Hope Pass via Sheep Gulch Trail

Immerse yourself in the lush woodlands and let the fresh mountain air fill your lungs on the Hope Pass via Sheep Gulch Hike. Exhibiting the diversity and beauty of Colorado wilderness, you will be granted lovely mountain vistas, a babbling brook, and encompassing golden aspen groves. A great introductory ascent to condition before attempting a technical 14er ascent, this hike will get your heart rate up without over-exhaustion. When trekking in the winter or fall, we suggest microspikes and trekking poles to navigate likely icy and snow-packed terrain.

Embark on your adventure along the Hope Pass via Sheep Gulch Trail from the Sheep Gulch Trailhead. From here, track the Sheep Gulch/Hope Pass Trail north through an aspen grove. Enjoy the golden foliage that lines the path, and you will soon meet an intersection. Here, keep right and continue climbing along the gurgling alpine creek. Eventually, you will graduate from the timberline and the sights of the looming mountains will take your breath away. Follow the route north, navigating several sets of switchbacks before reaching the saddle.

From the saddle, you will be granted an up close and personal view of Quail Mountain in the east, and Mount Hope in the West. Revel in the sights of the impressive mountainous wilderness, and when you are ready, retrace your footing along the path back to the trailhead.