Washington Gulch Trail #403

Washington Gulch Trail #403 begins just north of the Gothic Campground and climbs steeply for 0.8 miles through open meadows. As it turns south, the grade backs off and the singletrack cuts along the edge of the forest. Eventually you'll hear the the sounds of Rock Creek as the trail begins to parallel and then cross over it. The next 0.5 miles follows a steeper climb through the trees to reach the ridge above. Hikers will get a nice little reprieve before the singletrack surges up the ridgeline with a few switchbacks from which to enjoy the expansive views to nearby slopes. Once the climbing peaks, the trail soon turns again and begins a descent through pleasant meadows to end at a parking area on FSR #811 at just above 11,000 feet.