Near Madison Gulf Trail
Lower part of trail has beautifully carpeted trails.
Near Madison Gulf Trail
Stunning waterfall at the upper part of the Madison Gulf Trail
Near Madison Gulf Trail
Upper part of trail showing the upper (easier) part of one of the difficult rock ascents.

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Hike Trail

Madison Gulf Trail

4.0 (4 Ratings)
Enjoy a beautiful trail with two personalities.
4
mi
Distance
2,832
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
Fall ColorsWaterfall

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
3.98mi
Distance
2,832ft
Elevation Gain
694ft
Elevation Loss
50%
Max Grade
4,825ft
High Point
2,225ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
This is a really beautiful trail, but it has two personalities. The lower part is nice, gentle, and beautiful. However, above the Osgood Cut-off, the trail changes significantly. It is still beautiful, but towards the top, the trail is VERY poorly marked, overgrown, easy to miss, and sections of the upper part are EXTREMELY steep and difficult, requiring near-technical skills. Do not go on the upper part of this trail unless you are an extremely experienced hiker in great condition, and are not concerned about difficult rock ascents. It would be even more difficult to descend the upper part of this trail because of the few extremely difficult rock faces that probably require ropes. All that said, there is a really beautiful waterfall toward the top, but to get there, you'll need to make some tricky ascents.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Frank Murray