Waterloo Gulch Trail, 540, stems from Texas Creek Trail, 416, in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. It begins approximately one and a quarter miles from the western border of the wilderness at Texas Creek Road. The trail begins at 10,000 feet and climbs steadily into Waterloo Gulch. There are two stream crossings in the first half mile then the trail parallels the stream for one mile to the next crossing. In a short distance the trail traverses the stream again then parallels it for the duration of the climb.The last crossing occurs at approximately 10,850 feet. The trail continues two more miles to the head of Waterloo Gulch. The northern terminus of the trail lies immediately below the Continental Divide. Across the Divide, west of Waterloo Gulch, is ice mountain and the Three Apostles. These mountains are part of the Sawatch Range, the highest in Colorado. You must have a four wheel drive vehicle to use Texas Creek Road. Travelers might experience difficulty following the trail due to lack of signs. The trail heads north from Texas Creek, following the creek to the upper end of Waterloo Gulch at small lake. This entire route is in the new Collegiate Peaks Wilderness.
Directions from Taylor River Road: Travel north of Cottonwood Pass Road approximately one and a half miles to Texas Creek Road, 755. Turn eastward and drive six miles on Texas Creek Road (four-wheel drive only) to the wilderness boundary. Hike one and a half miles into the wilderness on Texas Creek Trail, 416, to the junction with Waterloo Gulch Trail, 540.
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