By:
Submission
Ten sites in this area have been designated. Summit County does not allow parking along McCullough Gulch Road (County Road 851). Visitors must drive off of the county road and toward the campsites before parking. Sites 2 and 8 are suitable for some trailers. Sites 7-10 are high clearance vehicle recommended. AT&T cell service is intermittent at sites 1-6.
Not only does this hike have a lovely waterfall about a mile and a half in, it offers a challenge that no one would turn their nose down at. 2.2 miles from the trailhead to the first Lake, you gained about 900 ft. If you go up to the second Lake hits three point four miles from the trailhead oh, and all told, we gained about 1,600 feet for our seven mile round trip. We saw families, people that were going to camp overnight, day hikers, and experienced hikers all alike on this Trail. Currently the wildflowers are spectacular!
If you are an experienced hiker - or at least someone who has done a few higher altitude hikes, then do this one. It’s definitely not easy. The altitude makes it more challenging if you are someone like me who lives at sea level. I was huffing and puffing quite a bit, but I took lots of breaks and adapted quickly. I suggest a walking stick or poles for stability. The tail becomes very rocky and in some places you may think there’s no trail at all. It’s not marked well. I hiked to the falls and then to the first lake. It can be a full day adventure depending on your abilities. On the way back down I spotted a young couple off in a wooded area who were lost. I got them back on track and stayed with them until they were safely back at their car. If you are on the more adventurous side, tackle this one.
In 2022 there is no parking. You have two choices, reserve shuttle from Breckenridge in advance or reserve Parking in advance at Quandary lot which includes shuttle to the McCullough drop off. It's an extra mile to the trailhead. The trail is rocky, steep and very scenic. July the waterfall was fabulous and the wildflowers. We made it to the lower lake . 4 hours including lunch at the lake.
Moderate to intense trail. We only went to the first lake due to intensity and time we needed to catch the van back. The trail becomes more difficult the further you go. The hike from where the shuttle drops you off to the fist lake and back was over 3 hours for us.
The altitude at the first lake is right around 12,000 ft so if be prepared for some breaks if not accustomed to the altitude. Bring lots of water and maybe some snacks to keep your energy level up.
There is an old mining camp house about a third of the way up. It’s right off of the main trail, about a 5 minute detour, that has some pretty waterfall views. Overall views were expansive and the pictures don’t do it justice.
This was the first hike I've done in Colorado. I went with some friends who were locals. And I certainly struggled on this hike when we got to 12000 feet because of the altitude. We ended up turning around because I was not doing well, so if you're not used to the altitude, don't expect to make it to the end 🤣. But all around such gorgeous views and very easly accused. We had some confusion on where we were allowed to park but aside from that all around great experience.
