1. Destinations
  2. >
  3. United States
  4. >
  5. Colorado
  6. >
  7. Ouray County
  8. >
  9. Corkscrew Gulch

Corkscrew Gulch - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Viewpoints
Outdoors - Other
1 Day Treks
Mountain Peaks
3c98cde0-9991-4718-94d3-c8e2f9791065
e87ba1d7-26fb-4fb5-89f1-906c02199dba
f8ccb201-814c-4e86-8f8c-95c55bd711c2

About Corkscrew Gulch

Corkscrew Gulch is a high-mountain valley located in Ouray County. The valley is home to a creek of the same name, which flows through a winding ravine lined with cliffs and boulders. The valley is a popular destination for hiking and camping, and offers stunning views of the San Juan Mountains. Corkscrew Gulch is also well-known for its abundance of wildflowers, which bloom in early summer. The trailhead for the Corkscrew Gulch trail is located at the end of a four-wheel drive road.
Address : Corkscrew Gulch, Colorado 81432, USA

Hotels near Corkscrew Gulch

img-alt
Box Canyon Lodge and Hot SpringsThis Property Offers:
Breakfast
WiFi
8 Reviews
8.3
$150.00 per nightSelect

Things to Do at Corkscrew Gulch

Corkscrew Gulch is one of the most popular attractions in Ouray County, Colorado. And it's no wonder why - the area is packed with things to do! There are hiking and biking trails for all levels of ability, as well as scenic drives that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains. In addition, Corkscrew Gulch is home to a variety of wildlife, making it a great place for birdwatching or simply enjoying the sights and sounds of nature. Whether you're looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure or a relaxing day in the great outdoors, Corkscrew Gulch has something for everyone. 


Top Activities Near Corkscrew Gulch

Filter By Date
//
Sort By

History of Corkscrew Gulch

The history of Corkscrew Gulch dates back to the late 19th century when miners first began exploring the area for gold and silver. In 1887, two prospectors named John Hendricks and John Croy found a vein of silver ore that they dubbed the "Last Chance Claim." The two men worked the claim for several years, but eventually abandoned it due to financial difficulties. In 1906, another miner named Frank Riggs rediscovered the vein and filed a new claim. Riggs continued to mine the ore until 1912 when he sold the claim to the San Juan Mining Company. The company operated a small mine at Corkscrew Gulch for several years, but ultimately closed it down due to low ore production. Today, there is little evidence of the mining activity that once took place here. However, remnants of old mining equipment can still be seen along the trail, and visitors can even pan for gold in some of the creeks that flow through Corkscrew Gulch.


Best Time to Visit Corkscrew Gulch

The best time to visit Corkscrew Gulch is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and the vegetation is green. However, visitors should be prepared for crowds during this time of year. 


Tips for Visiting Corkscrew Gulch

  1. Check the weather before you go. The forecast for Ouray County can change rapidly, and it's important to be prepared for all kinds of weather conditions.
  2. Be prepared for crowds. Corkscrew Gulch is a popular destination, so expect to see other hikers on the trail. During peak season (July-August), weekdays are typically less crowded than weekends. Arrive early if possible to avoid the crowds.
  3. Start your hike from the Ouray Visitor Center rather than driving up into the gulch itself to avoid getting stuck in traffic coming down the narrow road. Parking can also be difficult to find during busy times.
  4. Wear sunscreen: The sun can be intense at high altitudes, so don't forget to put on sunscreen before you head out.
  5. Leave rocks and minerals in place: It is tempting to take home a souvenir from Corkscrew Gulch, but please resist the urge! These rocks and minerals are part of the natural landscape and should be left in place for others to enjoy.

Interesting Facts and Trivias About Corkscrew Gulch

  1. The Gulch is about 12 miles long and includes several switchbacks.
  2. t is a narrow and steep-sided ravine that was cut by a stream over time. 
  3. The gulch is accessible via a four-wheel drive road and The road winds its way up the side of the gulch and provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains. 
  4. wildlife is abundant in the area and includes such animals as bighorn sheep, elk, and deer.
  5. The road to Corkscrew Gulch is considered to be one of the most challenging in Ouray County.
  6. It is also a popular place for bird watching, as a variety of raptors can be found in the area.
  7. Corkscrew Gulch is one of the most popular off-roading destinations in Ouray County. 

