Moon & Gamble Gulches

Total Miles
7.2

Elevation

3,238.98 ft

Duration

3 Hours

Technical Rating

5

Moderate

Best Time

Summer, Fall

Trail Overview

This is a secluded trail that loops over to Dakota Hill. There is a quick, easy side trip to a old shaft house that's in great condition. It can be confusing to navigate the unmarked roads, so you'll want to follow directions carefully. Unlicensed vehicles will have a great time on this trail, and parking is available along Moon Gulch and at the south end of the trail. Open all year.

Photos of Moon & Gamble Gulches

Moon & Gamble Gulches
Moon & Gamble Gulches

Difficulty

Moderate. First half of trail is very narrow between tight trees. Expect some brush marks. Balance of trail is narrow, rocky and slow-going. Optional road going downhill after shaft house is very narrow and steep.

History

The shaft house is presumed to have provided ore to the 1880s boom town of Perigo, just down the hill along Gamble Gulch Road. Perigo had an active post office between 1897 and 1905. For the most part, nothing is left of the town today. The owner of the property allegedly dynamited most of the structures to reduce property taxes. Dense trees now cover the site. Source (in part): 'Ghost Towns Colorado Style,' by Kenneth Jessen.

Technical Rating

5

Status Reports

Ryan Lechner
Jul 07, 2024
2020 Chevrolet Silverado
Open
Dusty
Rough/Deteriorated
Logan S
Jun 22, 2024
2022 Ford Bronco
Open
Dusty
Only did the eastern half of trail from Apex Rd up to the end. Trail conditions were fine in this portion of the trail. There is some water near a concrete pad thing that is deeper than it looks. You don’t have to drive through it but if you do be aware it’s very muddy and probably 2’ deep
Chad C
Jun 19, 2024
4x4
Open
Normal
A bit rocky and throughout, but the trail was open. Near the northern most part of the trail there is a big mud pit with a 1 to 2 foot climb or fall that is unavoidable. My 2 door jk with 35s had no trouble with it, but other vehicles would definitely be in trouble. See the earlier post from this year.
John H
Jun 15, 2024
4x4
Obstructed
The first 90 percent of the trail is fine. At the circle (and GPS coordinates) shown, there is a very deep washout and mud pit. It's the 2ft stratigjt drop into mud that's the issue. No way my Bronco would make it. Be prepared to turn around.

Access Description

Head west from Highway 119 on Moon Gulch Road, located 0.4 mile south of Rollinsville. Stay right at 0.6 mile and continue another 2.4 miles to fork where F.S. 289 goes right. We selected this point as start of trail. To start trail from Waypoint 03, see directions for Apex Road, Trail #40.

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