DIRECTIONS:

From I-70, take the Bakersville Exit and head up Steven’s Gulch Road towards the Grays an Torrey’s Peak Trailhead for 1 mile. Turn right on Grizzly Gulch Road and either park at the intersection or drive as far as you see fit. Steven’s Gulch Road can be rocky and rough so high clearance is highly recommended.

HIKE DESCRIPTION:

Grizzly Gulch is located in the shadow of giants, namely Torrey’s Peak (14,275 ft), Kelso Mountain (13,176 ft), Grizzly Peak (13,333 ft) and Baker Mountain (12,398 ft).  The Grizzly Gulch road starts off of Stevens Gulch Road, which is the road leading to the trailhead of Grays Peak, and often busy.  For most vehicles, Grizzly Gulch Road becomes impassable after a quarter of a mile at the first creek crossing. 

Just before the creek crossing you’ll come to a fork in the road with an old structure. Be sure to keep to the right at the fork and follow Forest Road 189.1C.

The road continues up Grizzly Gulch and as it climbs it steadily becomes less of a road and more of a trail. While you may see some ATVs and off-road vehicles on this road, nearly all vehicular traffic stops 1.5 miles up the trail at a meadow and a large creek crossing. This meadow has a terrific mountain view and is a good place to stop if you are looking for a shorter hike.

After the meadow, the trail continues and gets steeper, narrower, and rockier as it continues up Grizzly Gulch heading straight for Grizzly mountain.  This later section of the trail is truly spectacular, towering peaks aspen groves and pristine pine forest guide the way up the gulch.  As you near treeline, the trail ends 2.8 miles up the road when you make your final creek crossing and arrive at a sub-treeline meadow. From here, off-trail travel can take you up to the surrounding peaks.  However, for most hikers, this is the end of the trail and time to work your way back down the road to the trailhead. 

Grizzly Gulch sees far less visitors than the neighboring trails and has the potential for a quite and wonderful hike...just keep your ears out for off-road vehicles.