San Isabel National Forest
Poplar Gulch Trail #1436

Because of several steep and rocky sections, this 6 mile trail in the Sawatch Mountains is rated as difficult (especially for motorcycles, but ATV's are not allowed). This trail sees most traffic in the summer and early fall.

Elevations:

• Trail beginning: 10,080'
• High Point: 10,570'
• Trail ending: 10,270'

Access: The southern trailhead is at the end of County Road 267A. CR 267A turns off of the Tincup Pass Road (County Road 267) about 1/4 mile past St. Elmo. To get to the northern trailhead take the Cottonwood Pass Road (CR 306) west from the stop light in downtown Buena Vista. Go about 7 miles to the junction with CR 344. Go 6 miles southwest on CR 344, past Cottonwood Lake and the campground. The trailhead is on the left near South Cottonwood Creek (there's a small bridge right there across the stream).

Notes: This trail crosses a ridge between the Chalk Creek drainage and the Cottonwood Creek drainage in the heart of the Sawatch Mountains, with Mt. Princeton (14,197') to the east and the Continental Divide to the west.

USGS Maps: St. Elmo, Mount Yale