Hackett Gulch
Teller County, Colorado
View this on the Colorado Trailheads Map

Nearby Towns: Deckers
Nearby Trails: Cedar Mountain Road, Metberry Gulch, Longwater Gulch
Trail Length: 3.77 miles
Elevation: 7,642 to 9,030 feet
Named Obstacles: Hackett Rock

This trail was closed after the Hayman Fire of 2002, and then it reopened as far as the county line in 2009.

After the Hayman Fire destroyed much of the area, the trail was closed. A lot of work was done to the trail in order to get it reopened to the county line. As always, stay on the trail so that it will remain open.

Note that there are many burned and dead trees surrounding the trail. Not only can they fall at any time, but they cannot be used as a winch anchor in most cases. You may want to carry a saw to clear any dead trees that have fallen into the trail.

Much like Longwater Gulch and Metberry Gulch, the trail starts at a parking area with a gate that closed seasonally. The first section of the trail is fairly easy and it untouched by the Hayman Fire that destroyed much of the area. Route finding is very easy.

The trail gets much more challenging at Hackett Rock. There is a steep climb up a dirt chute with a deep cleft running down the center of the trail. If you straddle the cleft you will most likely have no issues. However, if you drop a tire into it you may find yourself tipping drastically to one side and unable to get out.

Following this, there is a steep climb up Hackett Rock that is usually covered in slippery sand. You may need some momentum to clear the rock because a slow approach may end up in a slide.

There are many lines up and over the rock. The lines on the far edges are easiest at the start but then they get difficult at the top. If you do the line just to the right of center it is more difficult at the bottom but the top is a bit easier. However, none of the lines is particularly easy.

After Hackett Rock, the trail continues uphill as a steep hill of dirt. The trail continues with a series of easier climbs and descents until you are near the end of the trail where the descents become very steep. At this point the moguls make it interesting.

Continue along the trail until you get to signs marking the trail's end at the county line. Turn around here, where there is plenty of room. However, there isn't much room to park a large group of vehicles. Once you have turned around, go back up the trail the way you came in.

Information last updated on October 30th, 2009.

Member Reports

• May 23, 2010: ran by Bill S. and Matt K.
• October 25, 2009: ran by Mike S., Roger and Walt

Driving Directions

From Denver, take I-25 exit 187 to Happy Canyon Road. Follow this south to Highway 85 west to Sedalia. Turn south on Highway 67 and follow this all the way through Deckers and through Westcreek to turn west on County Road 68 (Stump Road) just west of Pine Lake. Follow the first half of Cedar Mountain Road and pass the trailheads for Metberry Gulch and Longwater Gulch on the right. Hackett Gulch is the third trail on the right.

Meeting Places

Meet at the side of the road just past Deckers.