Crestwood Gulch Loop

Route Description for Crestwood Gulch Loop

The Crestwood Gulch Trail is a fantastic route for experienced hikers. This trail starts off easy but becomes seriously steep as you go on. Hikers should be prepared with proper, supportive footwear and hiking poles if they’d like the extra support. Dogs are permitted on this trail as long as they are kept on a leash at all times. Please keep in mind that this is a strenuous hike that may not be appropriate for all pups. However, the views from the Crestwood Gulch Loop are worth the hard work, and with low-traffic year-round, you might just be lucky enough to have those views all to yourself.

From Parley’s Crossing Trailhead, follow the Bonneville Shoreline Trail for three-quarters of a mile to a divide; here, you can take a right or a left as both trails reconnect shortly after. We suggest taking the trail on the right on your way up then taking the other path on the way down to switch things up. Continue along the path for 0.6 km, then take a left to begin your steep ascent. Stay left at the next divide to head up to the summit viewpoint.

Take a well-deserved rest at the top before heading down along the west ridge. Be sure to use extra caution on the descent as it is easy to slip and fall on the steep grade. Take a right at the first divide on the way down, and soon you’ll find yourself in familiar territory. Once you reconnect with the main trail, simply follow your footsteps back out to Parley’s Crossing Trailhead, where you began.