TRIPS AND TRAILS
BLACK GULCH TRAIL
RED CLIFFS DESERT RESERVE
THE BLACK GULCH TRAIL
This moderately strenuous, lightly used route is most often accessed from the Black Gulch trailhead located on Cottonwood Road about 2 miles west of the Yellow Knolls trailhead.
To get to the start of the trail, cross the stepover to Lange's Dugway and follow it downslope 1/4 mile to the bottom of the drainage. The Black Gulch trail begins at that point and drops south for about 2 miles to its junction with the Winchester trail.
The trail is a moderately scenic route winding through a narrow canyon with black, volcanic boulders that involve some rock scrambling and pools of water after a rain.
My buddy John, scrambling over the boulder field through the canyon
A few slickrock sections with sculptured features are found in the middle of the canyon
Floral displays happen at various times of the year during wet periods.
The "Gulch" is renowned for above average populations of rattle snakes and hikers are cautioned to be careful.
The route is impossible for bikes and not recommended for most equestrians
User trails exist on upland benches in portions of the canyon to help hikers avoid some of the boulders.
Elevation loss from top to bottom is about 450 feet. Much of the canyon bottom is littered with large volcanic boulders that may impede visitor travel.
OHHHHH NOOOOO, MR. BILL
