Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest
Coulson Gulch Trail #916

Coulson Gulch Trailhead to: (one way)

• Button Rock Road: 1.8 miles
• North St. Vrain Creek: 2.8 miles
• North Seep Mountain Trail: 4.2 miles
North Sheep Mountain Trailhead to:

• FDR 118: 2 miles

Elevations:

• Coulson Gulch Trailhead: 7,700'
• North St. Vrain Creek (Coulson Gulch): 6,800'
• North St. Vrain Creek (North Sheep Mountain): 7,080'
• FDR118 high point: 8,400'

Season of most use: May through November (open year round)

Use: Low

Rating: Easiest to more difficult

USGS Maps: Raymond quad

Trailhead Location: Take US Highway 36 approximately nine miles west of Lyons, and turn on gravel County Road 47 to Big Elk Meadows. After about five miles the good road turns right into a subdivision. Continue straight ahead (sort of left) on the deteriorating road for a short distance to the Coulson Gulch Trailhead.

Coulson Gulch Trail drops due south down Coulson Gulch for about 1.8 miles, mostly at a moderate grade, crossing back and forth across the dry streambed. At Higgins Park, it joins the Button Rock 4-wheel drive road, which comes in from the east. This road comes from Button Rock Reservoir and can be accessed by the public by non-motorized travel only. Button Rock Road continues south along the creek for one mile until it joins North St. Vrain Creek. The road crosses the creek on a recently re-decked non-motorized bridge, where it turns into the Button Rock Trail. The impressive 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 National Forest System Road (NFSR) 118. However, it is not used much and following it is more of a navigation exercise than following a trail. If you find your way to the top, you can return to Coulson Gulch Trailhead by turning right (east) 2.5 miles on NFSR 118. For even more of a challenge, try finding the North Sheep Mountain Cutoff Trail. It is almost invisible at both ends, though it can be followed fairly well for most of the middle part.

Dispersed camping is allowed along these trails, and many nice campsites can be found on the south side of the creek and along the trail. Camp at least 200 feet from the creek or trail. Check with the Boulder Ranger District regarding possible campfire restrictions.