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Chihuahua Gulch

Length: 6.5 miles round trip
Highlights:  frozen lake at base of Grizzly Peak
Difficulty Rating: Intermediate
A great scenic view of Chihuahua Gulch

Directions: Directions: Head East from Dillon on U.S. 6 and pass Keystone Lodge. Turn right on to Montezuma Rd. then left at the fork and continue for just over 4 and one half miles to Peru Creek Rd. on your left. Turn left onto Peru Creek Rd. and continue for about 2 miles on this rough (it  usually can be done w/o four wheel drive) road to the Chihuahua 4WD road on your left. Park along the road and start your hike at the 4WD road.

 

 

 

 Below: A scenic lake at the top
of the gulch.

This 6 and a half mile roundtrip hike is characterized by awesome 360 degree views  and a trek to a lake, frozen for most of the year, at the base of 13,427' Grizzly Peak. Beginning on a 4WD road this hike features a climb of varying intensity that culminates in a steep scramble up a grass and talus slope to the lake at 12,200' which is located directly west (left) of the trail as you reach the end of the gulch.
 
Views of 14'ers Gray and Torreys to the East make the walk through the beautiful meadows especially rewarding. Since there are several stream crossings and some marshy terrain you might want to save this hike for the dry season.

Above: The hike stretches along a clear path through the gulch.


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  Fall is an especially great time to enjoy this invigorating adventure as the splendor of the Aspens in the lower section of the trail will demonstrate.

 


Ascending the steep finale to
the lake above

 

  
A copy of National Geographics Trails Illustrated Topo map of "Idaho Springs, Georgetown, Loveland Pass" will prove especially useful here.

 

    

 

  
  beginner intermediate advanced
    Black Powder Pass   Mohawk Lake   Quandary Peak  14,265'
    Lily Pad   Chihuahua Gulch   Lincoln & Bross 14,291' / 14,177'
    St. John's   Mt. Royal   Bierstadt Peak 14,060'
    Mayflower Gulch   Wheeler Lakes   Willow & Salmon Lakes
    Loveland Pass   Radical Hill Trail   Upper Crystal Lake
    Salt Lick Trail   McCullough Gulch   Gray's & Torrey's 14,278' / 14,267'
    Mesa Cortina Trail   Mt. Sniktau   Mt. Democrat 14,152'
    St. Mary's Glacier   North Ten Mile Trail   Mt. Victoria
    Sally Barber Mine   Willow Falls  

Mt. Elbert  14,433'
    Oro Grande Trail   Eaglesmere Lakes   Buffalo Mountain  12,777'
    Meadow Creek-Salt Lick   Mosquito Pass   Eccles Pass
    Shrine Mountain Trail   Webster Pass   NEW! - Mt. Huron  14,003'
    Ptarmigan Trail        
    Peaks Tr. Barton Gulch        
    NEW! - Hoosier Pass Loop        

 

    

 

  
 

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Note: The Summit County Explorer website is for entertainment purposes only. SCE will not be held liable for the any accidents or injuries resulting from the activities listed on this site. Trail conditions change daily and we assume no responsibility for the safety of any individual during any of these activities. Please consult actual trail guides and maps before attempting any of the activities mentioned here.