Lion Gulch
Directions: The Lion Gulch trailhead located in Roosevelt National Forest about 13 miles from Lyons heading west on U.S. Highway 36(~30 min.) or about 7 miles east on 36 from Estes Park(~15 min.).
Description: Lion Gulch offers multiple options in regards to distance, it is an out and back trail. To reach the first meadows it is just over 3 miles, here you will see the Walker and Griffith Homesteads. The Laycock Homestead, Hill Homestead and Boren Homestead can be found by continuing south on trail #971 for an additional mile. The Irvin Homestead and sawmill can be found about a mile east of trail #971. Trail markers are located along the way to each Homestead and information boards can be found at all the Homesteads with background information.
Use: Horses, Dogs, Hiking, and Biking. No motorized vehicles.
This afternoon my two pups and I headed west on U.S. Highway 36 from Longmont to one of my favorite trail heads. Lion Gulch always excites me because it is unique to see so many artifacts from the past, persevered so that we can all enjoy the experience. There are a total of eight homesteads all established between 1889-1923 located within several miles of each other. It is here you gain a very good picture of what life was like for these homesteaders and how they adapted to survive. Many of the homes still remain to view including a sawmill and other outbuildings.
Irvin Homestead occupied by the family and then by hunters until the late 70's.
The hike begins in a decent to the Little Thompson River, the trail was destroyed in many parts by the floods in 2013. It has been a massive undertaking to repair the trail system and re-open it in 2017 for further use. The trail hovers near the river for the first several miles, multiple crossings with newly built bridges make it easy to maneuver. Considering it was November, there were many parts of the trail that had ice and snow, extra care had to be taken while traversing these areas. Just past three miles you will come to the first meadow where the first homesteads greet you(Walker and Griffith). Multiple informative signs dot the meadow and provide information regarding these settlers and how they came to inhabit the land as well as the land itself.
Continuing up the trail, you will hit forest roads(#971-1,#971-2, #971-3), these will take you further up the mountain. This trail can be found by veering right after the first Griffith cabin on trail #949.2. While you are close to a view Longs Peak, only small glimpses of the mountain are available from the higher points on the trail.The hike is still stunning with crisp green pines and spruces set against the meadow landscape. Continue right on trail #971-1 for another mile and you will come to the Irvin Homestead, abandoned now but with lots of stories to tell. There is a bath house with a cutting edge heating system which used water from the river and a broiler system to warm the water, making for a nice soak in the middle of this wild land.
Overall, the hike is enchanting and invigorating. The hike from the trailhead is moderately uphill making for a small workout. It is beautiful walking along the steam and through the trees, especially when it opens into the meadows. All the families that chose to inhabit these raw lands are inspiring and seeing a glimpse of their lives is such an opportunity. This is a great hike for those with kiddos, the first meadow(~3 miles) is perfect for lunch and exploration. The Walker and Griffith homesteads can be found here. For those looking for more, there are several additional trail systems that will take you to the remaining homesteads. The entire hike from the trail head to the Irvin Homestead which I visited, was just over 10 miles there and back. I loved every minute and was left with a feeling appreciation for all these settlers strove to accomplish. I hope you feel the same, travel on!
Kathryn