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Unassuming hike with incredible views.


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Map Key

7.7

Miles

12.3

KM

Out and Back

11,510' 3,508 m

High

10,239' 3,121 m

Low

1,271' 387 m

Up

1,271' 387 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (4°)

18%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views

Overview

This hike is pretty mild in terms of elevation gain, but the views along the way of the mountains as you come into the basin below them are exquisite.

Description

Definitely a 4wd trailhead. If you don't have a four-wheel-drive it adds several miles each way. Drive Gothic Rd to Rustler Gulch, if you have a 4wd rig, you can continue on. Very shortly there is a fairly deep river crossing, and the road is very rough in places after that until you get to the trailhead.

The trail is pretty mellow in terms of elevation gain, it meanders through fields and forests, crossing streams and downed logs. Pretty quickly you are in a basin with awesome views of tall peaks around you. You continue hiking along, getting closer and closer to a really cool cirque that houses Precarious Peak and several other cool mountains. The trail offers exceptional views of these peaks for a good portion of the hike.

The endpoint on this trail is right by a small creek and makes for a nice place to sit and enjoy your surroundings before turning around and heading back the way you came.

Flora & Fauna

Plenty of willow bushes and a mixed forest shelter the lower portion of this trail. Alpine meadows team with wildflowers during the peak, usually in July.

Contacts

Shared By:

Ashley Peterson

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 2 votes

#1610

Overall
  5.0 from 2 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#301

in Colorado

#1,610

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0 Since Oct 11, 2023
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Photos

Hiking southeast; getting closer to the cirque.
Oct 11, 2023 near Crested…, CO
Looking back down the valley.
Oct 11, 2023 near Crested…, CO
Hiking north near the start of the trail.
Oct 11, 2023 near Crested…, CO
Great trail for running!
Oct 12, 2017 near Crested…, CO
On the Rustlers Gulch trail
Jul 5, 2019 near Crested…, CO
Looking south at Gothic Mountain.
Oct 11, 2023 near Crested…, CO

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