Just up Highway 14, north of Fort Collins, is a hidden little gem of a trail. Hewlett Gulch is a 3 mile long, easy trail that runs along and crosses a stream multiple times, all while staying in a tight valley to maximize scenic value. It was very lush with trees and plants and being so near a running stream and constantly covered with trees keeps the temperature slightly lower.
We, Conor and I, began our hike at 6am to beat the heat (we stayed the night in the parking lot after a BBQ the night before). Early on in the hike are four old homesteads. Though not much to look at any longer, it is a nice break from walking through trees aimlessly. Once past the homesteads, we hunkered down to complete the trail and return to the van before the heat of the day got too bad. As we neared the final 1/4 mile of the trail, I heard a rustling up the ridge and spotted a black bear cub which prompted, “Conor… that is a cub, which means momma-bear isn’t far away”. We chose caution and turned back immediately and made it back to the van by 9am.
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