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McCullough Gulch Waterfall Out and Back

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.3 (20)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Central Rockies
  4. Blue River
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“Well-traveled trail: beautiful mountain views, steady climbing and a rewarding waterfall at the end. ”

Erin Andersen
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Map Key

2.3

Miles

3.7

KM

Out and Back

11,594' 3,534 m

High

11,129' 3,392 m

Low

465' 142 m

Up

465' 142 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (4°)

19%

Max Grade (11°)

Dogs Off-leash

Features River/Creek · Views · Waterfall

Overview

There are consistent and beautiful mountain views throughout this hike. Though this route features a steady ascent, it's worth the work. A gorgeous waterfall is your reward at the end!

Description

On a weekend, the trailhead and trail itself are very crowded and parking can be challenging along a narrow road that isn't very well-maintained. Once you park, work your way through the gate and continue for .3-.5 miles until you reach the trailhead (signs are abundant and the trail is well-marked throughout).

At the start of the trail, you'll almost immediately cross a bridge with a rushing waterfall below. The first part has rocks underfoot primarily the consistency of crushed gravel. You'll continue a steady climb with beautiful mountain views as the trail becomes progressively more difficult - but manageable - with bigger rocks and boulders to navigate as you make your way toward the waterfall. In early summer, the trail is muddy and requires careful footing to avoid slipping in the mud.

The steady ascent is worth the climb. Once you hear the rushing waterfall, you don't have much longer until you see the rewarding view at the end. The return downhill trip goes faster than the first half with gorgeous views throughout.

Flora & Fauna

Columbine from July through September and other assorted wildflowers.

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Arapaho National Forests - Clear Creek Ranger District

Shared By:

Erin Andersen
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 20 votes

#3

in Blue River

#899

Overall
  4.3 from 20 votes
5 Star
55%
4 Star
25%
3 Star
10%
2 Star
10%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#3

in Blue River

#184

in Colorado

#899

Overall
25 Views Last Month
11,660 Since Jul 3, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
0%
0%
72%
6%
22%
0%
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Photos

Waterfall at the top of the trail.
Jul 3, 2016 near Brecken…, CO
Another shot of the waterfall awaiting you at the end of the trail.
Jul 3, 2016 near Brecken…, CO

2 Comments

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Oct 20, 2023
Bryon Stewart
Aug 16, 2022
Deanna Throesch
Jul 15, 2021
Lauren Sargeant
Nov 29, 2020
Chris R
Aug 5, 2020
Jesse O
1.5mi
Aug 3, 2020
Jennifer H
Beautiful waterfall. Great to keep going on the trail
Jul 27, 2020
David Harris
Jul 16, 2020
Chad Dean

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