Three Forks #2150

Three Forks Trail is 5.3 miles long and extends from East Rifle Creek to the top of Coulter Mesa. The trail is accessible from Forest Road 832 (Lower Trailhead [https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whiteriver/recarea/?recid=41207]) and the Bar HL Road (Upper Trailhead [https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whiteriver/recarea/?recid=82715]), and can be traveled in either direction. Three Forks Trail winds its way through several gulches and passes through a variety of forest growth, including blue spruce, douglas fir, and aspen. Along the way, visitors are treated to several expansive views of the surrounding topography. The trail also passes by several beaver ponds. Starting from the Lower Trailhead, the first two thirds of the trail has a gradual elevation gain and stays close to the creek. Over its final two miles, the trail turns up Hoover Gulch and ascends to the top of the Mesa. The top of the trail is also an outstanding location for viewing aspen colors in the fall.   The trail is open to hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Please yield to horseback riders. A popular use of this trail is to hike or ride from top to bottom and arrange a car shuttle pickup. View the Recreation Opportunity Guide [http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd603514.pdf] and Map [http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd617732.pdf] for Three Forks Trail (.pdf documents)