French Gulch Hike

You can't help but look up while traveling Colorado Rt. #9 going into the town of Breckenridge.  What you see are snow fields contrasted against the bare slopes around town.  It prepares you for what is ahead.  It's also a reminder of the winter of 2012-13, that lingered week after week...remember how it fought its way into the hiking season cancelling three straight hikes.

Ed makes a left turn off the main drag onto Wellington Road.  We pass through a sub-division, then take French Gulch Road (dirt) to the TH (10,300').

From there it's a jeep road for the next two plus miles.  We walk around two closed gates before entering the Pike/San Isabel National Forest.

Just beyond the TH, a faint road leads into the gulch to a point were the historic Sallie Barber Mine is located.  In 1860, French Pete discovered gold in the gulch.  Numerous area mines were rich in zinc and other minerals for decades in the late 1800's. 



Trail begins as a dirt and later gravel road then continues for about 1.25 mi. before it gains much elevation.  The area is dotted with upscale private cabins.  Most appear to be more than hunters cabins.  They are large and I would guess better furnished than some residences.

High Country Hikers begin their day in French Gulch.

Trail narrows as it continues up the gulch for another 1.5 mi., before crossing a stream.

We find water from higher elevation at a number of low spots on the road.  In fact, we would see or hear the water tumbling over rocks as it crashes down the gulch much of the day.

Trail soon becomes steeper as we gain elevation.  With the increase comes the added challenge of maneuvering through or around snowfields.  Today the snow would merely slow us down.  A number in the group of 13 post holed through them or simply skirted the snowfields all together on their way to French Pass (12,046'). 

Snow fields on trail.

As we continue to climb, the gulch opens exposing larger grassy meadows full of Meadow Anemone and Leafy Cinquefoil, most of which survive close to the water.

Elk skat is everywhere...in snowfields, on trail, beside the stream, but not an Elk to be seen today.

A curious ant checks out a Meadow Anemone (Buttercup family).

Although trail  crosses the stream, there is no bridge and rocks in the stream bed are covered with swift moving water.  Not a good choice for stable footing.  Some hikers scout further upstream before crossing.  Others feel safe where they are and stake out a spot for lunch.

The fast-moving runoff water doesn't intimidate a few who cross and continue back on trail, up the gulch.

Hikers decide where to cross the stream.

Ahead and to the left is Mount Guyout (13,370').  Between it and French Pass (12,046'), the Continental Divide runs along the horizon.  The Divide begins in Cape Prince of Wales, Alaska and crosses the U.S. then continues into South America to the end of Patagonia and the tip of Tierra del Fuego.

As the energetic members of the group move up the gulch, I stop at a spot beside a large downed tree.  It will provide a barrier to block mountain breezes during lunch.

As I look up and down the gulch, wildflowers are in abundance in the area.  A job for my camera after lunch.

Higher in the gulch, wildflowers line the stream bed.

Before taking the first bite of a tuna salad sandwich, there was a faint cold feeling on my forearm.  Seconds later I hear something pelting the grass around me.  It's frozen rain.  A minute later, it was over.

French Gulch trail follows the stream.

After securing my pack by the downed tree, it was time to capture images.

The stream in French Gulch begins just below the pass.  It tumbles down the slope providing an environment where various wildflowers can thrive.

At almost 11,550' el., the pristine beauty of Mother Nature here is unmatched.  Trees rendered lifeless by pine beetles are overshadowed by the millions that have survived the deadly killers.

The mountains are vibrant, the stream provides ones mind a sense of rest.  The feeling of gratitude seems overwhelming, as I crouch among the wildflowers to capture their delicate tapestry of color and texture. 

As I sit at waters edge, snapping the shutter, it reminds me yet again why I enjoy the back country so much.  People ask, if I get tired of hiking.  In fact, it is the incentive to experience colorful scenery, exceptional landscapes, and do it with like-minded people.

No matter how many times I lace up by boots and cinch down my daypack, there is a certain magnetism that draws me back to places like French Gulch.

As I make my way back to where I crossed the stream, I see a spot where a rock on opposite sides of the stream will make it easy to hop across.

Once across, more opportunities for the camera lens.

Cabin and outhouse in French Gulch.

The gulch gives one a feeling of being much farther into the backcountry than a mere few miles. Consider that the world famous town of Breckenridge is close by.

Today, we visit Abbey's Coffee Shop, a favorite after hike stop in Frisco, before getting on the road to Aurora.

We welcome two first timers, Joe Jackson and Barb Johnson, to the High Country Hiker group.  We hope to see them both on trail again soon.        

Front: (L - R): Nancy Bralic, and Mary Kay Ryan.  Standing, front row (L - R): Al Akell, Joe Jackson, Luisa Sandoval, Kathy Tedrick, Barb Johnson, and Penny Gise.  Back row (L - R): Hike leader/driver, Ed Blum, John Tedrick, and Kathy Hall.  Raheal Kneebone was unavailable.  Photo by Gary Alleman, Happy Trails Photography, Aurora, Colorado.

Total miles = 7.8 (RT - to French Pass)

Total elevation gain =  1,746'