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Poughkeepsie Gulch 2.5 - 3.5

Poughkeepsie Gulch is about the only challenging Jeep trail in the San Juans.  There is one major obstacle called "The Wall" that causes the 3.5 rating.
When most people talk about this trail they focus on "The Wall".  That is important, but the scenery in the gulch is also worthy of mention - especially Lake Como.

Until 2015 there was no bypass for the wall.  You had to climb it or go back.  This caused quite a few accidents so a bypass was built and you can now enjoy Poughkeepsie Gulch without the major challenge.

There is a GPS - gpx track file at the bottom of the page.
Picture
V notch at The Wall
The trail in is rated at a strong 2.5.  There is at least one tricky ledge and quite a stretch of road with many boulders.  The bypass, and the road beyond, is easier.
Picture
Trail in at treeline
Picture
Bypass
The Wall can be divided into 3 sections:  A long steep climb on the left, a "V" in the middle and a shorter but tricky climb on the right.

The long climb on the left is easier with a spotter to keep you on track and to tell you the couple times you need to "bump it".

​The "V" is tricky (introductory photo) and should be left to very experienced drivers, or those with large wallets.  We do not do this one.

The shorter climb on the right is a slab of ledges with a crack up the middle.  There are several lines that will get you up over it.  Be careful not to drop a rear tire into the crack.  There are winch points if you need them.

Picture
Long climb on left
Picture
Short, tricky climb on right
The trail from the wall to the bypass is like driving in a maze - you never know which way to go.  Do not worry too much - you got over the wall!
Picture
Multiple choices beyond the wall
Picture
Lesser ledges beyond wall
There is one ledge you can go down, or you can bypass it.  Lake como is beautiful.
Picture
Also beyond the wall
Picture
Lake Como
Page updated 2018.

Picture

poughkeepsie_gulch_2.5_-_3.5.gpx
File Size: 51 kb
File Type: gpx
Download File

  • Jeep The USA
  • Trails
    • Arizona Jeep Trails >
      • Apache Junction Jeep Trails
      • Kingman Jeep Trails
      • Lake Havasu - Parker Jeep Trails
      • Phoenix to Flagstaff Jeep Trails
      • Quartzsite Jeep Trails
      • Tucson - Benson Jeep Trails
    • California Jeep Trails >
      • Death Valley
    • Colorado Jeep Trails >
      • Breckenridge Jeep Trails
      • Buena Vista Jeep Trails
      • Grand Junction Jeep Trails
      • Montrose Jeep Trails
      • Silverton - Ouray Jeep Trails
    • Nevada Jeep Trails >
      • Las Vegas Jeep Trails
      • Mesquite Jeep Trails
    • New Mexico Jeep Trails >
      • Elephant Butte Jeep Trails
      • Las Cruces Jeep Trails
    • South Dakota Jeep Trails >
      • Black Hills Jeep Trails
    • Texas Jeep Trails >
      • Big Bend Jeep Trails
    • Utah Jeep Trails >
      • Blanding Jeep Trails
      • Green River -Hanksville Jeep Trails
      • Moab Jeep Trails
      • Page - Escalante - Kanab Jeep Trails
      • Saint George Jeep Trails
    • Wyoming Jeep Trails >
      • Bighorn Mountains Jeep Trails
      • Lander Jeep Trails
  • Difficulty Ratings
  • Use GPX
  • Interactive map Tutorial