. It is important to carry raingear and to avoid ridges and open areas during showers in case of lightning strikes. Be sure to bring sunscreen and drinking water. Remember, hiking at high altitude requires more time and energy. Take your time, enjoy the scenery, and avoid overexertion. Be sure someone knows where you are going and when you plan to return.

Additional Information: The Devil's Creek Trail can be used in conjunction with the Powderhorn Lakes Trail, the Powderhorn Park Trail, the Middle Fork Trail, and the East Fork Trail for a beautiful 4 or 5 day trip.

For more trail information, go to: Equestrian Use in the Gunnison, Colorado Area