State Park
Pickle Gulch
Arapaho National Forest · Idaho Springs, CO
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State parks set their own rules and reservation systems. Fire bans, road closures, and operating dates change seasonally — check the state park website before traveling.
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Managed by State Park
Reserve or permit
- Reserve on Recreation.gov
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- Address:Idaho Springs, CO
About
Overview
Pickle Gulch is a group picnic and camping facility located just off the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway/Highway 119. Visitors enjoy the area for its scenic and off-road driving, and nearby hiking and fishing opportunities.
Recreation
Many hiking and biking trails are found nearby. Scenic driving is available along Highways 119 and 72, which is also known as the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway. Numerous creeks, rivers and lakes in the area provide fishing opportunities. Off-road enthusiasts will find many jeep roads in the vicinity.
Facilities
Pickle Gulch is an area that offers day-use picnic sites and six campsites to accommodate large groups. The picnic site can accommodate up to 150 people and is equipped with picnic tables and campfire circles. A parking area, vault toilets and a playground are provided.
The group campsites are all walk-to sites for tent camping only. The on-site host has wheelbarrows available for campers, to haul equipment from the parking area. Each campsite is equipped with picnic tables, a campfire circle and tent pads. Vault toilets and drinking water spigots are shared between sites.
A separate day-use area contains two volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, picnic tables and a vault toilet.
Firewood may be gathered from the surrounding forest, if available, or purchased from the host.
Natural Features
The site offers many scenic views of the surrounding area. It is set among a fairly level forest of lodgepole pine trees, dotted with aspens.
Due to the mountain pine beetle infestation and removal of hazardous trees, there may be little to no shade at these sites.
Nearby Attractions
The historic mining town of Central City is nearby. The town hosts various popular events, including Lou Bunch Day and the Central City Opera and Jazz festivals.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park is a short drive from the campground. This scenic park offers more than 35 miles of hiking trails. Mountain biking and horseback riding are also allowed on some trails. Every stream and pond within the park is open to fishing.
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Amenities
Flush Toilets
Potable Water
Picnic Tables
Fire Rings
Trash Service
Pet Policy
Pets allowed on leash
Campground Rules
- Campfires generally permitted — verify current fire restrictions before lighting
In this park
Trails at Arapaho National Forest
Within ~30 miles
Trails near Pickle Gulch
Trail
Pickle Gulch OHV Trail
Colorado
5.6 mi1,824 ftgain
Difficult
Trail
Blackhawk Peak Trail
Colorado
4.1 mi1,407 ftgain
Difficult
Trail
Dakota Hill SE OHV Trail
Colorado
10.5 mi2,080 ftgain
Difficult
Trail
Kingston Peak, Alice, Fall River Road, and Mount Saxon OHV Loop
Colorado
59.9 mi10,082 ftgain
Expert
Trail
Yankee Hill OHV Road
Colorado
9.5 mi2,657 ftgain
Difficult
Trail
Peak-to-Peak Scenic Byway
Colorado
60.3 mi9,360 ftgain
Expert
Hunt context
Hunting unit around this campground
During hunting seasons, wear blaze orange and check regulations — see the Colorado hunting page
Nearby Campgrounds
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