Trail Overview
Bear Gulch Road - 158 is a scenic, moderately challenging 2.45-mile mountain route ideal for four-wheel-drive vehicles, SxSs, and dirt bikes looking to explore the dense pine forests and scenic aspen groves of Colorado's high country. Starting at a high elevation of 10,412 feet near Jones Hill, the trail winds its way northward, descending 734 feet through picturesque terrain that offers excellent vantage points for photography. Along the route, travelers will find several dispersed camping areas, with a highly recommended site situated near the northern end just before the junction with Tumble Creek Road. With a technical rating of 4, the trail features moderate challenges that are suitable for high-clearance vehicles but still require driver attentiveness.
Navigating this route requires caution, as the northern slopes retain moisture and ice, making the steeper sections particularly slick during late autumn and winter. The trail runs alongside a gulch where washouts can occur, which are often obscured by snow cover during the colder months. At the northern end, drivers must navigate a water crossing at Tumble Creek that reaches depths of up to two feet during the peak spring runoff and freezes over completely in the winter. To protect local wildlife habitats, the road is subject to a seasonal closure from January 1 to June 1 each year. Staging and trailer parking are conveniently located just off US Highway 285 along Buffalo Peaks Road, providing easy access to the trailhead.
