Poplar Gulch Trail

Name: Poplar Gulch Trail
Rating: 5.0

5.0 ( 2 )

Trail

12.6 mile 20.3 kilometer out and back
Intermediate/Difficult

Elevation

Ascent: 4,193' 1,278 m
Descent: -4,193' -1,278 m
High: 12,276' 3,742 m
Low: 10,108' 3,081 m

Grade

Avg Grade: 13% (7°)
Max Grade: 45% (24°)

Dogs

Off-leash

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Trail shared by Michael Robbert

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Current trail conditions

Minor Issues 12 days ago See History

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“A nice out and back hike from St. Elmo going over an unnamed pass with some gorgeous views.”

— Michael Robbert

GPX File

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers

Overview

This trail is 100% singletrack from the outskirts of the ghost town of St. Elmo. It travels over an unnamed pass with gorgeous views of the southern Collegiate Peaks and the Continental Divide.

Description

Located just outside the ghost town of St. Elmo, the Poplar Gulch Trail starts in the trees with a short flat section, then begins climbing with a few long switchbacks. You'll eventually make it to an open meadow where you can start to glimpse the pass.

When you get to the pass, take some time to soak it all in before descending the north side to Cottonwood Creek. There are some gorgeous views to be had from the top of the pass. The south side is very smooth terrain while the north side is also mostly smooth hiking, but has a couple of rocky sections.

If doing the entire Poplar Gulch Trail as an out and back, just remember to save enough energy for the return trip as you'll have to climb back up the pass before a final descent back to your starting point.