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Herman Gulch Trail #98

Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.6 (59)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Central Rockies
  4. Georgetown
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“Quickly earn some amazing mountain views and slowly gain an alpine lake on this easy-to-access route ”

Tom Robson
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3.3

Miles

5.3

KM

Point to Point

11,989' 3,654 m

High

10,309' 3,142 m

Low

1,692' 516 m

Up

32' 10 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

25%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly If kids can make it all the way to Herman Lake, they'll love exploring the unobstructed lakeside.

Unless seasonal restrictions are in effect, campfires must be attended at all times and cold to the touch with the bare hand before being abandoned. Collection of dead and down wood is allowed; do not break branches from standing trees for firewood.

Description

Starting on an old sawmill road, this trail emerges out of the forested trees within a mile of traveling. From here onwards, the subalpine wildflowers add beauty to otherwise rocky terrain.

Towards the top of the trail, rock cairns (rock piles) lead the way to Herman Lake. This trail is a section of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.

Herman Lake provides the perfect setting for exploration. Enclosed by Pettingell Peak, the view across the lake is unobstructed and stunning. If you're feeling up to it, a quick scramble can allow for even better views across the valley. And if you're feeling particularly ambitious, Herman Lake can also offer an access point to the dual summits of the Citadel in an ascent that involves some more technical scrambling.

Flora & Fauna

Enjoy the wildflowers in Spring! You have a chance of seeing bighorn sheep and mountain goats, if you're lucky.

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Arapaho National Forests - Clear Creek Ranger District

Shared By:

Tom Robson
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 59 votes

#1

in Georgetown

#20

Overall
  4.6 from 59 votes
5 Star
66%
4 Star
29%
3 Star
5%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Georgetown

#3

in Colorado

#20

Overall
28 Views Last Month
19,051 Since Jul 1, 2015
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
0%
2%
40%
25%
33%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Fall color and snow dusting over Herman Gulch.
May 12, 2016 near Georgetown, CO
The Citadel
Jul 26, 2018 near Georgetown, CO
Pettingell Peak on the far right
Nov 8, 2017 near Georgetown, CO
The trail from Herman Lake towards the Citadel. Aim for the saddle in the center of the photo
Jul 26, 2018 near Georgetown, CO
On Herman Gulch Trail, cresting treeline, almost there!
Oct 23, 2016 near Georgetown, CO
Heading up Herman Gulch.
Oct 23, 2016 near Georgetown, CO

3 Comments

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 3 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Sep 22, 2025
Whitney Patz
Great hike- challenging due to grade changes, but beautiful and fun nonetheless 6.5mi
Aug 19, 2025
Cat C.
Great hike. Steep at the beginning and end but gorgeous views. 3.5mi — 3h 30m
Feb 26, 2024
Kaitlyn Erich
Sep 24, 2023
Dmitry S
Sep 9, 2023
Matt Culpepper
Return from The Citadel 3.3mi
Jun 24, 2023
Matt Culpepper
ASC-Level 1 trip from Herman Gulch TH to Pettingell Peak. (9.4/3375) 9.4mi — 10h 20m
Sep 3, 2022
Ari R.
Sep 3, 2022
Private User

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