Jack's Gulch Recreation Area

Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest / Canyon Lakes Ranger District

Tired of the weekend crowds in the Cache la Poudre River corridor? Try Jack's Gulch about 6 miles south of Hwy 14 on Pingree Park Road (county road 63E). Still relatively undiscovered Jack's Gulch was built to relieve the pressure of Ansel Watrous, Mountain Park and others on the Cache la Poudre Highway. Jack's Gulch sits on the edge of 2 wilderness areas: Comanche Peak and Indian Peak.

Most campsites are first-come-first-served, including the electric sites. An equestrian camp has 5 non-electric sites, of which 2 are reservable. Horse sites can accommodate a horse trailer and have 4 stalls each. The 60-person group site is the only other campsite available for reservation.

The campground includes restrooms and drinking water near each restroom. You'll find a tent pad, fire grate, and picnic table in each campsite. There is a hiking trail that circumnavigates the campground. A portion of this trail serves as a self-guided nature hike and offers a stunning view of the Mummy Range. Popular activities in this area include hiking, stream fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, scenic driving and some four-wheel driving.

Mountain Bikers enjoy the forest roads. The Old Flowers Road, up to the Comanche Wilderness border, is also a great ride. Mountain bikes are not permitted in wilderness areas so watch for signs.