Curley Peak

Curley Peak is a mountain located in the Wet Mountains of Colorado. The peak is typically accessed via East Bear Gulch Trail. This out and back hike is 7.3 miles and gains 2,298 feet of elevation.

This hike starts at the East Bear Trailhead in the San Isabel National Forest. There are no amenities at the trailhead. Begin hiking west on East Bear Gulch Trail. You will be hiking uphill through Bear Gulch immediately. You will be hiking through a coniferous forest. There are also towering cliffs to the north. The trail is steep and sometimes rocky at this section. After 1 mile of hiking, you will have gained nearly 800 feet of elevation. Another 1.2 miles of steep hiking in the gulch, you will come to a flatter section of trail.

As the trail flattens and you exit the gulch, you will begin to have periodic views of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains to the southwest. The trail now travels through forest and meadow as you head towards Curley Peak. After another 0.6 miles, you will come to a meadow and see a rocky peak to the west. This is your destination. Stay on the trail for another 0.5 miles. From here, leave the trail and head southwest towards the summit. After 0.3 miles you will reach a saddle below the peak. Now head southeast. You will have to do a short scramble to reach the summit. From the summit, you will have great views of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains and Pikes Peak. Once you have taken ample time to rest and enjoy the views, turn around and retrace your steps to return to the trailhead.

The San Isabel National Forest is open for hiking year round. There are no associated fees to hike. Dogs are allowed on this trail, but they must be on a leash. You also may encounter horseback riders on the trail.