Young Gulch (#999)

A family of four enjoying their hike on the Youngs Gulch Trail.

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. Young Gulch trailhead accommodates approximately 12 vehicles.

At a Glance

Usage:	Heavy
Restrictions:	Trail Regulations: 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.
Closest Towns:	Fort Collins
Water:	Water can be filtered and treated from nearby water sources
Restroom:	Practice Leave No Trace principles.

General Information

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.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Mountain Biking

Day Hiking

Young Gulch trailhead accommodates approximately 12 vehicles.

Fire Information	Check for any seasonal fire restrictions before your hike. Campfires must be at least 100 feet from water and trails. You may collect dead and down wood; do not break branches from standing trees for firewood. Please attend to campfires at all times. Touch any remaining coals with the bare hand to insure campfire is cold and dead out. Remember, if it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave!
Difficulty Level:	Easy

Backpacking

Young Gulch trailhead accommodates approximately vehicles.

Fire Information	Check for any seasonal fire restrictions before your hike. Campfires must be at least 100 feet from water and trails. You may collect dead and down wood; do not break branches from standing trees for firewood. Please attend to campfires at all times. Touch any remaining coals with the bare hand to insure campfire is cold and dead out. Remember, if it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave!
Difficulty Level:	Easy