Gold Hill #79

The trail climbs over Gold Hill where you can enjoy views of the Upper Blue River Valley eastward and the rugged Tenmile Range to the west. The trail passes through a series of clear cuts that were cut in 1988 along with a more recent clearing at the beginning of the trail in 2008. The remaining thick lodgepole pine in the area average 70 to 100 years in age. These trees, because of their density and age, are especially susceptible to disease and fire. Small clear-cut areas are designed to minimize the danger to the overall forest by creating age differences and open glades. We encourage people to watch this area as a new healthy ecosystem reclaims the area where the clear cut areas are. View a printable Gold Hill Trail #79 guide [https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd549490.pdf]. (PDF)