Trail: Butler Gulch
Length: 5.5 Miles RT
Elevation Gain: 1,811 ft
Highest Point: ~12,000 Ft
Where: Arapahoe National Forrest
Closest Town: Empire/Idaho Springs
Directions: i70 west exit Empire (like you are going to Winter Park)
Hiking Butler Gulch
Y’all, this hike is hands down one of the best hikes I have ever done in Colorado! Gorgeous views, incredible wildflowers, and a waterfall all in roughly an hour’s drive from Denver make this hike a fav
- I suggest getting to the lot by 8 am and packing a snack or lunch to enjoy on the mountain so you can be off by early afternoon before storms *could* roll in. We started a little after 8 am and were back at our car by 12:30 pm.
- This trail is not for someone who just got off the plane. Please take time to acclimate before going on a big hike like this – the elevation gain is no joke.
- Bring Poles! With a steady incline and one big push this hike is 10x easier with poles
The trail starts off totally covered with a few water crossings before you reach a spectacular waterfall surrounded by wildflowers. As I said, this is the best hike near Denver for wildflowers. The first third of the trail continues in the woods until you are above the tree line, so don’t forget your hat and sunscreen.
Read about my hiking must-haves here
This is the step section that is way better to go up then down
This is a lollypop hike – you really want to go clockwise (turn left) at the junction otherwise, you will be scrambling down a very steep hillside, and you would much rather go up this than a town. This hike is a steady climb from the get-go, then has one very vertical section (again, you want to be going up here). With the steady include and steep sections, poles are a must – and I was grateful for them on the way down too.
Once on top, the views are spectacular. You can see pretty far on a clear day. We hiked a little further along the ridge before stopping for a cheese plate. Yes, I brought a cheese plate – you can see all my adventure cheese plates here #channingandthecheeseplate.
The narrow trail going down clockwise
Find my other favorite hikes around Colorado here and read my must-have hiking gear guide here
Cross the line, pay the fine
No one loves sitting in i70 traffic but even worse is racking up a fine for violating the Express Lane rules! Violators will now be identified along the I-70 Mountain Express Lanes by cameras, sensors and software and mailed a fine if they are found to be breaking the rules.
What counts as a violation?
- Using Express Lanes when they are closed
- Weaving in and out of the Express Lanes across the solid yellow lines
- Driving in the Express Lane with an oversized vehicle—includes vehicles with three or more axles (including cars towing trailers) and any vehicle over 25 ft long
When does this start?
June 21 – 1 month grace period – Drivers will get a warning in the mail for violations
July 21 and on – Drivers who commit violations will be fined
Why enforce fines?
The Express Lanes are used to relieve congestion only during high traffic times, otherwise they operate as an emergency shoulder for broken down cars or emergency services. When the Express Lanes are open, weaving in and out of the lanes creates hazards for drivers who aren’t expecting vehicles to cross the solid lines.
How Much is a fine?
Fines start at $75 for a first offense if paid within 20 days of issuance. After 20 days, the fine increases to $150.
How does the express lane work?
To use the express lane, only enter when it’s open at the designated entry points. Overhead signs will indicate whether or not the Express Lane is open. Your license plate will be scanned and the toll charge will be sent to the address associated with your vehicle’s registration. If you have an ExpressToll pass, you will save an average of 40% on tolls and automatically be charged through your account.
For more information head to expresslanes.codot.gov.
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