About JACKS GULCH
Overview Jacks Gulch Recreation Area is located 48 miles northwest of Fort Collins, in northern Colorado. Visitors enjoy the area for its great hiking, biking and horseback riding opportunities.Recreation Popular activities include hiking, biking, horseback riding, birding and viewing wildlife. A nature trail circles the entire area of Jacks Gulch, with one section providing stunning views of the Mummy Range.Facilities The campground offers an accessible group site with electric hookups, and five equestrian campsites without hookups. Additional single-family campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The group site accommodates up to 60 people, several cars and up to nine RVs with hookups. Ten 14-by-17 tent pads are scattered throughout the site. A picnic shelter is provided. Two central cooking and picnic areas are on-site, each with four picnic tables, a charcoal grill and campfire ring. The two equestrian sites have four horse stalls each. Picnic tables, campfire rings and tent pads are provided. Each site can accommodate a horse trailer. Vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided. Firewood, dead and down, may be gathered in the forest or purchased from the host.Natural Features The campground is situated in a ponderosa pine forest, dotted with aspens. Grassy meadows are scattered throughout the area. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (530) 529-0578.Charges & Cancellations Modifications for this campground must be made through Recreation.gov or by calling the call center at 1-877-444-6777 PRIOR to your reservation start date. Customers and contact center agents cannot modify reservations on or after the check-in date.
How to Get There
From Fort Collins, take Highway 14 northwest for 42 miles, then County Road 63 E (Pingree Park Road) south for 6 miles.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 14 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
- 🌡
Layers for swings
Daily temp range is wide (43°F low → 66°F high). Pack layers.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 8)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to JACKS GULCH
Heading to JACKS GULCH? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for JACKS GULCH?
No central reservation system listed for JACKS GULCH. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233833) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to JACKS GULCH?
From Fort Collins, take Highway 14 northwest for 42 miles, then County Road 63 E (Pingree Park Road) south for 6 miles.
How do I contact JACKS GULCH?
You can reach the park at phone: 970-295-6700.
References & Official Resources
