4X4Explore.com - Miners Gulch

Miners Gulch

Maps:

USGS 7.5' Map:

Central City

Statistics:

Difficulty:	Number:	Miles:	Altitude:	Obstacles:	Time:
Moderate - 6	FR# 175.3C, 709	2.5	9,980 to 10,065 ft.	Rock - 2 Water - 1	2-3 hours

County:

Gilpin

Adopted by:

Managed by:

Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest,
Clear Creek Ranger District

101 Chicago Creek Road
P.O. Box 3307
Idaho Springs, CO 80452

303-567-3000

Summary:

Miners Gulch is a loop between Mosquito Gulch and Yankee Hill. It has a climb in the middle of the gulch in the trees that includes larger rocks and a large step.

Attractions:

Rocky hill climb. Mines.

Seasonal
Closure:

Natural - closed by heavy snows.

Best Time:

June - May still be drifted in the trees.
July - Mid to late.
August - Best time.
September - Best time.
October - Early snows may close the road.

Trail Heads
Accessed:

Camping:

There are a few dispersed sites at the head of Miners Gulch below Yankee Hill.

Base Camp:

This would be a good area to base camp with the large network of 4WD roads to explore in the area.

Fall Colors:

Poor. Miners Gulch runs through pine forests on a north facing slope.

Navigation:

North end start. From Black Hawk, CO head northwest on Colorado Hwy 119 for about 2 miles. Turn left onto CR 4-S, Apex Valley Road. Follow Apex Valley road for 3.8 miles. Turn left on 12 Mile Road/Mosquito Creek Road. Follow Mosquito Creek Road for 1.3 miles to a left turn that crosses the creek. This is the bottom of the Miners Gulch loop.

South end start (this way has lots of confusing side roads after getting through Central City). From Black Hawk, CO head southwest on Gregory Street for 0.6 miles. Gregory Stree turn slightly left and becomes Lawrence Street. After 0.5 miles continue on Eureka Street for 0.5 miles and turn right to stay on Eureka Street. After 0.3 miles continue onto CR 3/Upper Apex Road. After 0.4 miles take a slight left at Columbine Campground Road. After 2.6 miles turn right onto Pisgah Road. After 0.4 miles turn left onto Pisgah Lake Road. After 1.4 miles is a 4 way intersection. Forward (north) and left (northwest) are the two ends of the Miners Gulch Road loop.

History:

Description:

The most challenging way to run Miners Gulch is from the bottom near Mosquito Gulch to the top where it intersects with Yankee Hill 4WD road. After turning off of Mosquito Creek road and crossing the creek you will begin climbing up Miners Gulch. The road is narrow in heavy timber with very few pulloffs for passing vehicles. The road is very wet in the spring with the spring runoff. Within a mile you will come to a small opening where the road takes you over a large step. The approach allows different difficulties. The easiest line tips you toward the step so a good spotter will come in handy.

Once past the step the road continues climbing up Miners Gulch in the thick timber. Where the trees thin out a bit you will be climbing out of the gulch. This is where you will connect with the Yankee Hill 4WD road.