Poplar Gulch Trail #1436
This trail travels north, from the historic townsite of St. Elmo, over a large ridge and drops into Green Timber Gulch and the South Cottonwood drainage. This trail is open to hiking, mountain biking, motorcyle riding and horseback riding.
Specific Trail Information
Trail Number
General Information
No
Getting There
Parking
Parking is limited to four to five vehicles at the trailhead.
Directions
From Nathrop, (halfway between Salida and Buena Vista) on Highway 285, turn onto County Road 162. Travel west on County Road 162 for 16 miles to the historic townsite of St. Elmo. As you drive through St. Elmo, watch for a road on the right that travels over a small wooden bridge. Turn right on this road, crossing the bridge, and then turn left and travel for 0.25 miles to the Tincup Pass access road (Forest Road 267). This road travels steeply uphill for 0.25 miles to a road on the right, which leads to the Poplar Gulch trailhead.
Additional Information
Operated By
Salida Ranger District
Recreation Opportunities
Day Hikes Info
This trail travels from the historic townsite of St. Elmo to the South Cottonwood drainage. The trail is 5 miles long and traverses a large ridge. The views from the ridge are breathtaking, and a camera is a must on this trail. Mountain goats can be seen in spots along the ridgeline.
Biking - Mountain Info
The Poplar Gulch Trail is challenging for beginners but is well worth the ride to the top. The trail traverses the ridge before dropping down along Green Timber Gulch and the South Cottonwood drainage.
OHV Trail RidingOHV Trail Riding Info
This trail is open to motorcycles and provides trail riders with one of the more challenging trails on the Salida Ranger District.
Portions of the trail are rocky with tight turns. This trail should be attempted by experience riders only!
- Difficulty level: intermediate to difficult
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing Info
The Poplar Gulch trail offers snowshoers and cross-country skiers an opportunity to view and experience one of the prettiest trails in the St. Elmo area.
- Difficulty level: intermediate