Lion Gulch Trail

There are eight homesteads in this area, which were built between 1889 and 1923. The Walker and Griffith Homesteads are just to the north of the Lion Gulch Trail (949). The Irvin and Brown homesteads are about 1.5 miles north of the 949 and 949.1 (Lion’s Paw) trail intersection. To reach the other four homesteads, Engert, Hill, Laycook and Boren, turn south at the trail junction and take the respective trails that will lead you to these homesteads.

At the trailhead, there is a double-sided information board about the history of Lion Gulch and Homestead Meadows.  Heavy use by horses, hikers, and bikers, as well as environmental damage from rains after the Big Elk Fire (which burned more than 4,400 acres of forest and meadows over 10 days in July 2002), and the flood of 2013 compromised the trail tread in many locations and destroyed all bridges along the trail. The trail re-opened in 2017.

Mileage & Elevation (One way mileage to the each homestead from the Lions Gulch Trailhead):

• Boren Homestead - 4.8 miles / 1,534 ft.
• Brown Homestead - 4.3 miles / 1,579 ft.
• Engert Homestead - 4.4 miles / 1,565 ft.
• Griffith Homestead - 3.3 miles / 1,295 ft.
• Hill Homestead - 4.8 miles / 1,697 ft.
• Irvin Homestead - 4.4 miles / 1,542 ft.
• Laycook Homestead - 4.3 miles / 1,409 ft.
• Walker Homestead - 2.9 miles / 1,186 ft.

Source(s):

• COTREX
• Poudre Wilderness Volunteers
• US Forest Service

• Suitable Activities: Biking, Hiking, Snowshoeing
• Snowshoeing Category: Intermediate
• Seasons: Year-round
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Length: 5.8 mi
• Elevation Gain: 1,200 ft
• High Point: 8,406 ft

• Land Manager: U.S. Forest Service
  Canyon Lakes Ranger District (ARNF)
• Parking Permit Required: USFS Permits & Passes
• Recommended Party Size: 8
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12