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A steady climb along a stream that lead from woods and meadows to incredible views of the Never Summers above treeline.


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Map Key

6.6

Miles

10.6

KM

87%

Runnable

11,256' 3,431 m

High

8,845' 2,696 m

Low

2,415' 736 m

Up

30' 9 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

48%

Max Grade (25°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Commonly Backpacked · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Runner Notes

A few rocky and muddy sections, but otherwise the footing is mostly easy and the climb is not too grueling although it is long. Plenty of water along the way to filter if needed.

Description

This trail departs from the Bowen/Baker Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park. Runners will cross the Colorado River valley on a wide dirt path. Keep an eye open for moose and elk in the grassy meadows of the valley. Once you get to the forest, you'll come to a Y with the Bowen Gulch Trail #119 splitting to the left and the Baker Gulch Trail continuing to the right.

The first part of the trail is a gentle ascent thought mostly pine forests. There is some evidence of pine beetle kill here, and you'll run through a section where there are many young pines. Shortly after you start, you'll cross into the Never Summer Wilderness.

From here, the trail climbs along a stream with several creek crossings (most have log bridges) over small side streams that run down from the northern slopes to join the main stream. You'll skirt several meadows where you have a nice view up the gulch, and you can start to catch a glimpse of where you are headed.

Just shy of 4 miles, the trail crosses the Grand Ditch Trail which is more of a dirt road that is used to access a man-made water canal. Head left on the road and keep an eye open for the log to cross the canal and pick up the Baker Gulch Trail again.

Shortly after this, the trail comes to an unmarked junction with the Baker Pass Trail #29.1. Here the trail branches north, climbing steadily up to Baker Pass and a second junction with the Baker Pass Trail #29.1 and the South Fork Trail #1138.

Flora & Fauna

Wildflowers such as columbines, indian paintbrush, delphinium, and many others in season. Moose, elk, deer, bears.

Contacts

Shared By:

Kristen McGlynn

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 1 vote

#9

in West Side

#15279

Overall
  4.0 from 1 vote
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Trail Rankings

#9

in West Side

#1,341

in Colorado

#15,279

Overall
10 Views Last Month
785 Since Aug 7, 2018
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

View of the mountains across the forest from the trail.
Jul 28, 2020 near Grand Lake, CO
View from Baker Pass to the west.
Aug 2, 2016 near Grand Lake, CO
The view back down towards Baker's Gulch.
Jul 31, 2022 near Grand Lake, CO
The beginning road of the trail!
Jul 28, 2020 near Grand Lake, CO

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