Mount Blue Sky via Gomer's Gully

The Gomer's Gully route typically starts from the Guanella Pass area. Parking is available at the Guanella Pass Summit, which can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Arriving early is highly recommended to secure a spot.

The trail begins with navigating through willows and potentially muddy sections. After this, you'll enter the gully itself, which features steep, loose scree and boulders, requiring Class 2 scrambling. As you ascend, the terrain transitions to soft tundra, becoming rocky near the ridge and summit. The descent through the gully can be particularly slippery due to the loose ground.

No, this is considered a strenuous hike. It involves varied and difficult terrain, including Class 2 scrambling and potentially Class 3 depending on your chosen line. Good physical condition and some scrambling experience are highly recommended. It's not ideal for beginners.

The alpine environment is home to pikas, marmots, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep. Moose sightings are also possible, especially in the willow-filled basins at lower elevations. Always maintain a safe distance and never approach wildlife.

The best time to hike is typically during the summer months, from late June to early September, when the snow has melted. However, be prepared for volatile weather conditions, including wind, rain, lightning, snow, and hail, which can occur at any time of year in the high mountains.

Hiking in the Mount Evans Wilderness, where this trail is located, generally does not require specific permits or entrance fees for day use. However, it's always a good idea to check the latest regulations for the Arapaho National Forest or Mount Evans Wilderness before your trip, as rules can change.

Dogs are generally allowed in the Mount Evans Wilderness, but they must be kept on a leash at all times to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all hikers. Please pack out all pet waste.

This route offers distinct and often solitary views compared to more frequented trails. You'll get a unique, close-up perspective of the Sawtooth Ridge. Other highlights include the Guanella Pass Summit, the Mount Evans Wilderness boundary, and a View of Deadmans Lake. The gully itself is beautiful, with a fast-running creek and wildflowers.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Mount Blue Sky Ridge Trail, the Mount Bierstadt Trail, the Sawtooth Ridge Traverse, and the Mount Blue Sky Summit Trail.

Given the strenuous nature and variable weather, you should pack layers of clothing, including rain gear, and wear sturdy hiking boots. Bring plenty of water, high-energy snacks, a map and compass or GPS, a headlamp, and sun protection. Due to the loose scree, a helmet is also recommended by some hikers.

Gomer's Gully is notable for offering a less crowded and more solitary experience compared to other popular routes up Mount Blue Sky. It provides distinct views of the Sawtooth Ridge and is a preferred option for those seeking to avoid the large crowds often found on the Mount Bierstadt trail, even on busy days.