Run Big Elk Meadows
Details
This Saturday we’re heading up to Big Elk Meadows for an adventure run.
ROUTE
We'll start from the Coulson Gulch trailhead and head down to the North St. Vrain Creek. We'll scramble along the creek for about a mile until the area below North Sheep Mt, where we will start our climb up to Johnny Park Rd, then we'll head back along the ridge to complete our 10.5 mile loop. Plan for around 3.5 hours and a little over 2k ft of gain.
WARNING: This is not a typical trail run. Consider this more of an "adventure run". If you are new to trail running or prefer more running in your trail runs, there will be better opportunities in the future.
In 2013, major parts of this trail were destroyed with the flood (including the bridges), and they have not been repaired. So we will be using the word "trail" loosely.
CARPOOL
We'll use the following 2 carpool options:
- Fourmile Canyon Creek Trailhead at 5th and Lee Hill Dr. in Boulder at 7:30am. From Broadway, head West on Lee Hill Dr. until you get to the trailhead. Note: You can turn left despite what Google Maps says.
- Moxie Bread Co in Lyons at 7:50am - 442 High Street, Lyons, CO – the corner of High St & 5th Street, Lyons, CO.
The Coulson Gulch trailhead (map) is on a side road on the way to Estes Park. If you’d prefer to meet us at the trailhead, here’s how you find it:
- Drive north on Hwy 36 towards Estes Park
- About half way between Lyons and Estes Park you will pass through Pinewood Springs
- Just north of Pinewood Springs, Hwy 36 has a big "S" curve
- Just past this "S" curve you will see CR 47 on your left
- Turn left/west on CR 47 and follow it for roughly 3 miles until you see a "Y" in the road
- Keep left at the "Y" and follow the dirt road to the end
- The road ends at the Big Elk Meadows Trailhead (aka Coulson Gulch Trailhead)
We should be at the trailhead around 8:15ish.
CONSIDERATIONS
Although dogs are allowed, make sure your dog is experienced at rock scrambling before bringing him/her.
I haven't been on the dirt road to get to the Coulson Gulch trailhead in a while, so I am not sure if a high clearance vehicle will be necessary. I suspect not, but if you are concerned, get their a little early. If you get stopped, flag one of us down and we can take you in to the trailhead.
In your RSVP, please indicate where you intend to meet us (FCT, Moxie, or Trailhead).
Scott Miller
(303) 885-9826
TrailAmbitions
Running Tips and Guidance: YouTube/@TrailAmbitions