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Colorado Gulch Road
Details (3/28/2024)
Status: Partial
Difficulty: Intermediate
Uses: Mt Biking & Hiking & Equestrian & Motorcycle & eBikes
Length: 4.15 miles
Start: 5,272'
End: 5,420'
Min: 5,258'
Max: 6,278'
Gain: 1,255'
Loss: -1,106'
Elevation Profile
// track pieces: 1084, // elevation pieces: 1084
Trailhead Forecast (3/28/2024)
Description / Access Information
Colorado Gulch Road: The only access is from Croy Canyon Road side. The access off of Broadford Rd. is not available due to bridge failure. The road is steep in areas and mostly used by hikers, dog walkers, and runners. Parts are shady, and parts are out in the open. The road passes remains of past mining booms and other things from the past and present.

It is possible to make steep ascents of Della Mtn. by climbing the ridges that face the Big Wood River. The Snoose Mine, and several other mines, operated in the canyon through the mid 1940s.  Explore at your own risk! Hikers can make any number of loops including an off-trail traverse over Pk. 7158 with stunning views of the south valley.

Colorado Gulch West Road This is a short steep route to the saddle with a .5 mile steep upper-leg, capped by a 23% crux. Oh man, it gets steep at the top! Cross over and down Colorado Gulch past the abandoned Snoose Mine, or put on your hiking shoes and traverse the headwall over Peak. 7158 to the Star Gulch saddle.

South Valley Dirt Roads:
  Prior to the construction of the new trails in Croy Canyon, mountain bikers primarily pedaled up and down the local mining roads. These roads follow a pattern of starting on a gentle 5-6% grade, and then steepening rapidly into very challenging rides. Provided here is grade information for the lower leg (L), upper leg (U), and max pitch (M) of this road. Colorado Guylch Road - from the west approach off of Croy Canyon Road: (1.5 miles, 859 feet, L-11%, U-20%, M-23%)

As a comparison, the Galena Summit grade is 5%.  These mining roads provide longer and steeper climbs than offered by the new trails, and they often pass through interesting mining sites along the way..

For more detailed descriptions, topo maps, and information on the history, geology, and wildflowers of the Wood River Valley pick up a copy of 
Exploring Sun Valley online or find it at one of several local shops.