Lower Dadd Gulch

Directions: From U.S. Highway 287 take a left onto CO 14 for 29 miles. Parking lot and trailhead will be located on your left hand side. 

Description: Lower Dadd GulchTrail(#988) is 3.5 miles each way and ends at Salt Cabin Road. This is an out and back trail in Roosevelt National Forest and rated as easy to moderate. 

Use: Horses, Hiking, Dogs, Backpacking, and Biking.

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It was a sunny fall day and we had to get outside in the fresh air. I was hoping to see some of the fall colors and Lower Dadd Gulch was said to have some of the best. The great part about this hike is that it was fairly easy giving you the opportunity to spend more time looking at the colorful scenery than picking your way over a rocky trail. The other nice part is that its a beautiful drive an not too long for a day hike. We did have one surprise from the open range cows that we were unaware of. They were friendly but the dogs remained wary. 

The trail skirts a small stream for the first mile or two but as you gain elevation it opens up into a grassland with Aspen and pines dotting the scenery. Since I was hiking during the week I only encountered one set of hikers. The hike in is mostly uphill but not strenuous by any means. Obviously, the 3.5 miles back to your car is the easiest part. The dogs had a blast exploring and I enjoyed lunch in the meadows just below the forest road that ends the trail. The trail does continue on if you interested in a longer hike. It always amazes me how many forest roads intersect with the trails systems. This trail would be fun anytime of the year but I would especially recommend it for fall. 

Kathryn