The Trail: Quick Stats

Distance: From staging at Eureka Townsite to top of California Gulch is 8 miles. 16 miles out and back.

Time to ride: If on an ATV/UTV, allow 2 hours for stop-offs and photos. If on a dirtbike, allow 1-2 hours with photo stops.

Elevation Gain: From the official start of California Gulch trail near Animas Forks to the top there is an approximate elevation gain of 1,530 feet.

Sites/Views: Bagley Mill, Animas Forks Ghost Town, Lake Como, The Columbus Mine and Mill, Mountain Queen Mine, wildflowers, waterfalls, scenic mountain views, creeks.

Best Time to Ride: Late June through early October.

Are you looking for a fun trail that a rider of any skill level can complete? I would recommend California Gulch Trail. It's a relatively short trail at only 8 miles from the staging area to the top, so you don't need to worry about running out of gas! There is an elevation gain of 1,530 feet from the official start of the trail at Animas Forks to the top of California Gulch. My favorite part of California Gulch trail was the fantastic scenery, the ghost town of Animas Forks, and the abandoned mines along the route. Read on for more information on the mines, the ghost town and more details about the ride!

The Trail: Staging

Staging/Camping: We camped in the old Eureka Townsite for a small fee of $10 (6350 Co Rd 2, Silverton, CO 81433). You can stage on the left side of the road for free and there is plenty of room for your camper/UTV trailer on most weekends. Directions from Silverton, Colorado - Head southeast on W 12th St toward Greene St (92 ft.). Turn left at the 1st cross street onto Greene St (0.6 miles). Turn left onto State Hwy 110 (6.4 miles). Slight left onto Co Rd 10 (3.7 miles). Turn right onto Co Rd 19 (3.1 miles). Continue onto Co Rd 9 (1.1 miles). Turn left (0.4 miles). Turn right onto Co Rd 2. Destination will be on the left after 3.3 miles.

The $10 for camping is not too shabby considering all of the great riding and views that are a stone’s throw away. Eureka was a mining town in the late 1800s and early 1900s. You can probably guess where the name Eureka came from… The Gold Prince Mill from Animas Forks was deconstructed in the 1870s and moved to Eureka. It became known as the Sunnyside Mill. The Sunnyside Mill was closed in 1939 and you can still see the foundation of the main mill building. They mined and processed both silver and gold.

The Trail: Riding

California Gulch is a gem. Riding this on a dirtbike is incredibly easy for a rider of any skill level. It’s a fast out-and-back trail that offers scenic views of mountains and old mines. Additionally, the trails are clearly marked. Depending on the trail book you refer to, you may start at either the Eureka Townsite or on the edge of Animas Forks. For this trail description, we will be starting at the Eureka Townsite. I have compared GPS coordinates from multiple trail books and our own experience to bring you accurate directions. I will link the trail and guide books I own and reference below.

1. Starting at the staging area (Waypoint 1 - N37° 52.85’ W107° 33.98’), head north on County Road 2 for 2.8 miles. You will come to a 3-way junction.

2. Continue straight at this junction. If you go left, you will end up on Picayne and Placer Gulches (a fun intermediate trail). If you turn right, you will end up on Burns Gulch (an intermediate trail). You will continue to mile 3.5 (Waypoint 2 - N37° 55.60’ W107° 33.79’). You will reach another junction at mile 3.5.

3. At this junction stay to the left. If you go right, you will end up on CR 2 and taken to Mineral Creek (moderate), Engineer Pass (easy), and Cinnamon Pass (easy). Continue straight until you reach Animas Forks on your left. This is at mile 4.1.

4. Continue staying left and proceed towards Columbus Mill (mile 4.2).

5. You will notice a small road merges on the right at mile 4.5.

6. At mile 4.8, you will pass Bagley Mill on your right-hand side. This is a great place to stop and take some photos.

7. At 5.4 miles, continue straight. If you turn left you will end up on Placer Gulch. (Waypoint 3 - N37° 55.06’ W107° 35.40’)

8. At mile 7.4, begin climbing up the shelf road. It is a little steep and can be slippery in the spring. You will find a lot of snow along the edges of the road if you ride before July.

9. At mile 8.1, you’ve made it to the top! (Waypoint 4 - N37° 55.06’ W107° 37.05’). Keep on riding to see Lake Como.

10. (Waypoint 5 - N37° 55.22’ W107° 37.19’) This is the official end to the California Gulch trail. You can continue on to either the Poughkeepsie Gulch Trail (difficult) by turning right or you can fo left to connect with Hurricane Pass trails - Prospect Gulch and Corkscrew Gulch.

Is there another trail that you think is awesome? Let me know about it!