Gordon Gulch
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Description
Gordon Gulch offers a network of generally easy 4WD roads popular for dispersed camping and exploring, located near the Switzerland Trail and accessible from Highway 72, about five miles north of Nederland. The area provides several Forest Service roads to navigate, including FR226, FR228, and FR233, with numerous off-shoots. While most of the trail system is suitable for stock high-clearance 4x4s, conditions can vary with mud and snow, especially outside the main summer/fall season. An optional section, the eastern half of F.S. 228, was noted in 2017 for its difficult mud bogs and was slated for closure; its current status should be verified if you plan to explore it. Signage in the area has been reported as confusing in the past, so careful navigation using a map or GPS is advised. It's a great spot for a relatively quick off-road excursion, often completed in 1-2 hours, and serves as a good base for exploring the wider region.
Directions
Access Gordon Gulch from Colorado Highway 72. From Nederland: Drive west on West 2nd Street toward North Jefferson Street for about 0.3 miles. Continue onto Colorado Highway 72 West (Caribou Street) and follow it for approximately 4.8 miles. Turn right into the Gordon Gulch dispersed camping area onto Forest Road 226 (NFSR 226). This turnoff is about 1/2 mile north of milepost 37 on Highway 72. From Ward: Head north on Utica Street toward Modoc Street for 0.4 miles. Continue onto Nelson Street for about 400 feet. Turn left onto CO-72 East and drive for 6.7 miles. Turn left into the Gordon Gulch dispersed camping area onto Forest Road 226. Once on FR226, follow it northeast. The Gordon Gulch area consists of a network of interconnected Forest Roads including FR226, FR228, FR233, and FR314, with campsites and various spurs scattered along them. Explore these roads based on your map and desired route.
Difficulty
Most of the Gordon Gulch trail network is rated as easy, suitable for stock high-clearance 4x4 vehicles. You'll encounter dirt roads that can be bumpy and rutted in places. Depending on the season and recent weather, expect potential mud and snow, which can increase the challenge. An optional section, the eastern half of Forest Service Road 228, was known for deep muddy ruts and awkwardly positioned rocks, making it significantly more difficult and requiring aggressive high-clearance SUVs; however, this section was reportedly going to be closed (as of 2017), so its current accessibility and condition should be confirmed before attempting. Overall, the main routes are not overly technical.
Trail Uses
- Off-Road Vehicles
- 4x4 Vehicle
- All-Terrain Vehicle
- Motorcycle
- Hiking
- Mountain Biking
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