California Gulch Trail is the second leg of a 3-trail excursion we have done twice several years apart. It begins at the end of the Corkscrew Gulch Trail at Lake Como. California Gulch Trail end at Animas Forks ghost town. From there, the Alpine Loop trail heads east on the north side of the loop to Lake City, and then back to Animas Forks and on to Ouray.
To take the galleries in order of our excursion, view them in the following order: Corkscrew Gulch, California Gulch, Animas Forks, and Alpine Loop (back to Animas Forks). In the first trip, we retraced our steps across California and Corkscrew. In the second, we headed south from Animas Forks to Silverton, then on to Ouray via Hiway 550 north.
Map of the Ouray-based trails.
Lake Como
Looking Back towards Hurricane Pass (upper left). Poughkeepsie Gulch Trail heads downhill to the right. California Gulch trail heads uphill in the lower left.
Lake Como from Cailfornia Pass
Similar photo as the one before, but taken 12 years later in September vs July. Interesting difference.
Crossroads
Our destination is Animas Forks, but the turnoff to Silverton is on the way. We came from Corkscrew Pass and then Hurricane Pass. The Poughkeepsie Gulch Trail is very “Difficult” and is not permitted for rental Jeeps.
Up to California Pass
Thanks to the yellow Jeep owner/renter. Provides good contrast . . . almost as good as our red rental.
Shelf Road to Californai Pass
In Perspective
Californai Pass
California Gulch Terrain
California Gulch Trail