Pickle Gulch (Blackhawk)

4.7/5 (53 reviews)
Black Hawk, Colorado (Gilpin County)
Last Updated: 12/10/2022

Trail Information

Highlights

Technically Forest Service Road 718.1 is named Blackhawk but, because much of the lower part of the trail follows Pickle Gulch and because the Pickle Gulch Group Campground is right at the trailhead, it has been known in the Colorado 4-wheeling community as Pickle Gulch Trail for several decades. This 4x4 route delivers on much of the best of what Colorado's Front Range has to offer. Expect to experience smooth tree-shaded portions, open meadows, bumpy dirt roads, steep climbs, collapsed log cabins, weathered mining structures, and views of Rocky Mountain peaks. The top of Pickle Gulch connects to the extensive network of trails around Oregon Hill and Dakota Hill offering even more mining history, spectacular views and offroad adventure.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

4.7/5 (53)
Impassable
Visited: 05/21/2023

We attempted Pickle Gulch yesterday but did not get very far once we hit the Snowden Mine intersection. We plowed maybe about 100 yards west on Stewart Gulch through the snow but hit a drift that was up to the hood. Then tried going up Dakota Hill but again hit snow drifts that were up to the bumper.
Official Crew
102000
Impassable
Visited: 12/10/2022

Crazy ice right from the beginning of the trail.
Official Crew
40150
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 08/06/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

We had a really fun time on Pickle Gulch today. I was in my stock TJ (Cherokee is down with bad control arm bushings) and Mike and his family were in his stock JLU Rubicon hybrid. There weather was near-perfect with partly cloudy skies and mild temperatures. The trail was clear and dry the entire way with no issues to report. The bypass at Waypoint 7 has been re-opened, whether legally or not, I don't know. After we finished the trail we headed further into the Dakota Hill network for more fun.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 07/03/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Wasn't on the plan, but was the most interesting driving of the day for us today.
600
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 06/18/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Surprisingly fun trail close to Denver! Fairly easy with just enough obstacles to make it interesting, beautiful views, and some fun suprises. Will definitely be back.

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