The last weekend in June we spent in Breckenridge. On our way 'out' we stopped at a trailhead that we had heard about from other folks. It was quite rainy, we were tight on time and my friend wore flipflops so we decided to drive up the road instead of hiking the trail.
McCullough Gulch Trail lies in the shadow of 14er Quandary Peak. You can take the car up the dirt road or you can "do the work" and take the trail. The trail climbs 1600 feet in 2 miles along a stream with several waterfalls and ends up at a tarn above treeline. The scenery is breathtaking.
Make sure you dress in layers, have enough water with you and lots of sunscreen. You'll need it all! At the upper lake reservoir we have seen some tents, so I simply assume that at the westend of the bottom lake you are permitted to camp.
The trail is located south of Breckenridge on the north side of Quandary Peak, elevation 14,265 feet. From the trailhead you will be hiking on an old mining road through the McCullough Gulch drainage. Although private property exists along this trail, hikers and mountain bikers are allowed access and are asked to stay on the trail. Eventually you turn onto a trail that leads you to a viewpoint of White Falls. You can continue up the trail to a beautiful alpine lake with a magnificent view of the entire McCullough Gulch drainage.
Directions: From I-70 take Exit 203, Frisco/Breckenridge, and travel south on Hwy 9 toward Breckenridge. Continue through Breckenridge and travel approximately 7.4 miles past the last traffic light in Breckenridge at Boreas Pass Road. You will pass through the town of Blue River on the way toward Blue Lakes Road (FDR 850) where you will turn right. Turn right onto McCullough Gulch Road (FDR 851) approximately 0.1 miles from HWY 9. At the fork in the road in approximately 1.7 miles, stay to the left. Follow McCullough Gulch Road to the gate where you will find the parking area. Please do not block the gate.
Originally Posted: http://www.tellyouaboutit.com/2013/07/mccullough-gulch-trail-to-upper-blue.html
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