Poplar Gulch Trail Trail
Hiking & Hot Springs
MOUNT PRINCETON HOT SPRINGS RESORT
Poplar Gulch Trail
Length of Hike: 7 miles RT to Timberline Meadow
Optional: 11.6 miles RT into South Cottonwood Canyon
Difficulty: Difficult
Most treks in the summer and winter go to the meadow area, 3-4 miles to the south above St. Elmo, with spectacular views across the basin of Grizzly Lake and Grizzly Gulch. An elevation of 2,500 ft. means the views from the meadow are well earned. The aspen groves here make this is one of the most beautiful hikes in the area. This trail is open to hikers, mountain bikes, and dirt bikes.
This particular hike has the option of extending past the timberline meadow, climbing to 12,250 ft. over a pass and down the other side (Green Timber Gulch) into South Cottonwood Canyon. An elevation gain of 4,307 ft makes this hike an excellent choice for elevation adjustment training.
Directions to Poplar Gulch
From Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort, take CR 162 12 miles west to St. Elmo. Across from CR 267A (Tin Cup Pass sign), take a right and park there. You will find the trailhead .5 miles from the parking area.Â
10 Hiking Essentials
- Water (1.5 Liters per person per 5-6 hours)
- Snacks (Beef Jerky, nuts, power bar)
- Navigation (map and compass and/or GPS)
- Sunscreen
- Extra clothing (hat, socks, gloves)
- First aid supplies
- Light (headlamp or flashlight)
- Fire starter and matches/lighter
- CD Rom or mirror, whistle, mosquito repellant
- Emergency shelter (Biffy Bag)
LOCAL HIKES.
12 popular trailheads in the Nathrop area with hikes for all abilities and age levels. Surrounding areas have additional options for exploring our beautiful valley.
Activities & Things To Do
BUENA VISTA & SALIDA
COLORADO
This activity is an extreme test of a person’s physical and mental limits and carries with it the potential for death, serious injury and property loss. The risks include, but are not limited to: actions of other people including, but not limited to, participants; lack of hydration, weather, and/or other natural conditions. Princeton Holdings, LLC DBA Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort is not liable for any injury, property loss, damage, death, etc occurring do to any activity outlined by any information sheet. Guest is participating in any activity on their own merit with no liability to the Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort or its agents.
Surrounding Towns
Buena Vista, Colorado
Buena Vista, Colorado is just 9 miles from Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort. This unique mountain town is located on the Arkansas River. There are many shopping opportunities along with restaurants, a brewery and a distillery. LEARN MORE
Salida, Colorado
Salida, Colorado is 21 miles from the resort. This is Colorado's largest National Historic District. Dine on the banks of the Arkansas River and explore the many art galleries in this historic downtown. This area was named Colorado's first Creative Arts District. LEARN MORE