McCullough Gulch Hike, a popular sought-after trail in Breckenridge CO, you don’t want to miss! A bit on the strenuous side of moderate but so worth the effort.
Nothing is lacking on this trek, it’s an alpine playground sitting alongside Quandary Peak. We found old miner’s cabins, a stunning waterfall, a gorgeous alpine lake, and log water crossings.
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BEGINS ON A DIRT ROAD
Today I’ve brought a group of girlfriends to show off this amazing trail and to show them they can do high-altitude hikes. McCullough Gulch trail gets the heart pumping but has numerous beautiful spots to stop and catch your breath.
From the parking area, the hike begins on a flat dirt road for a ½ mile before you find the actual trailhead sign. From here, the uphill ascent begins on a rocky yet wide path until crossing a footbridge.
OLD MINER’S CABIN
Not far past the bridge, we passed an old Miner’s cabin on our left which looks just like your in a Colorado postcard!
Check out my October trek to McCullough Gulch Trail and see this beautiful hike in the early snow.
Quandary Peak is towering above us as we continue to climb a rocky section of the trail.
The trail leveled off for a short time and become very shady as we hiked over log bridges through dense tall pines. Not long after, it’s hiking uphill once again.
WHITE PINE FALLS LOOP
Not to be missed, White Pine Falls Loop, a popular stopping point for many hikers.
White Pine Falls is impressive! One of Colorado’s best waterfalls. It flows calmly over the ridge then aggressively tumbles down the rocks far below. Flat rocks line the sides which is a popular spot to sit, hang out, snack, or if like us. Stop, Look, Take Pics, and keep on going ….
On to the first lake, Upper Blue Reservoir. It’s a scramble up a few rocks on steep terrain but doable.
It’s a short journey to the summit of Upper Blue Reservoir and can be confusing trying to figure out where the trail is closer to the top but easy to tell where the lake sits over the ridge.
UPPER BLUE RESERVOIR
It’s so worth the extra push to the Upper Blue! Surrounded by Quandary Peak, Fletcher Mountain & Atlantic Peak it’s a sight to behold.
NOTE: You can go to the 2nd lake. Starts at the far west side of the lake where you’ll begin a steep climb, following a twisty path that can be hard to navigate.
Hiking down is as beautiful as hiking up. The sweeping views as you go down are as exciting as when you anticipate the summit when hiking up.
NOTE: Be mindful of changing weather when above treeline in the open tundra where the upper lakes are. Best to head down below treeline quickly when the skies become ominous.
A trail you want to be prepared for with appropriate hiking gear. Please check out “Our Favorite Hiking Essentials” for a list of recommended items to carry anytime hiking.
On our hike down we went behind the Miner’s Cabin. I’d never ventured behind the cabin before. I was with friends though and peer pressure got the best of me! We followed other hikers and discovered this hidden gem. (photo above).
IMPORTANT UPDATE ON PARKING AS OF JULY 24, 2021 – MUST RESERVE OR SHUTTLE
Shuttles will run from the Quandary Peak trailhead to McCullough Gulch trailhead and back.
Hikers will need to reserve a parking spot at Quandary Peak trailhead (Make a reservation on ParkQuandary.com) or take the Quandary Peak Shuttle from Breckenridge (located at Airport Road parking lot) to the Quandary Peak lot in order to catch the McCullough Gulch shuttle.
Reserved parking is in three-hour shifts beginning at 4 a.m. Parking spots cost $5 and are open only to McCullough Gulch hikers.
Violators will be ticketed or towed.
LOCATED
Approximately 7 miles south of Breckenridge on Hwy 9, turn right onto Blue Lakes Reservoir Rd. (#850). Make an immediate right into the parking area for Quandary Peak Trailhead.
TIDBITS
2.7 miles out and back from trailhead + a half mile trek to the Trailhead making it 3.7 miles.
Rated: moderate, consider it’s an uphill trek with lots of rocks and steep areas at high altitude.
Start Elevation: 11,100 ft. Elevation gain: 1,578 ft.
2 portable restrooms at the overflow parking lot for Quandary Peak
Dog friendly
Popular for snowshoeing: Contact Dillon Park Ranger District for Trail conditions.
Nearest town: Breckenridge, CO
MORE HIKES!
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This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase anything through one of our links you will be supporting our small business at no extra cost to you.
How pretty! Looking at the stats and, whoa, start elevation is 11,000 feet! Someday I’ll get over to CO to hike more (I’m in AZ right now). Looks like I’ll be needing to acclimate, lol.
Thanks for sharing. Saving this for my hike to-dos.
~Allison