FacilityFacilityRecreation.gov

Long Gulch Trailhead

Shawnee, Colorado · Park County · Facility

Long Gulch Trailhead provides access to a portion of the Colorado Trail (segment 4).

🧭 Get Directions
Advertisement
39.34743, -105.61911
Open in OpenStreetMap

About Long Gulch Trailhead

Long Gulch Trailhead provides access to a portion of the Colorado Trail (segment 4).

How to Get There

From Fairplay travel north on US Highway 285 to the town of Jefferson. Turn right onto County Road 56 and travel about 10 miles to the trailhead on your left.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

Plan Your Visit to Long Gulch Trailhead

Heading to Long Gulch Trailhead? 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 Long Gulch Trailhead?

No central reservation system listed for Long Gulch Trailhead. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/244918) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Long Gulch Trailhead?

From Fairplay travel north on US Highway 285 to the town of Jefferson. Turn right onto County Road 56 and travel about 10 miles to the trailhead on your left.

Guides & rankings

More on Colorado parks & hiking

View all posts →
Sunlit forest trail winding through tall conifersPhoto: Sergei Akulich
State Rankings

The 10 Longest Hiking Trails in Colorado, Ranked

Colorado's longest mapped hiking trails, ranked by distance with notes on what makes each route worth the commitment.

By The OutsideAtlas Team6 min
Sunlit forest trail winding through tall conifersPhoto: Sergei Akulich
State Rankings

Colorado's 10 Most Punishing Trails by Elevation Gain

Steep is hard. These are the ten Colorado trails with the most total elevation gain — quad-burners earned by hard climbing.

By The OutsideAtlas Team7 min
Alpine lake reflecting jagged mountain peaks at sunrisePhoto: Joshua Earle
State Rankings

The Best Beginner-Friendly Hikes in Colorado

Ten gentle, well-marked Colorado trails perfect for first-time hikers, families, or recovery days.

By The OutsideAtlas Team6 min
Alpine lake reflecting jagged mountain peaks at sunrisePhoto: Joshua Earle
State Rankings

The 10 Most Challenging Hikes in Colorado

Colorado's ten hardest hikes — expert difficulty, big mileage, or serious exposure. Reserved for experienced hikers.

By The OutsideAtlas Team8 min
Alpine lake reflecting jagged mountain peaks at sunrisePhoto: Joshua Earle
Parks & Travel

The Best National Parks & Recreation Areas in Colorado

Federal parks and recreation areas in Colorado ranked by what they actually offer hikers and campers, not just popularity.

By The OutsideAtlas Team6 min
Alpine lake reflecting jagged mountain peaks at sunrisePhoto: Joshua Earle
State Rankings

Best Waterfall Hikes in Colorado: 10 Trails to See Falls Up Close

Colorado's best hikes to named waterfalls — from short family-friendly viewpoints to all-day cascade chasing.

By The OutsideAtlas Team7 min