San Juan National Forest

Mancos - Dolores Ranger District

PRIEST GULCH SHUTTLE DROP-OFF: Go 25 mi. north of Dolores on Colo. Hwy 145 (12 mi. south of Rico). Look for Priest Gulch Trailhead sign on west side of road across from Priest Gulch Store. Turn Left and go 25 mi. past private property. Stay on road and do not trespass. Trailhead has parking and horse facilities.

UPPER ACCESS: Go north on Colo. Hwy 145 19 mi. to Taylor Mesa Rd. (FS #545). Turn northeast and go 15 mi. (past intersection with FS Rd. #547) to junction with FS Rd. #592. Turn right and go 1 mi. to trailhead on right. If you begin here, the hike is downhill.

DIRECTIONS: Trail (marked #645 on SJNF Recreation Map) follows Priest Gulch drainage through lush meadows and forests. Watch for a landslide 3 mi. in. Trail crosses Shoas Park Rd. (FS Rd. #592) about 6 mi. in. Trail then climbs steeply 1 mi. to intersect with Calico Trail. Area is secluded. Deer and elk abound.