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A technical, fun, and challenging grunt of a climb into the generally flowy Red Hill trails.


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Map Key

1.1

Miles

1.8

KM

Singletrack

6,795' 2,071 m

High

6,280' 1,914 m

Low

523' 159 m

Up

13' 4 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

18%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Need to Know

This is a challenge but easier than Blue Ribbon to climb into the network and the rest of the trails. Don't be fooled; it is still hard up or down.

Description

Perhaps not everyone will call this trail "fun" on the way up, but I find it to be challenging and... fun! A good number will walk sections of this trail.

This is tough climb, but it is generally easier up and down than some of the other trails in the network to get to the easier upper area

There's a main trailhead for the Red Hill trail system right on highway 82 where you'd park your car if you drove here, then it's a straightforward 0.3 mile climb up a smooth dirt road to the easy to spot trail kiosk with a map on the left side of the road.

Three Gulch starts in immediately from the kiosk, climbing steadily and at times steeply on a mix of red sandstone and red clay dirt. The trail is full of little rock moves and step-ups. It's all rideable by strong intermediates, and a nice place to work on your technical skills. But less experienced riders will find it frustrating.

Towards the top, you'll start climbing over volcanic rock, and you'll continue to be challenged. The final section of trail before it tops out is brutal - your heartrate will be high from the steepness, and you'll have to conquer a rock garden that leaves very little room for error. Only a few advanced riders will be able to clean this one from bottom to top, but many will have fun trying!

Contacts

Shared By:

Michael Ahnemann with improvements by Kristen Arendt

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 28 votes

#3

in Red Hill

#1821

Overall
  3.8 from 28 votes
5 Star
29%
4 Star
36%
3 Star
25%
2 Star
4%
1 Star
7%
Trail Rankings

#3

in Red Hill

#376

in Colorado

#1,821

Overall
1 Views Last Month
983 Since Sep 14, 2013
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
4%
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79%
17%

Photos

On of the many tricky step-ups on the Three Gulch Trail
Sep 15, 2013 near Carbondale, CO
The final crux of the Three Gulch Trail
Sep 15, 2013 near Carbondale, CO
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Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 1 day ago
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