Loading...Connects: Main Elk Road (CR 243), Clinetop Road (FSR #603), Forest Service Road #653
Hadley Gulch Trail near New Castle
New Castle, CO – Medium – 7 Miles – Hike, Run, Horseback Ride, Dog Friendly – Dirt
Hadley Gulch Trail #1840 is an intermediate/moderate trail you can hike, run, and horseback ride that is dog friendly. This is a 7 mile dirt trail in New Castle, CO.
To get to the trailhead from New Castle, take 7th Street/Midland Avenue and follow it left to Buford-New Castle Road (CR 245). In 3 miles turn right onto Main Elk Road (CR 243). After 6 miles the paved road ends. The parking area for the Hadley Gulch Trail is on the left.
More information about the Hadley Gulch Trail can be found at:
White River National Forest – Hadley Gulch Trail #1840 (Hiking)
The Clinetops rocky mountain bighorn sheep herd is one of 34 historical herds in the state. The population was decimated in the early 1980’s by lungworm disease and the associated pneumonia. In a cooperative effort, 41 bighorns were reintroduced to this area in 1990-91.
Critical winter range habitat north of the Clinetop Road has been improved for bighorn sheep through prescribed burning of the decadent shrubs. Prescribed fire creates more forage and reduces visual barriers for the bighorn sheep, who rely on keen eyesight to avoid predators.
Water is another critical element for survival, and these sheep need to access Main Elk Creek with as little disturbance as possible. Bighorn sheep are easily stressed, which may lead to disease problems. Please respect the bighorns’ winter home, and minimize activities when they are in the area.”
The trail splits just after 1/4 mile in. Right is serious uphill climbing, left is less of a challenge and mostly shaded along Elk Creek.