Ilaria Reed

Everything you need to know 👇🏼🏔️

First 📌 save this post to refer back to when you’re planning, and follow for all the best Colorado hikes & adventures 🤘🏼

Finding this hike in search “Rustlers Gulch”

This trail is located just outside of Crested Butte and WOW, if you’re chasing wildflowers in July, this is the hike. The trail follows a crystal-clear creek and leads you through meadows that feel straight out of a storybook. Not to mention the most INSANE mountain backdrops I’ve ever seeeeen 😭

Trail stats:
🥾 ~9 miles out & back
📈 ~1,800 ft elevation gain
💪🏼 Rated moderate
🗓️ Best done late June- mid July for peak blooms, green mountains, and bustling creeks
💧 Creek crossings involved (your feet will get wet)

Things to note:
🛻 The road to the trailhead is a little rocky. AWD recommended, but I felt as though it wasn’t needed. You can park before the big river crossing and hike in, just adds a bit more mileage!

🌷 This trail is insanely gorgeous during peak wildflower season. You’ll see lupines, Indian paintbrush, Columbines, Alpine sunflowers, cow parsnip, and more. But please don’t pick or trample them!

🐶 Dogs are allowed on leash, but be mindful of wildlife in the area. We saw soooo many deer 🦌

🌞 Pretty exposed in some sections, bring sun protection and lots of water!

🚽 No bathroom at the trailhead, so plan accordingly.

Camping nearby:
⛺️ Lake Irwin (first come first served)
⛺️ Gothic Campground
⛺️ Dispersed spots off Gothic Road (must have a designated camp sign posted- check )

✨ BONUS, if you go early, you’ll get the dreamy morning light over the valley AND beat the heat (what we did) 🥵

Have questions that I didn’t answer in the video or caption? Drop them in the comments or DM me, I’m happy to help you plan! 💛

And as always, please leave no trace: stay on trail, pack out all trash, and keep this magical place beautiful for the next adventurer 🙌🏼



Rustlers Gulch Trail | Crested Butte Colorado | Wildflower Trails Colorado |