Lower Dadd Gulch (#988)

The trail follows a stream and an old stock trail up the gulch for about two miles before leaving the stream and passing through woods and meadows. A stock watering tank may be seen on the left just above the meadow. The upper portion of trail provides several panoramic vistas. The trail ends at Salt Cabin Road, a forest road that loops north off Crown Point Road (forest road #139). This is a multiple use trail and is a favorite of mountain bikers and horseback riders as well as hikers and backpackers. Lower Dadd Gulch trailhead accommodates approximately 15 vehicles.

You can find more information on the Poudre Wilderness Volunteers website. Download trail summary here.

At a Glance

Usage: Light
Restrictions: Trail Regulations: Motorized transportation is prohibited. Certified weed-free hay is required for stock.
Closest Towns: Rustic, Fort Collins
Water: During normal years, adequate 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 29 miles to the trailhead parking lot on the left.

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking

Day Hiking

This trail winds up a gulch to the southwest 3.6 miles along an old jeep track and stock trail before intersecting the old Salt Cabin Park Road. In the spring and summer, a small spring-fed stream meanders through the gulch. Spring wildflowers are abundant along the stream. The Dadd Gulch Trail is also a popular biking and horseback riding trail. Lower Dadd Gulch trailhead accommodates approximately 15 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: Moderate

Backpacking

Lower Dadd Gulch trailhead accommodates approximately 15 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: Moderate

Horse Riding

Lower Dadd Gulch trailhead accommodates approximately 15 vehicles.
Size Restrictions no
Corrals no
Loading Ramp no
Hitching Rails no
Difficulty Level: Moderate

Know Before You Go

Related Information

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Related Links

Campgrounds At-A-Glance

Location

 
  Area/Length : 
3.5 miles one-way

  Latitude : 
40.698544

  Longitude : 
-105.540961

  Elevation : 
Beginning Elevation: 7,040' - Peak Elevation: 8,470'