Five Mile Gulch

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Unknown

Five Mile Gulch is a large drainage containing mature stands of Cottonwood and Locust trees seldom seen in the foothills. The trail provides a great connection between Watchman Trail and Orchard Gulch.

From the parking lot on Rocky Canyon road, the trail climbs gently through large stands of tree and has numerable stream crossings. There is an old toll booth about half way up the drainage when this route was used to get to Idaho City. At the junction with the Watchman Trail you'll go right and climb steeply. The last section of the trail is climbable but better done as a downhill. This trail is best used to access Watchman Trail for a loop onto Three Bears.

After a steep climb you'll come to a junction with Orchard Gulch. From here the trail climbs steeply to the ridge one open hillside. The upper sections of this trail are best riden as a downhill while the lower section is fun in both directions.