Are dogs allowed on Washington Gulch Trail?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Washington Gulch Trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Washington Gulch Trail?

No, Washington Gulch Trail does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Washington Gulch Trail?

Washington Gulch Trail is rated difficult. It is 7.5 miles long with 2,461 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See Colorado trail conditions

DifficultOut and Back

Gunnison National Forest/Colorado

Washington Gulch Trail

Crested Butte, Colorado

7.5 mi

Distance

2,461 ft

Elev. Gain

3h 34m

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Difficult

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

This is a high elevation trail with amazing views of the peaks of the Ragged Wilderness. The trail ascends easily, passing by two wonderful viewpoints before arriving at the overlook vista of the Gothic Valley. The wildflowers are abundant here. The trail descends very steeply after this overlook. It is a popular mountain bike trail and can be slippery. This is what makes the trail difficult. There are great views of Gothic Mountain. The trail goes into the forest with limited views until mile 2.63. The trail opens again as it descends through the Gothic Valley.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:2,950 ft

Max:3,480 ft

750 ft

Trail Details

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

Managed by United States Forest Service

Verify before you go

Managing agency

United States Forest Service
Find offices, alerts, and current orders for this agency.

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Address:CO

Reviews

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Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.

Hunt context

This trail crosses hunting unit

CO Unit 55

During hunting seasons, wear blaze orange and check regulations — see the Colorado hunting page

Status unknown — verify before visiting

Washington Gulch Trail

About This Trail

Trail Conditions

Trail Conditions

Elevation Profile

Trail Details

Reviews

No reviews yet

This trail crosses hunting unit

Nearby Trails

Rustler's Gulch

401 Trail Loop from Copper Creek

The Copper Creek Trail to Copper Lake

403 and 401 Loop Trail

Gothic Mountain False Summit

Trail 401

Other trails in Gunnison National Forest

Rustler's Gulch

Brush Creek

The Copper Creek Trail to Copper Lake

Dark Canyon, Irwin and Dyke Trail Loop

Old Monarch Pass Loop

Upper Westside to Crested Butte

Campgrounds near this trail

Gunnison National Forest Gothic Campground

Gothic Canyon dispersed camping 1

Washington Gulch Dispersed 2

Paradise Divide Dispersed Camping

Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping

Musician's Camp

Similar trails in Colorado

Sky Pond Trail

Flattop Mountain Trail

Chasm Lake Trail

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Royal Arch Trail

Mount Bierstadt Trail