Lion Gulch Hike by Roberta Heisterkamp

Follow the trail as it crosses the stream several times and gradually climbs a ravine to a large open meadow. An abandoned pickup truck frame is parked in the weeds to the left. A safe spring with a large round tank sits at the brow of the hill. The first homestead, the Walker , built in 1914, is approached through several corral fences and an old stove in the middle of the field. It has several outbuildings to explore. The second story of the main house has collapsed, but you can see the very narrow staircase lying on the ground.

Take the trail veering right, up the hill, and follow the signs to the sawmill and Irvin Homestead built in 1917. It is in very good condition with many outbuildings including a barn, springhouse and bunkhouse. Don't miss the old dump full of assorted furnishings.

Retrace your steps to the loop and continue on around to the Brown Homestead built in 1918 where several pieces of furniture remain inside. Carved into the log walls are the names of many of the inhabitants who lived there over the years. It was occupied until quite recently. Another safe spring across the road sometimes hosts miniature frogs. Grizzly Gulch is on down the road from the Brown Homestead.

Completing the loop by going up the hill, we find an old branding shed hidden in the woods to the right. Follow the trail back to the Walker Homestead and then on down Lion Gulch to your car for a round trip of 8.5 miles. Allow 6-7 hours depending on how long you explore each homestead.

If you have a way to retrieve your car later, another end for this hike is to continue on up the hill and follow the road always taking the right forks on down to the Laycock Homestead . From there you can use another map in this book to return to Big Elk Meadows via the Fire Control Road.