Poughkeepsie Gulch - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Poughkeepsie Gulch is a gorgeous spot for hiking, camping, and picnicking in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado. The Gulch is home to an Aspen grove, a wide variety of wildflowers, and some of the best views of the 14ers in the area. Hiking trails wind along the gulch and up into the surrounding mountains, offering something for everyone from novice to experienced hikers. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and picnickers can enjoy their lunch at one of the many scenic overlooks. In addition to its natural beauty, Poughkeepsie Gulch is also rich in history, having been a stop on the Overland Trail during the 1800s. Today, it remains a popular destination for both locals and visitors alike. Whether you're looking for a challenging hike or a peaceful place to relax, Poughkeepsie Gulch is sure to please.

Poughkeepsie Gulch is a narrow valley located in San Juan County, Colorado. The gulch was named after the town of Poughkeepsie, New York, which was the hometown of one of the early settlers. The town was founded in 1859 by gold miners who were attracted to the area by the discovery of large deposits of gold. The town quickly grew and soon became a thriving community. However, the gold deposits began to dwindle and many of the settlers left. By the early 1900s, the town had all but disappeared. Today, Poughkeepsie Gulch is a popular recreation area. Visitors can explore the remains of the old mining town, hike in the surrounding mountains, or simply relax in the scenic beauty of the gulch.

The best time to visit Poughkeepsie Gulch is from mid-July through mid-August. The weather is warm but not too hot, and the flowers are in bloom.

1. Poughkeepsie Gulch is located in the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado. The best way to access the Gulch is from the town of Silverton.
2.  Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended, as the road leading into the Gulch is rugged and often dusty or muddy.
3. The trailhead for Poughkeepsie Gulch is located just outside of town, and the trail itself is 4.5 miles long.
4.  The hike can be challenging, with several steep sections and a few stream crossings. However, the views are well worth the effort!
5. Once you reach the end of the trail, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of waterfalls, cliffs, and forests.
6. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even take a dip in one of the many pools fed by the waterfalls. Just be sure to use caution, as the rocks can be slippery.
7. Follow all posted signs and respect closures. Poughkeepsie Gulch is a fragile ecosystem and it is important to minimize human impact.
8. Be prepared for extreme weather conditions. Poughkeepsie Gulch can experience sudden changes in weather, so come prepared with appropriate clothing and gear.
    

1. Poughkeepsie Gulch was named after the city of Poughkeepsie, New York. The first recorded exploration of the Gulch was in 1874 by a group of miners from Ouray, Colorado.
2. Poughkeepsie Gulch was once home to a number of mines, including the Little Falls mine, which produced gold and silver.
3.  The area around Poughkeepsie Gulch is known for its spectacular views of the San Juan Mountains.
4. Camping is allowed in the gulch, but there are no developed campsites or facilities.
5. Hiking trails in the gulch range from easy to difficult, depending on the route taken.
6. While most of the gulch is accessible by foot, 4-wheel drive vehicles are required to reach some areas.

Visitors can typically explore the Gulch in a few hours, but it is worth taking the time to savor the scenery and take some pictures. It is also worth noting that the Gulch can be quite crowded on weekends, so it may be best to visit during the week if possible. 

To reach Poughkeepsie Gulch in San Juan County, Colorado, simply follow Highway 550 north from Silverton. After about 12 miles, you will see a sign for the turnoff to Poughkeepsie Gulch Road. Follow this road for another 2 miles until you reach the trailhead. From here, it's a relatively easy hike of about 1.5 miles to reach the Gulch itself. 

No, there is no entrance fee to explore Poughkeepsie Gulch. However, San Juan County does require all visitors to obtain a free camping permit prior to exploring the gulch. The permit can be obtained at the San Juan National Forest Supervisor's Office in Durango or at any of the district ranger stations located throughout the county. 

The Gulch is open to hikers from sunrise to sunset. From mid-May to mid-September, the Gulch is also open to overnight campers.