McCullough Gulch Trail #43

White River National Forest

Available for hiking, and mountain biking the 1.27 mile McCullough Gulch Trail is located on the north side of Quandary Peak (elevation 14,265'). From the trailhead McCullough Gulch Trail travels along an old mining road through the McCullough Gulch drainage. About 0.67 miles from the trailhead, bear left to continue along the trail. After traveling through lodgepole pine, McCullough Gulch Trail reaches a clearing which contains a large boulder field.

Photo by Thomas Wortman

Follow the rock cairns marking the trail through the boulder field and cross the bridge. White Falls can be heard after crossing the bridge. About 0.31 miles above White Falls a glacial lake is reached which offers a great view of the McCullough Gulch drainage.

To reach Crystal Lakes Trail from I-70, take exit 203 Frisco/Breckenridge and travel south along Highway 9. Continue along Highway 9 through Breckenridge and travel about 7.36 miles past the last traffic light in Breckenridge at Boreas Pass Road. Pass through the town of Blue River and turn right onto Blue Lakes Road (FR 850). Turn right onto McCullough Gulch Road (FR 851) about 0.1 mile from Highway 9. At the fork in the road (about 1.67 miles), stay left. Continue along McCullough Gulch Road to the gate and parking.