Pickle Gulch

Pickle Gulch is a group picnic and camping facility located just off the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway/Highway 119. Visitors enjoy the area for its scenic and off-road driving, and nearby hiking and fishing opportunities. Many hiking and biking trails are found nearby, and scenic driving is available along Highways 119 and 72. Numerous creeks, rivers and lakes in the area provide fishing opportunities, and off-road enthusiasts will find many jeep roads in the vicinity. The area offers day-use picnic sites and six campsites to accommodate large groups. The picnic site can accommodate up to 150 people and is equipped with picnic tables and campfire circles; a parking area, vault toilets and a playground are provided. The group campsites are all walk-to sites for tent camping only, each equipped with picnic tables, a campfire circle and tent pads. Vault toilets and drinking water spigots are shared between sites. A separate day-use area contains two volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, picnic tables and a vault toilet. Firewood may be gathered from the surrounding forest, if available, or purchased from the host. The site offers many scenic views of the surrounding area. It is set among a fairly level forest of lodgepole pine trees, dotted with aspens. Due to the mountain pine beetle infestation and removal of hazardous trees, there may be little to no shade at these sites. The historic mining town of Central City is nearby, hosting various popular events including Lou Bunch Day and the Central City Opera and Jazz festivals. Golden Gate Canyon State Park is a short drive from the campground, offering more than 35 miles of hiking trails. Mountain biking and horseback riding are also allowed on some trails, and every stream and pond within the park is open to fishing.