Poughkeepsie Gulch

The northern trailhead starts 2.5 miles into Mineral Creek at Waypoint 9. There are a few great camping spots right at the start of the trail. There are also fantastic waterfalls to explore.

Just to the west of the trailhead, the Uncompahgre River runs parallel with the trail. Travel by foot 40 yards or so to the river, where you can see multiple breathtaking waterfalls.

More campsites are scattered around the trail. None are overly large, but they have plenty of room for 1-3 vehicles to spread out and find flat ground.

Stay right at this split and cross the creek. Directly after the creek crossing, the trail splits one more time. Continue up and to the left to stay on the trail.

There is another small campsite before you start your bumpy climb. From here, the trail gets notably rockier. Be sure that you are aired down for this trail.

Stunning views down the valley can be seen once the forest opens up. Another campsite lies just off the trail. This area is also prone to staying wet nearly year-round.

More campsite options lie to the right of the trail, tucked into the trees. There is one larger site with room for 3-4 vehicles and one smaller site, better suited for 1-2 rigs, situated right along the Uncompahgre River. There is also a seasonal gate here.

Like most of the trails in the San Juans, this trail does not lack mining ruins. This is the location of the Old Lout Mine. You will travel across the tailings pile and continue up the trail.

There is one small portion of shelf road on this trail. Although there is little room to pull over, stop for a few seconds and enjoy the peaceful nature around you. If you look up the canyon, you may see the small ravine where the river has carved its path.

Both routes of this split meet up about 50 yards ahead. Neither route is more difficult than the other. A small campsite sits in the open where the two forks merge, exposed to the wind.

Small remnants of the Alabama Mine are just to the east of the trail.

This is the last camping option for this trail. There is adequate room for two rigs, possibly, but the terrain is not level enough for everyone to park on flat ground. If you are not spending the night here, continue.

This small section of trail is often wet due to the Uncompahgre River right alongside. There are also scattered large rocks to work your way around. This is the trickiest section of trail for most vehicles.

All trails rejoin shortly. They are all similar in difficulty, with loose, scattered rocks.

The trail gets notably steeper from here on out. 4-low is extremely helpful in maintaining a slow, steady, and more controlled speed across these climbs.

The Forest Service has created a bypass route for those vehicles that cannot complete The Wall. Going left takes you up the main trail, bypassing the Wall, which is not much harder than what you have experienced so far. Going right takes you to the infamous Wall obstacle and reconnects at Waypoint 17.

Steepness and loose rocks continue to plague the trail. This climb is challenging. Keep a slow and steady pace to maintain traction. If you do get a chance, stop for a few minutes and enjoy the scenery just a bit longer.

The Wall route reconnects back to the main trail. Continue south to reach the end.

Near the end of the trail, at just over 12,000 feet, you come to the beautiful blue water of Lake Como. Pull over, have a bite to eat, and relax in the tranquility.

One last choppy section awaits drivers before reaching the end. This spot can be easy but is prone to digging out with spinning tires or washing out with severe weather.

The trail ends at an intersection with Hurricane Pass and California Pass.