Near Cunningham Gulch Trail #502
Interesting photo ops adorn the trails throughout the Weminuche Wilderness.
Near Cunningham Gulch Trail #502
A variety of wildflowers blanket the grassy hills of the Continental Divide.
Near Cunningham Gulch Trail #502
This is the meeting point of the Continental Divide Trail and the Colorado Trail.
Near Cunningham Gulch Trail #502
Climbing up to the Colorado Trail
Near Cunningham Gulch Trail #502
Awe inspiring views constantly surround you, even at the parking area!

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Cunningham Gulch Trail #502

3.5 (2 Ratings)
A backcountry hotspot of the rugged Weminuche Wilderness, and one of the quickest options at reaching the CDT.
1.8
mi
Distance
1,404
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
Commonly BackpackedFall ColorsLakeRiver/CreekSpringViewsWaterfallWildflowersWildlife
Access Issues
Camping is permitted, but as per Weminuche Wilderness regulations, camping and disposal of human waste is not permitted within 100 feet of the streams or lakes. Pets must be under voice control or leash.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
1.82mi
Distance
1,404ft
Elevation Gain
31ft
Elevation Loss
40%
Max Grade
12,165ft
High Point
10,783ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
Leaving the trailhead behind, the first half mile of the route rises through 700 feet of stunted high-alpine growth as the trail clambers towards treeline. Meeting with the Highland Mary Lakes connector, one last switchback brings you into the final patch of trees before a rolling tundra unveils unhindered mountain views off to the west, including Mount Rhonda, Kendall Peak and Little Giant Peak. From here, the trail never again drops below treeline, and at about 1.5 miles from the trailhead, the Cunningham Gulch trail ends at its intersection with the Continental Divide/Colorado trail.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Highland Mary Lakes

Hike Route

Highland Mary Lakes

Lake
moderate
2.42 mi
+1,373 ft
Cunningham Gulch - CDT Loop

Hike Route

Cunningham Gulch - CDT Loop

Views
strenuous
14.8 mi
+4,866 ft
Spencer Basin - Highland Mary Loop

Hike Route

Spencer Basin - Highland Mary Loop

Lake
strenuous
11.59 mi
+3,322 ft
Trinity and Silex Lake Route

Classic Hike Route

Trinity and Silex Lake Route

Lake
strenuous
33.43 mi
+10,458 ft
Highland Mary Lakes Loop

Classic Hike Route

Highland Mary Lakes Loop

Birding
strenuous
7.48 mi
+2,081 ft
Continental Divide Trail: Colorado Section 10

Hike Route

Continental Divide Trail: Colorado Section 10

Lake
extreme
15.89 mi
+3,484 ft
Contributors
Caroline Cordsen