McCullough Gulch Trail

On paper, all 13 seats on the bus were filled.  When we pulled out of the parking lot, however, only 8 High Country Hikers, including the driver, would enjoy the experience of this hike.  August can be a hectic month...school starts soon; vacations are changed, extended, cancelled; unexpected friends/family show up from out of town; plus the normal ramped-up number of activities this time of year in Colorado, can play havoc with the family calendar.


Luisa and Penny make their way beyond the trailhead.

Those who did make the trip were seasoned hikers.  Most on board had hiked this gulch before.  The last time was September, 2011.  One web page touts this hike as 'The one' to do.  In fact, considering all the trails available to hikers in  Summit County, this is the one you don't want to miss. 


Stop to relax pounding hearts and rehydrate.

We rolled out of Eisenhower Tunnel, and down the western slope of White River National Forest.  For me, the tunnel is where a transition is made.  The fast pace of the city is left behind when we enter, replaced with a more relaxed mindset when we come out the other side.

After we are beyond Silverthorne and Frisco, it would be a short distance to Breckenridge.  Although massive road construction on CO. Rt.9 reduced traffic to one lane in both directions entering town, once in Breck, one forgets anything negative that may have happened previously.  Why?   Because there is only one Breckinridge.  Despite the huge appeal to tourists, it's still a small mountain town.  It's friendly.  Plus lots of beautiful people clamor to the shops and streets in town.


Standing on a log bridge, Luisa enjoys the beauty of McCullough Gulch.

Gold was discovered nearby in 1859.  Base camp for miners was located on the site where the town is today.  The town is a tourist mecca, all year long.  What you may not know is there are 350 historic structures in Breckinridge.  It may be the reason you visit this historic town. 


Luisa crosses the boulder field.

A few miles outside of town we turned off Rt. 9, on Blue Lakes Drive.  Then a quick right on McCullough Gulch Road.  The road also serves as access to the TH for Quandry Peak Trail.  Parked vehicles line the road for a quarter mile.  Would Ed find a spot?  He always does.  We would soon learn many who arrived in those vehicles had chosen McCullough Gulch as their challenge.


Looking back down the gulch to the trail head.

Minutes after our packs were cinched firmly in place, we were at the TH.  Trail immediately begins it's ascent from 11,105' el. as it follows a mining road for the first .5 mile before branching off to singletrack. Trail snakes through spruce, lodge pole pine, and aspen groves, before it crosses a small boulder field.

Peaks are massive in the area including Crystal Peak (13,852'), Pacific Peak (13,950'), Father Dyer Peak (13,615'), and Mt. Helen (13,164'), all to the north.  At 14,265' Quandry Peak is one of the most popular 14ers in Colorado.  Based on the line of vehicles at the TH, today was no exception.


The return trip is always quicker but just as scenic.

McCullough Gulch Trail challenges a hiker with every conceivable hurdle.  Ones stable footing is constantly being challenged on this trail.  Partially exposed and loose rock is always playing with ones brain.  A number of places it requires hikers to maneuver over car to house-size boulders.  Knarly wet tree roots stare out from beneath towering lodge pole pines. 

A soothing element of this climb involves runoff from Upper Blue Reservoir at 11,750'.  White Falls can be seen from trail as we climb.  Plus we cross the runoff waters on log bridges a number of times during the day.


Penny maneuvers through another set of rock steps.

Man-made and natural steps add to the challenge of this climb.  Areas of mud are limited but one must still find a way to sidestep those areas without disrupting the fragile surrounding vegetation. 

 Tree line is one of those mysterious things in the backcountry.  It is easily defined from a distance.  When you are about to cross over into that barren landscape, there are times I find it difficult to realize that I am actually above tree line.  Many times there is no definitive break from tall dense trees to Alpine Tundra.

The final approach to our destination at 11,915' el., is no easier than the start of this climb.  Trail actually fades away as it crosses patches of solid granite.  If it were not for some muddy boot prints, it would be easy to veer off to some unknown area.

Then nestled at the base of Quandry Peak is the reservoir.  The air here is made cooler caused by stiff winds that don't have any means of stopping.  It causes some in the group, the writer included, to don an added outer layer for protection for the return to the TH.

Front, Kneeling: Photographer/Author, Gary Alleman.  Standing (L to R): Jonelle Bidwell, Luisa Sandoval, Penny Giese, Leader/Driver, Ed Blum, Gary Merical, Joe Jackson, and Albert Barrientos 

Total Miles Completed = 5.6

Next Week:  Square Top Lakes.  This 5-mile, O & B hike begins at the Mt. Bierstadt TH and climbs about 800' on the South Park Trail.  Remember to wear comfortable boots and pack rain gear, lunch, and water.

Mark Your Calendar:  The High Country Hikers group annual Gathering, is planned for Saturday, November 15th., from 11 to 3 p.m. at ACAA.  Check back on this blog for details.