Colorado · Hiking · Near Estes Park

Coulson Gulch

3.7 mi
round trip
1,554 ft
climb
7,659 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Jun, Sep
best months

Is Coulson Gulch open right now?

Alert in the area

The Forest Service lists 3 alerts for Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests.

As of · Source: USFS · Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Coulson Gulch is a 3.7-mile out-and-back hike in the Boulder Ranger District of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests in Colorado, managed by the Forest Service. The trail starts at the Coulson Gulch Trailhead, and the route rises from about 7,650 feet to a high point of 7,659 feet, with a total elevation gain of 1,554 feet over the round trip. The climb is steepest around mile 1.2, where the grade reaches about 26 percent. The trail is rated moderate and is open year-round. The trailhead parking is at the Coulson Gulch Trailhead, and the hike takes about two hours. The route is natural-surface and allows both horses and bikes. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Estes Park show July highs around 80°F with lows near 48°F, while winter highs stay in the mid-30s. The trail sits close to other outdoor options. The Crash'n mountain bike trail is about 0.6 miles away, and The Sanctuary climbing area is about 1.1 miles off. North Saint Vrain Creek, a paddling route, is about 2.7 miles away, and Meeker Park Overflow Campground is about 6.5 miles away.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Allenspark Dispersed Camping

    Campground

    Campground · 0.3 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Rock Creek Tavern and Pizzeria

    Restaurant

    Open after 6

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors · Photos: Matt Golon, CC BY-SA 3.0 (commons)

More in Estes Park

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · May–Jun, Sep

    Best time to visit Coulson Gulch

    Best months: May–June and September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      37° / 16°

      7 wet

    2. Feb

      38° / 16°

      8 wet

    3. Mar

      45° / 21°

      9 wet

    4. Apr

      52° / 26°

      10 wet

    5. May

      61° / 35°

      12 wet

    6. Jun

      74° / 43°

      10 wet

    7. Jul

      80° / 48°

      13 wet

    8. Aug

      78° / 46°

      13 wet

    9. Sep

      70° / 39°

      9 wet

    10. Oct

      57° / 30°

      7 wet

    11. Nov

      44° / 23°

      6 wet

    12. Dec

      36° / 16°

      7 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Estes Park 3 Sse, CO, 8.9 mi away at 7,812 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.