Skip to main content
Recreation Region: Canyon Lakes Ranger District

Young Gulch (#999)

In the spring of 1919, the city of Fort Collins developed a property known as Young's Gulch, building a road and planting trees with the aid of the Forest Service. Little evidence of the original road remains, but the trail that resulted is currently known as Young Gulch. The trail meanders up Young Gulch and Prairie Gulch, crossing the stream many times. The climb is very gradual and scenic with shrubs, juniper, ponderosa pine and Douglas fir along the hillside. After passing through a large meadow, the trail ascends for about another mile to end at the edge of private property overlooking the Stove Prairie Road. Please do not trespass. 

 

General Information

No motorized equipment. Camps and fires prohibited first 1.6 miles and within ¼ mile each side of trail. Respect private property. Certified weed-free hay is required for stock.

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 40.689226

Longitude: -105.35005

Elevation

Peak Elevation: 7,010'

Directions

Travel 11 miles northwest of Fort Collins on U.S. Highway 287 to Colorado Highway 14. Turn left on CO 14, and travel 13 miles up the Poudre Canyon. At mile marker 109, just past the Ansel Watrous Campground, look for a Young Gulch sign on the left and a short dirt road leading to the parking lot and trailhead.

Parking

Young Gulch trailhead accommodates approximately 12 vehicles.

Facility and Amenity Information

Water

Potable water is not available at this site.

Horse/Pack Animal Information

Horse/Pack animals are allowed at this site.

Certified weed-free hay is required for stock.

Recreation Opportunities

Last updated February 25th, 2025