DIRECTIONS:

From I-70 in either direction, take the Bakerville Exit. Turn right (west) at the intersection and find a place to park before the Bakerville-Loveland Trail, the Kearney Gulch Trail befgins 0.7 miles up the paved trail.

HIKE DESCRIPTION:

Kearney Gulch is tucked away at the base of two 14ers, Gray’s and Torrey’s Peaks, in the Bakerville area off of I-70. This is an interesting hike, the trail is cut short by landslide/flood damage but visits an interesting, mystery site. The hike begins at the start of the Bakerville-Loveland Trail a paved bike path and segment of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. The first 0.7 of a mile follows the paved path. At the trail sign for Kearney Gulch, you head into the dense forest and the trail gets narrow and steep. This part of the trail is well maintained with footbridges helping to cross trickling creeks. Before long the trail reaches a very steep gulch that is likely to freak out hikers with a fear of heights. This spot offers some nice views looking west towards the Continental Divide.

Follow the steep dropoff for a few minutes and then re-enter the forest. Way down below is a raging creek carving its way through the forest. As you continue up the steep trail you eventually meet up with the creek and its forceful cascades. This is where the mystery begins. At a clearing, the creek meanders around 4 or 5 mounds of wood planks. To me, it looks like these are the remnants of mining structures that were pilled up and then caught in a flash flood or landslide, with years of snow fall and snow melt transforming them into domed piles. Regardless of the cause, this clearing also provides some of the only mountain views on this short hike. The trail here has been washed out but you can pick your way up the creek and past the structures. After this area the remaining trail quickly peters out.

Although not the most scenic hike in the area, Kearney Gulch provides a good opportunity for a short workout with some interesting historical artifacts along the way.