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An exciting trail with diverse terrain.


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Map Key

23.9

Miles

38.4

KM

Point to Point

11,622' 3,542 m

High

8,432' 2,570 m

Low

3,702' 1,128 m

Up

4,837' 1,474 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

56%

Max Grade (29°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Views

Closed until the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend for Big Horn Sheep habitat.

Description

This trail provides hikers with some great, rugged hiking all the way from Taylor Park to the North Bank Campground along the Taylor River.

From the get-go, the trail climbs from ~9,500' to ~10,500' on tightly forested terrain. Watch your step, this section is very steep and will most likely be very rutted from moto traffic.

Once you've reached 10.5k', the trail generally contours through dense pine forest, then hits another brutal climb. This time around a peak just north of Matchless Mountain.

From here, the trail descends into intermittent tree-covered meadows, then rolls over USFS Rd 748B, passing Matchless along the way.

Continue due south through an epic meadow and continue contouring. From here, you'll begin a very steep descent into Ute Gulch, which leads you to an epicly steep climb, just south of South Matchless Peak. From here, the trail descends into the beautiful Doctor Park.

The trail then descends further and the initial rough section gives way to some much smoother trail that's surrounded by aspens. At the end of this portion, the trail tips upwards for the final time. The descent off this climb is the most difficult and technical portion of this trail. It's filled with tight switchbacks, loose sand, and big rock obstacles.

Eventually, the trail terminates at the North Bank Campground. Be sure to take a chilling dip in the Taylor River after your hike!

Contacts

Shared By:

Leslie Kehmeier

Trail Ratings

  3.0 from 1 vote

#30444

Overall
  3.0 from 1 vote
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Trail Rankings

#2,572

in Colorado

#30,444

Overall
2 Views Last Month
455 Since Aug 10, 2017
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Photos

Start of the Doctor Park descent.
Aug 10, 2017 near Crested…, CO

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