The Young Gulch Trail is a fantastic, hidden gem that takes you gently upward across over two dozen stream crossings and through fields of wildflowers. The trailhead, just off the highway, offers parking for about a dozen cars but no facilities. As you ride, you'll pass through stands of juniper, ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and hundreds of wildflowers, especially in the spring. The trail was designed to be bike-friendly and follows the creek for most of its length, though it now runs higher above the water due to rerouting after a fire and flood. While much of the trail passes through areas burned during the 2012 High Park Fire, leaving some sections exposed and hot on sunny days, other parts remain well-shaded by forests, with meadows and diverse flora providing a respite. The trail's moderate terrain and beautiful scenery make it a popular ride just a short distance from Fort Collins, despite the challenges posed by creek crossings during spring runoff and the fire damage.