Chocolate Gulch Trail

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
2-3h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
8.5 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
265 m
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Be the first to add a review!
Directions to Trailhead
Chocolate Gulch Trail

The Chocolate Gulch Trail is a pleasant hike near Sun Valley that boasts the perfect opportunity to get outside into the fresh mountain air. Leading hikers through vast meadows, mixed forests, and alongside creeks and the Big Wood River, this scenic expedition does not disappoint.

Guide-book quality info for over 8,000 trails

View Chocolate Gulch Trail on Map

View Map

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers

Route Description for Chocolate Gulch Trail

The Chocolate Gulch Trail is a beautiful and versatile adventure in the Sawtooth National Forest that can be enjoyed year-round. Hike, bike, horseback ride, or snowshoe, no matter the season, this pleasant trail beckons your exploration. While the exposed terrain along the circuit offers great mountain views, it also warrants extreme conditions—check the forecast and dress accordingly! Additionally, it is important to be mindful of your footing on the rocky and rutted terrain, and after rainfall, it is worth noting that the path becomes unstable with mud.

Setting out from the trailhead, the Chocolate Gulch Trail travels westwardly into a forested valley bisected by a seasonal creek. After some climbing, the path will reroute you southwardly, gaining a ridge into the wildflower-cloaked meadowlands. Here you will be granted expansive views of the Boulder Mountains commanding the skyline before plunging down towards Fox Creek. At the intersection, take a left onto the Chocolate Gulch Trail- Fox Creek Loop, tracking east along the meandering creek.

When you reach the next junction, keep left, and the Chocolate Gulch Trail will guide you along the aspen and pine-bound banks of the Big Wood River. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the waterway, and you will eventually return to the trailhead, marking the end of your adventure.

Getting to the Chocolate Gulch Trail Trailhead

The Chocolate Gulch Trail is accessed from the trailhead off Chocolate Gulch Road.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground

    No

  • When to do

    Year-round

  • Pets allowed

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly

    Yes

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate

  • Route Type

    Circuit

Chocolate Gulch Trail Elevation Graph

Weather Forecast

Check Area Weather

Chocolate Gulch Trail Reviews

Add a comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Nearby Trails

Nearby Regions

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers

Tours

Routes

Blogs