Slaughterhouse Road (aka Slaughterhouse Gulch)

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4.6/5 (125 reviews)
Bailey, Colorado (Park County)
Last Updated: 11/01/2023

Trail Information

Highlights

Slaughterhouse Gulch is a locally famous off-road trail near Bailey, CO, attracting locals in droves most weekends. The loop has several small obstacles, making it perfect for a day of climbing rocky sections and flexing out your suspension. Though the trail isn't particularly scenic, it does offer beautiful aspen groves that turn gold in the fall, drawing leaf-peepers. Multiple large parking areas and proximity to Highway 285 and County Road 43 make it ideal for large groups. Its popularity means it can get crowded on weekends, so visiting on weekdays or planning a night run is best. 


Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

4.6/5 (125)
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Official Crew
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126150
Open
Visited: 11/01/2023

This trail is open, though there may be areas of deep snow. Only travel if you have the means to make it through.
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Official Crew
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50000
Impassable
Rated 5/5
Visited: 10/29/2023

10" of snow in Bailey this weekend. For this trail, I call that impassible. You 40" tire bros could give it a shot, I suppose. Just PLEASE stay the trail and try not to rut it out for the rest of us. I can't imagine it will be long before the gates are locked to protect the trail.
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Official Crew
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50000
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 10/22/2023

The USFS is doing prescribed burns in the area (just north of the trail, in Harris Park). The trail is still open, but don't be surprised if you see a LOT of smoke nearby.
Trail Review: Slaughterhouse Road (aka Slaughterhouse Gulch) - Trint Ladd
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400
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 09/17/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Living just 10 minutes away, I’ve been eyeing this trail for some time. I completed it in roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes, pausing occasionally. The difficulty rating is accurate. Optional routes add excitement but can be more challenging in wet conditions. I engaged the rear-locker a few times during climbs to prevent slipping. While the trail is enjoyable, most scenic views are clustered near the start, before the loop begins. It’s a solid choice for a few hours of adventure, but even more stunning trails can be found deeper in the mountains.
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2400
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 09/16/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

It's a fun trail; however, it gets sporting between waypoints 11 and 14. I traveled the trail counterclockwise. There are several puddles, with some about 12" deep. The bottom seems solid, and there's no issue crossing any puddle. Some erosion has made some ruts seem deeper, but they are still fine to pass over. There is one pucker spot, if I recall right; after waypoint 12, there's an unnerving bend that places you off camber at the top of a short but steeper incline. Stay to the left and cut right - you'll be fine. This trail is rated as a three but I suggest it's bumped to a low four. Perhaps erosion has exposed more material, but it seemed more difficult.

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