Peekaboo Gulch  
Maps:            
USGS 7.5' Map: Independence Pass
Statistics:
Difficulty: Number: Miles: Altitude: Obstacles: Time:
Easy 2 FR393 2.00 10,960 to 11,880 ft. NA 1-2 hours
County: Chaffee
Adopted by:      
Managed by: Pike/San Isabel National Forest, Leadville District 810 Front Street, Leadville, CO 80461 (719)486-0749
Summary: Peekaboo Gulch 4WD road leaves the South Fork Lake Creek (FR391) road and follows the gulch between Red Mountain and Middle Mountain. The road ends at an old mine adit.
Attractions: Scenic views
Seasonal
Closure:		 Natural - Closed by heavy snows.
Best Time: June - May still have snow at the end
July - Best
August - Best
September - Best
October - Watch for early snowstorms
Trail Heads
Accessed:		  
Camping: There are no dispersed campsites along the Peekaboo Gulch road.
Base Camp: This would be a good area to base camp and explore the other roads in the area, or to hike the trails into the Wilderness.
Fall Colors: Good - There are aspen groves along the gulches in this area.
Navigation: From Leadville, CO. head south on Harrison Ave toward East 8th Street. Continue onto Silver Drive for 0.3 miles. Continue onto US-24 E/Front Street. Continue to follow US-24 E for 14.3 miles. Turn right onto CO-82 W and go 14.5 miles. Turn left onto 82C / FR391 at the parking area and go 0.9 miles. Continue onto FR391 for 3.5 miles. Turn right onto Peekaboo Gulch road, FR393.

From Buena Vista, CO. head north on US-24 W toward W Sterling Ave and go 19.1 miles. Turn left onto CO-82 W and go 14.5 miles. Turn left onto 82C / FR391 at the parking area and go 0.9 miles. Continue onto FR391 for 3.5 miles. Turn right onto Peekaboo Gulch road, FR393.

From Aspen, CO head east on W Main Street toward S Garmisch Street and go 0.5 miles. Continue onto S Original Street and go 0.1 miles. Turn left onto CO-82 E/E Cooper Ave and continue to follow CO-82 E for 28.4 miles crossing over Independence Pass. Turn right onto 82C / FR391 at the parking area and go 0.9 miles. Continue onto FR391 for 3.5 miles. Turn right onto Peekaboo Gulch road, FR393.
History:  
Description:
The Peekaboo Gulch 4WD road follows a short gulch off of the South Fork Lake Creek 4WD road. Just before a private cabin you will turn right off the South Fork Lake Creek road and head up to two switchbacks.

Peekaboo Gulch

photo by:
Adam M

Beyond the swtichbacks, as you climb up the gulch you will pass a waterfall below the road. The road is an easy two track that runs along the side of the gulch above the creek.

Peekaboo Gulch waterfall

photo by:
Adam M

Past the waterfall the gulch narrows some with Garfield Peak (13,780 ft.) and Red Mountain, with its vibrant eroding soils, on the west, and Middle Mountain (13,100 ft.) on the east.

Peekaboo Gulch

photo by:
Adam M

Peekaboo Gulch, Red Mountain

photo by:
Adam M

The road will continue to the head of the gulch passing by two cabin frames before ending at an abandoned mine adit. There is limited parking, nor room to trun around here. About three to four vehicles can fit on the small tailings from the mine adit.

Peekaboo Gulch from the end

photo by:
Adam M

Peekaboo Gulch mine

photo by:
Adam M

Data updated - November 7, 2018     4WD Road driven - September 4, 2018     Copyright 4X4Explore.com - 2000-2018