Near Rustler Gulch Out and Back
Hiking southeast; getting closer to the cirque.
Near Rustler Gulch Out and Back
Looking back down the valley.
Near Rustler Gulch Out and Back
Hiking north near the start of the trail.
Near Rustler Gulch Out and Back
On the Rustlers Gulch trail
Near Rustler Gulch Out and Back
Great trail for running!

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Driving Directions
Hike Route

Rustler Gulch Out and Back

5.0 (3 Ratings)
Unassuming hike with incredible views.
7.3
mi
Distance
1,515
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Views

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
7.27mi
Distance
1,515ft
Elevation Gain
1,515ft
Elevation Loss
35%
Max Grade
11,516ft
High Point
10,235ft
Low Point
Path Type
There and Back
Description
Definitely a 4WD trailhead. If you don't have a four-wheel-drive it adds several miles each way. Drive Gothic Rd to Rustler Gulch, if you have a 4WD rig, you can continue on. Very shortly there is a fairly deep river crossing, and the road is very rough in places after that until you get to the trailhead. The trail is pretty mellow in terms of elevation gain, it meanders through fields and forests, crossing streams and downed logs. Pretty quickly you are in a basin with awesome views of tall peaks around you. You continue hiking along, getting closer and closer to a really cool cirque that houses Precarious Peak and several other cool mountains. The trail offers exceptional views of these peaks for a good portion of the hike. The endpoint on this trail is right by a small creek and makes for a nice place to sit and enjoy your surroundings before turning around and heading back the way you came.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Ashley Peterson