Colorado · Hiking

Yates Gulch

8.7 mi
round trip
2,490 ft
climb
10,697 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Aug
best months

Is Yates Gulch open right now?

Alert in the area

The Forest Service lists 6 alerts for White River National Forest.

As of · Source: USFS · White River National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Yates Gulch is a long, steep out-and-back hike in the Eagle Ranger District of Colorado's White River National Forest, managed by the Forest Service. The trail rises from a low point of about 8,000 feet to a high of roughly 10,700 feet, with an elevation gain of about 2,500 feet over a route of roughly 8.7 miles. The climb is rated expert, and the trail is natural-surface, so expect to go slowly on foot, on horseback or by bike. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show July highs around 73°F with lows near 39°F, and September is milder at about 62°F. That station sits about 960 feet lower than the high point, so expect cooler temperatures up top. The trip is open year-round, and the surrounding area offers plenty to pair with it. Sundell and Miller Gulch are both within about 2 miles, Gypsum Creek is about 3 miles away for paddling, and Little Maud Campground is about 9 miles off.

Go with a guide

  • Best time to go · Jun–Aug

    Best time to visit Yates Gulch

    Best months: June–August. 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

      31° / 3°

      8 wet

    2. Feb

      33° / 3°

      8 wet

    3. Mar

      39° / 9°

      8 wet

    4. Apr

      44° / 18°

      8 wet

    5. May

      55° / 27°

      9 wet

    6. Jun

      68° / 34°

      9 wet

    7. Jul

      73° / 39°

      12 wet

    8. Aug

      70° / 38°

      12 wet

    9. Sep

      62° / 31°

      8 wet

    10. Oct

      51° / 23°

      6 wet

    11. Nov

      39° / 14°

      7 wet

    12. Dec

      31° / 6°

      7 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Sugarloaf Rsvr, CO, 32.4 mi away at 9,738 ft. The station sits about 1,000 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.