Rustler's Gulch

Rustler's Gulch - The Low Down

Rustler’s Gulch is one of those hikes that is stunningly beautiful the whole way.

Experience an ever-changing perspective of the surrounding 360 degrees of lush green mountains as you weave through this magnificent gulch.

The Trailhead

The trailhead for Rustler’s Gulch is very close to the town of Crested Butte, just up Gothic Road.

If you have a low clearance vehicle, park along 317 (Gothic Road). There’s room for about 30 cars. Be alert for wildlife here. I saw two male moose one morning! There are also cows on the road.

If you have a high clearance vehicle, you can make it a little up 317C. There is a stream crossing so high clearance is a must. Just past the stream there is some space for parking. Cars that made it here included a Toyota Rav4 and a 4Runner.

If you have a high clearance 4WD vehicle and a skilled driver, continue up the road to the gate for the Rustler’s Gulch trail. There were some very deep dips and pot holes along this road so high-clearance and a skilled driver are a must. Cars that made it here included Jeep Wranglers and a crew of Toyotas (4Runner, Highlander, Land Cruiser).

Rustler's Gulch Map

Camping

Camping is only at designated Gothic Campground sites June 15 – August 15th. Campsites are $12 cash per night and first come first served.

There is overnight parking available on 317 by the junction for 317C.

Rustler's Gulch - The Hike

From 317, follow 317C up to the stream crossing. If the water at the stream crossing is high, go left and cross over the dam and logs. If it is low, go right and cross on the rocks.

Follow the road along past the parking area as it turns left up the hill.

When trail 401 splits off to the left, keep going straight. Watch for mountain bikers here.

The road is pretty steep for this next section.

When you reach the gate for the Rustler’s Gulch trailhead, go around it to the right and continue on Rustler Gulch trail behind it. You should see a sign for Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness Area.

Gate for the Rustler Gulch trailhead

Be alert for wildlife on this next section of trail.

I saw a few deer (oh dear!) and also came over a small hill crest where a momma moose and her baby were on the trail, too close for comfort.

I slowly backed away and headed toward the trailhead, but then saw the two moose run off to the willows down by the river and was able to continue on. I pushed ahead slowly, keeping my eye on them below. The momma didn’t take her eyes off me as I wrapped around that section of trail.

Cross over the river going straight. If the water level is higher, you can also take the side trail to the right and cross higher on the logs.

River crossing

Dani’s Drive Tip: I highly recommend waterproof shoes for this trail. There are lots of stream crossings and even with relatively low water levels, my feet were still partially submerged in many spots.

Cross this stream going straight too. On my way down, I also saw people crossing to the left but they looked like they were struggling.

cross straight here

Out of the forest, the trail wraps around the gulch. Continue along and soak in the views!

The end of the trail is officially at the river crossing, but feel free to venture further! Enjoy some time gazing down over the valley.

so lush!

On your way down, remember to watch for mountain bikers when trail 401 joins back up. They come in real hot here!

I saw zero people on the way up (6:30 am start on an August Saturday) and 60 people on the way down so I recommend starting early if you prefer less of a crowd.