Herman Gulch Trail
An I-70 trailhead that climbs through wildflower meadows to Herman Lake beneath Pettingell Peak.
About Herman Gulch Trail
Herman Gulch Trail starts right off I-70 at exit 218, a few miles west of Bakerville in Clear Creek County, and climbs a broad valley in the Arapaho National Forest to Herman Lake at about 12,000 feet. Part of the route is a section of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.
The round trip is about 6.3 miles, gaining roughly 1,700 feet from a trailhead around 10,300 feet. The lower trail winds through aspen and conifer before opening into a long meadow that, in July, is one of the best wildflower walks along the I-70 corridor: columbine, bluebells and paintbrush cover the slopes.
The lake sits in a rocky bowl under the summit of Pettingell Peak, whose ridges dominate the view for much of the hike. Marmots and pikas live in the boulders around the shore.
This 11.6-km out-and-back near Silver Plume sees a genuine mix of hikers, trail runners, and cross-country skiers depending on the season, with a moderate climb that rewards you with an alpine lake at the top. Dogs are allowed off-leash in sections, which is rarer than you'd think this close to I-70 — the lake itself is small enough that a wide-angle lens gets the whole basin in one frame.
History
The trail begins on an old sawmill road, a reminder that this valley was worked long before it became a recreation destination. Today the gulch is a stretch of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.
Photographing Herman Gulch Trail
Best light: Mid to late July is peak wildflower season in the upper meadows. The gulch runs north from the interstate, so morning light comes in from the east across the meadows and onto Pettingell's south-facing ridges. Calm early mornings give the best chance of a reflection on Herman Lake.
Shots to look for
- Columbine and paintbrush in the upper meadow with the valley head and Pettingell Peak behind, using a wide lens low to the ground.
- Herman Lake from its outlet with boulders as a foreground and Pettingell Peak reflected in calm water.
- Pikas and marmots in the talus around the lake with a 100-400mm.
- The aspen sections of the lower trail in late September.
Photo tips
- The lot fills early on summer weekends; arrive at dawn or go midweek.
- Stay on the trail in the meadows; picking wildflowers is illegal.
- Afternoon storms are common above treeline in July and August.
- There are no restrooms on the trail itself; there's a vault toilet at the trailhead.
Know before you go
- Take I-70 exit 218, turn sharply onto Herman Gulch Road, and park in the dirt lot at the trailhead.
- Dogs must be under control at all times.
- The lake sits around 12,000 feet; altitude makes the last mile tougher than it looks.
- Parking is limited; don't park illegally along the frontage road.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Herman Gulch hike?
About 6.3 miles round trip to Herman Lake, with roughly 1,700 feet of elevation gain.
When are the wildflowers best at Herman Gulch?
Usually July, with mid to late July often the peak in the upper meadows.
Are dogs allowed on Herman Gulch Trail?
Yes, the Forest Service requires that dogs be kept under control at all times.
Featured in: Best Wildflower Hikes in Colorado
Combine it with
Watrous Gulch · Loveland Pass · Bakerville · Georgetown
More Colorado spots
Sources & further reading: fs.usda.gov · 5280.com. Conditions, fees and rules change; check with the managing agency before you go.