Five Mile Gulch

Five Mile Gulch is a large drainage containing mature stands of Cottonwood and Locust; trees seldom seen in the foothills. The trail provides a great connection between Watchman Trail and Orchard Gulch. From the parking lot on Rocky Canyon Road, the trail climbs gently through large stands of trees and has many stream crossings. There is an old toll booth about half way up the drainage when this route was used to get to Idaho City. At the junction with the Watchman Trail you'll go right and climb steeply. This trail is best used to access Watchman Trail to make a loop with Three Bears. After a steep climb, you'll come to a junction with Orchard Gulch. From here the trail climbs steeply to the ridge and across an open hillside.