Parika Lake–Baker Gulch Trail, 5 sights
11.3 mi · ▲ 3,994 ft · 5 hr 46 min
Parika Lake–Baker Gulch Trail, 5 sights is an 11.3-mile out-and-back in Arapaho National Forest near Gaskil, CO. The route reaches Parika Lake. It climbs 3,994 ft, with sections as steep as 27% grade, and is mostly dirt. It scores 92/100 on the Ambleway Wildness scale: genuinely wild.
Elevation
Getting there
Directions
Parika Lake–Baker Gulch Trail, 5 sights
11.3 mi · ▲ 3,994 ft · 5 hr 46 min
Elevation 9,979–12,148 ft
Out & Back · Arapaho National Forest
Trailhead: Illinois River Path · 40.37248, -105.97700
Weather Sep 4: sunrise 6:35 AM · sunset 7:33 PM
Dogs allowed on leash
- Start on Illinois River Path, heading E.
- 1.8 miSharp left onto Parika Lake Trail, heading NW.
- 2.2 miPass Parika Lake.
- 0.2 miBear right onto Baker Pass Trail, heading E.
- 1 miBear right onto Baker Gulch Trail, heading E.
- 0.5 miReach Parika Lake, then turn around and head back the way you came.
- 0.5 miBear left onto Baker Pass Trail, heading W.
- 1 miBear left onto Parika Lake Trail, heading W.
- 2.4 miSharp right onto Illinois River Path, heading SE.
- 1.8 miArrive back at the trailhead.
Each distance is the walk from the previous step. Tap a step for a map of its junction.
Trail surface
Weather
Sunset
The best sunset spot on this hike is 2.4 mi in (~106 min). Leave by 5:27 PM for the 7:33 PM sunset. Back at your car by 8:47 PM, after dark — bring a headlamp.
Good to know
- Dogs allowed on leash
More from Illinois River Path Trailhead
- Illinois River Path 3.6 mi · ▲ 1,191 ft
- Illinois Pass Trail 6.1 mi · ▲ 379 ft
- Illinois Pass Trail via Ruby Mountain Trail 11 mi · ▲ 1,779 ft
- Blue Lake–Bowen Pass, 5 sights 11.1 mi · ▲ 3,682 ft
- Bowen Pass–Bowen Lake Trail, 5 sights 12.1 mi · ▲ 3,857 ft
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