State: Colorado
Location: Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests
Length, One-Way: 2.6 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Best Season: May to November
Difficulty: Moderate
Usage: Light
Trail Information
The Coulson Gulch Trail drops down Coulson Gulch for 1.8 miles, mostly at a moderate grade. The trail crosses back and forth across the dry streambed. At Higgins Park, it joins the Button Rock four-wheel drive road which comes in from the east. This road comes from Button Rock Reservoir and can be accessed by the public only for non-motorized travel.
Button Rock Road continues south along the creek another 1.0 miles until it joins North St. Vrain Creek. The road crosses the creek on a re-decked non-motorized bridge, where it turns into the Button Rock Trail. The old roadbed clings to the canyon walls as it follows the North St. Vrain Creek upstream for 1.4 miles, crossing another re-decked bridge, to the site of an abandoned reservoir and old propane tank.
The old road continues somewhat farther, but becomes increasingly difficult to follow. The North Sheep Mountain Trail starts up a side stream on the west side of North Sheep Mountain and climbs to FR 118. However it is not much used and is more of a navigation exercise than a trail.
If you find your way to the top, you can return to the Coulson Gulch Trailhead by turning right (east) and hiking for 2.5 miles on FR 118.
After snow begins to fall, it is common to see snowshoers and backcountry skiers along the Button Rock Trail.
Directions
From Lyons:
Take US 36 about 9 miles west of Lyons and turn on gravel County Road 118 to Big Elk Meadows. In about 5 miles the good road turns right to a subdivision. Continue straight (left) on the deteriorating road a short distance to the Coulson Gulch Trailhead.
