New World Gulch

Need a trail that’s close to town? Or one that takes you away to a quiet forest thick with trees? Make the trip to New World Gulch. This trail is nestled in the dense forested canyon of Bear Canyon’s beautiful foothills. It rolls and winds along small streams that feed the larger Bear Creek.

Snowshoers can delight in this easy-to-follow path with a modest difficulty level. The early trail is comfortably wide and open, and it occasionally provides glimpses of Corkscrew Peak ahead. The trail comes to a fork: A left here winds briefly along the creek before climbing up the hillside to more narrow paths. After a tight squeeze through the canyon, take in the openness at the wide meadow. Straight ahead, numerous ski runs can be seen on the slopes of Upper Mount Ellis. Those interested in skiing or boarding this area are advised to check the most recent avalanche advisory by the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center.

Turning back at the meadow makes this an easy out-and-back. To make the trek longer, continue to the fork in the meadow. A right takes you to a saddle between Corkscrew Peak and Mount Ellis, completing the New World Gulch Loop. A left through the meadow directs you to Mystic Lake.