Ascending Hikes – Mayhem Gulch

Beginning at the Mayhem Gulch Trailhead in Clear Creek Canyon, this lollipop loop greets us with a steady but welcoming climb along the Mayhem Gulch Trail, where golden grasses ripple in the breeze and rocky outcrops stand like sentinels above the narrow canyon. As we gain elevation, the trail opens wide, leading onto the Juniper Loop, where sweeping panoramas unfold—dramatic views of Clear Creek Canyon carved deep below, rolling foothills stretching toward the horizon, and forested ridgelines rising in the distance. The path winds across airy slopes dotted with juniper and pine, offering alternating moments of shade and sunshine, intimacy and grandeur, each turn revealing a fresh perspective on the rugged beauty of the Front Range. The loop feels expansive yet approachable, a balcony-like traverse where we’re suspended between sky and stone, with the distant hum of the canyon reminding us of the world far below. Circling back to rejoin Mayhem Gulch, the return is a gentle, flowing descent, a satisfying close that eases us back down through the canyon’s quiet folds, leaving us with a sense of having stepped through a living gallery of foothills, forest, and far-reaching views. We'll find a sunny spot for lunch/snack along the way. Our pace will be comfortable for all group members. This hike is ~5 miles and ~800 ft elevation gain. (Mayhem Gulch - CalTopo)

Carpool Place & Time: Meet at the NEW CMC Building at 7:30AM for a 7:45AM departure (Colorado Mountain Club - Google Maps)

We'll carpool to the Mayhem Gulch Trailhead Parking (Mayhem Gulch Trailhead Parking Lot - Google Maps)