Bear Gulch
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| Maps: |
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| USGS 7.5' Map: |
Hardscrabble Mountain, Rockvale, Curley Peak |
| Statistics: |
| Difficulty: |
Number: |
Miles: |
Altitude: |
Obstacles: |
Time: |
| Easy 2 |
FR304 |
3.45 |
8,040 to 9,420 ft. |
NA |
1 hour |
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| County: |
Custer |
| Adopted by: |
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| Managed by: |
Pike and San Isabel National Forest,
San Carlos Ranger District |
3028 East Main Street
Canon City, CO 81212 |
(719)269-8500 |
| Summary: |
Bear Gulch is a short connection from County Rd 271 to the center of the Locke Mountain, FR274, 4WD road.
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| Attractions: |
None
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Seasonal
Closure: |
Agency - December 2 to April 30 |
| Best Time: |
June - Still could be snowed in
July - Best
August - Best
September - Best
October - Watch for early snows |
Trail Heads
Accessed: |
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| Camping: |
There are multiple dispersed campsites along the lower part of the road that runs along the creek |
| Base Camp: |
This would be a good area to base camp to explore the 4WD roads and Motorized Trails around the Locke Mountain and Adobe Peak area |
| Fall Colors: |
Very Good - There are many aspen groves along the lower section of Bear Gulch |
| Navigation: |
From Westcliffe, CO. head east on Main Street toward S 7th Street for 1.8 miles. Continue onto CO-96 E for 9.2 miles. Turn left onto County Rd 271 and go 1.5 miles. Turn left onto County Rd 265 and go 4.6 miles. Turn left onto County Rd 271 and go 1.1 miles. Turn right onto Forest Service Rd 304, the Bear Gulch road.
From Wetmore, CO, head west on CO-96 W toward County Rd 395 for 15.1 miles. Turn right onto County Rd 271 and go 1.5 miles. Turn left onto County Rd 265 and go 4.6 miles. Turn left onto County Rd 271 and go 1.1 miles. Turn right onto Forest Service Rd 304, the Bear Gulch road.
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| History: |
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| Description: |
From County Road 271 you will drive less than 3/4 of a mile to the forest service boundary. There is a gate here as you head up the gulch. The road will become more of a single lane as you drive along the creek. There are areas of heavy trees and some where you are in small open meadows. The road will swing more to the southest as you make your way past the halfway point.
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Road down by the creek
Photo by:
Adam M
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The gulch will be begin to narrow as you climb up along the southwest side. The forest will become a bit thicker here as well. At the head of the gulch you will turn back north and begin to climb up a ridge. The road will get rougher and steeper along this section. It will be more open as well. There are a few rough steps to climb up as you begin to level out and head to the north east. In less than a quarter mile you will connect with the Locke Mountain road, FR274.
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Data updated - April 21, 2016
4WD Road driven - September 8, 2015
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