How Much Time Did Visitors Spend at Corkscrew Gulch

The maximum time required to explore Corkscrew Gulch is two hours. Visitors will want to allow plenty of time to take in the stunning scenery and perhaps even do a little hiking.


How to Reach Corkscrew Gulch

To reach Corkscrew Gulch in Ouray County, Colorado, follow these directions: take Highway 550 north from Silverton for about nine miles. Look for a sign on the left side of the road just before the South Fork of the Cimarron River bridge that marks the turn-off for Corkscrew Gulch Road. Follow this road for about two and a half miles until you reach a parking area near the trailhead. From here, follow the trail as it winds its way up the gulch.


Entrance Fee of Corkscrew Gulch

The entrance fee for Corkscrew Gulch is $5 per person, and the trail is open from June through September.


Opening Hours of Corkscrew Gulch

It is open from dawn to dusk and the time may vary depending on season. 


Attractions Near Corkscrew Gulch

7aab278a-d5a9-401f-8d26-8be6294ff384
Yankee Girl MineThis is a former silver, lead, and zinc mine in Ouray County. The mine operated from 1869 to 1991 and produced silver, lead, and zinc ore. During its operating years, the mine employed hundreds of workers and was an important source of income for the local community. The Yankee Girl Mine is now a National Historic Landmark and is open to the public. Visitors can explore the underground tunnels and see first-hand the equipment used by miners during the heyday of silver mining in Colorado.
e6a9452b-06d9-4b53-a4eb-dc50d641906f
The Million Dollar HighwayThe Million Dollar Highway is a name given to a section of U.S. Highway 550 that runs through Ouray County. The highway is considered to be one of the most scenic and dangerous roads in the country. The road was built in the early 1900s and is famous for its hairpin turns and steep grades. It is also known for being treacherous in the winter months, when ice and snow make the road extremely slick. Despite these efforts, the Million Dollar Highway remains an exciting and challenging drive.
bcaaf7cd-c634-43ac-868e-254738e69fa1
Hayden MountainHayden Mountain is one of the tallest peaks in the Ouray County, Colorado. It is a popular destination for hikers and climbers due to its challenging trails and stunning views. Hayden Mountain is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, and bighorn sheep. The mountain is named after Ferdinand V. Hayden, who was the first to survey the area in 1874. Today, Hayden Mountain is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world.
f74ea81f-12e1-4207-9d97-63e774db3b1c
Crystal Lake OurayCrystal Lake is a beautiful alpine lake sitting at an elevation of 9,600 feet. It is surrounded by towering peaks. Located right beside Million Dollar Highway 550, Crystal Lake is surrounded with several hiking trails, including the Crystal Lake Trail, which leads to an overlook with stunning views of the lake.
87f837dd-0ef3-4a43-ab22-630e24be957c
Red MountainRed Mountain is a summit in the San Juan Mountains of Ouray County. The mountain is notable for its ruby-red color, which is caused by the presence of high levels of iron oxide in the rock. The area around Red Mountain is popular for hiking, camping, and rock climbing. It is also home to a number of mines, including the Idarado Mine, which was once one of the largest producers of silver and gold in Colorado. Today, the mountain is a popular destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
6ea4a4ce-1db5-4482-8710-453131be3eae
Red Mountain PassRed Mountain Pass is one of the most scenic mountain passes in Colorado. The pass lies between two mountain ranges, the San Juans to the west and the Cimarron range to the east. It is popular with tourists for its spectacular views and for its some 11,000 acres of alpine meadows, which are home to a variety of wildlife including bighorn sheep, elk, and deer. The pass is also popular with hikers and campers due to its close proximity to several fourteeners, or peaks that rise over 14,000 feet.

Discover More Attractions in Ouray County, Home of Corkscrew Gulch

907d4cbe-6bfa-4198-a77c-185fcd304d5a
Ouray County
Ouray County is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, offering something for everyone regardless of their preferred activity. In the winter, skiers and snowboarders flock to the county's slopes, while in the summer months hikers and climbers take to the mountains. There are also ample opportunities for jeeping, fishing, horseback riding, and more.

Location of Corkscrew Gulch


Comments

Please Sign In to add your comments
Looking for hotels nearby. Click here to explore!
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply
Sign In To Continue...
Share : undefined

Download Travalour
travalour-logo
Download our app to discover & explore destinations and to meet travellers around the world
get-it-on-google-play