Rustler’s Gulch Hike

The Rustler’s Gulch Hike is a fantastic adventure near Crested Butte, Colorado that will lead you into the Elk Mountains for some beautiful views. While out hiking the trail, you will climb uphill alongside the banks of Rustler’s Gulch, taking in the views of the valley, as well as the rugged summits of Mount Bellview and Precarious Peak. The best times to plan this hike are the summer and autumn seasons, when you will be inundated with either beautiful wildflowers or the changing colors of the leaves.
Quick Navigation
Join our newsletter
Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers
Route Description for Rustler’s Gulch Hike
If you are after an intermediate length trail near Crested Butte that isn’t overly challenging or technical, then you will certainly want to explore the trails along the Rustler’s Gulch Hike. This fantastic route has stunning mountain views and a tranquil valley setting, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.
Setting out from the trailhead at the junction of Schofield Pass Road and Rustler’s Gulch Road, you will make your way to the northeast along Rustler’s Gulch Road and follow it uphill alongside the stream. Keeping right at the next junction, you will continue along the Rustler’s Gulch Trail as it heads north through a mixture of forests and meadows.
Along this portion of the walk, you will enjoy beautiful views of Mount Bellview to the west and Precarious Peak to the northeast, as you work your way through the valley by keeping tight to the banks of Rustler’s Gulch. Here, the trail will bend to the southeast and bring you closer to Precarious Peak, before arriving at the endpoint of the route. After a quick rest, simply turn back along the trail to make your back to the trailhead.
Getting to the Rustler’s Gulch Hike Trailhead
The trailhead for the Rustler’s Gulch Hike can be found at the junction between Schofield Pass Road and Rustler’s Gulch Road, just 4.3 km northwest of Gothic.
Route Information
Rustler’s Gulch Hike Elevation Graph
Weather Forecast
Check Area WeatherRustler’s Gulch Hike Reviews
Add a comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Nearby Trails
- Prospector Trail
- Halsey Basin Loop
- Trail 403
- Snodgrass Mountain Trail
- Crested Butte Upper and Lower Loop
- Schofield Pass to Crystal Mill Hike
- Crested Butte to Aspen via West Maroon Pass Hike
- Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall Trail
- Judd Falls Trail
- Gothic Mountain via Trail 403
- The Copper Creek Trail to Copper Lake
- Oh Be Joyful Trail