Herman Gulch Trail - CDT

Thirteen members of the Aurora High Country Hiker (HCH) group based at the Aurora Center for Active Adults were as enthusiastic as a bus load of school kids.  No, they were not going to the zoo or the water park.  They were headed for exit # 218 on I70, and the Herman Gulch trail head.

The morning air was still cool when the van pulled into the parking lot minutes before 9:00 a.m.  Everybody was familiar with the routine before a hike, i.e. make your pit stop, cinch into your day pack, adjust your poles, and move to the trail head marker for instructions from Ed.

In the open, views like this one are around every turn.

This is a popular hike in Summer because the trail head is literally a few yards from I70.  Trail begins on an old sawmill road, and immediately starts climbing from 10,400,' through thick stands of fir and aspen.

A steep up is behind us...many more ups are ahead.

The obnoxious sounds of belching 18-wheelers, diesel pickups spewing hideous fumes, and family campers blowing choking black smoke out their tail pipes - all of it replaced with the sound of water tumbling over rocks a few yards below trail.  I inhale deeper as I get farther from the trail head...a comforting thought.

What if every body had to walk everywhere they wanted to go?  The words of John Lennon seem appropriate here.  "...Imagine no possessions, I wonder if you can, no need for greed or hunger, a brotherhood of man, imagine all the people sharing all the world.  You, may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one, I hope some day you'll join us, And the world will live as one"

Every trail has an unforgettable feature, odd shaped tree, or unique looking rock.  This time, it was a web of tree roots that seemed to jump out.  A network of intertwined growth that is bound to slow a hikers pace.   

Roots or a scene from The Hobbit.

The forest is soon replaced with treeless landscapes and views of the Continental Divide ahead.  As we climb, Mount Bethel (12,705') is in plain view to our left, followed by two more mountains each topping over 12,000'.

Looking at 13,195' Pettingell Peak.

On our right, three more monster mountains including one named Woods (12,940'), with it's steep slopes and huge rock slides are intimidating as well.

Trail here continues parallel with runoff waters from the tarn high above.  Like many trails in Colorado, this one is for those who are deemed fit of body, mind and spirit.


Trail makes a loop right to a junction.  Here, the CDT (Continental Divide Trail) goes off to the right while we continue our climb of the last 150+' to Herman Lake.

Junction of CDT (R) and Herman Gulch Trail.

The lake, named after timber operator Herman Hassell,  is seated in a bowl at 12,000' below Pettingell Peak (13,553').  As mentioned, this is a popular hike.  One author calls it a "100 wildflower" trail because it is possible to see that many different flower species during peak bloom in late July.  We missed the color fest this time.

Herman Lake

If you are considering this hike,  know that it is "Moderate to Difficult," depending on the source.  Although most members of HCH are experienced trekkers, for some this hike was a challenge.  Note: We bid farewell to one of our members who will be relocating out of Colorado.  We wish her safe travel. 

Front seated (L - R) Dorothy Stromberg, Dorothy (last hike) Slater, and Kathy Tedrick; Standing (L to R) Nancy, Mary K., Lisse, and John; Back (L to R) Judy, Raheal (1st timer), Ed, Penny, and Gary1

Total Miles:  6.7

Total Elevation Gain:   1,700'