The Washington Gulch Road is usually passable by two-wheel drive vehicles for the first six miles. Although, when this road is wet it may become more difficult to navigate. The road starts relatively moderately gaining elevation, but begins to quickly gain elevation approximately six miles from Highway 135. The road follows Washington Gulch to the abandoned town of Elkton, which is considered the first settlement in the region. From Elkton Washington Gulch Road leads westward approximately two miles to intersect with the Slate River Road as it climbs Paradise Divide. This is a very scenic road. A good loop trip would be to combine this road and the Slate River Road.
Directions from Crested Butte: Travel north one and a half miles on Gothic Road to Washington Gulch Road.
Current Conditions & Trip Reports
Add your own trip Report!
Newly re-released feature. One of the most popular features on Wildernet, trip reports allow you to share your experiences with others.
This is an invaluable resource for determining what to expect on your outdoor adventure, so please participate! To prevent spamming, you must be a registered user of Wildernet in order to submit a trip report
No trip reports filed to date. Please be the first one to do so!
Recreation Opportunities
Activity
Remarks
On Site
Dispersed Camping
Washington Gulch Road
Yes
Cross-country Skiing
Washington Gulch Road
Yes
Automobile Travel
Washington Gulch Road
Yes
History
Elkton - abandoned mining community
Yes
Four-Wheel Driving
Washington Gulch Road
Yes
Hiking & Walking
Washington Gulch Trail
Yes
Horseback Riding
Washington Gulch Road
Yes
Mountain Biking
Washington Gulch Trail
Yes
Motorcycle Riding
Washington Gulch Road
Yes
ATV Riding
Washington Gulch Road
Yes
Backcountry Skiing
Washington Gulch Road
Yes
Snowmobiling
Washington Gulch Road
Yes
Snowshoeing
Washington Gulch Road
Yes
Viewing Scenery
Washington Gulch Road
Yes
Related Activities
Slate River Road #734 - This road follows Slate River and then continues to the White River National Forest.
Washington Gulch Trail - Washington Gulch Trail leads southeast from Gothic Road to Washington Gulch Road. This four and a half mile trail makes a short day hike if a car is available at each terminus.
Washington Gulch (winter) Trailhead - The Washington Gulch Winter Trailhead lies three and a half miles west of Highway 135 on Washington Gulch Road. This winter recreation site is used by many individuals pursuing many forms of winter recreation.
More Information
Visitor Information:
Gunnison National Forest, 216 North Colorado
, Gunnison, CO, 81230, Phone: 970-641-0471
Add your own trip Report!
