RM ORS #08-06: Derringer Peak

RM (Rocky Mountain) Off Road Series (ORS) #8: Slaughterhouse Gulch
A series by: climbstuff, starnsun, Red Ruby, zoltig, Tooter153, and RocketMan

This cache is the sixth of nine and is the bonus cache in the #8 series of Rocky Mountain off-road caches located along the Slaughterhouse Gulch 4x4 trail. Slaughterhouse Gulch is north of Bailey and is accessed from CR-43 which intersects with 285 just east of Bailey. The trail is approximately 11.5 miles long, including the straight section and the loop.

Cache Information
This is a bonus cache! It requires a bit more hiking than others in this series. The hike to this cache starts out at the parking area next to the Lunch Spot cache. From the parking area, cross the cables and boulders, heading south for a few hundred feet until reaching a two track that crosses the stream. Follow this two track west for approximately 0.3 miles, all the way up to a saddle/ridge where another horse trail crosses the path. Make a left turn here heading south for approximately 800 feet. The dense pine forest will become an aspen meadow. At this point, leave the trail and follow the tree line to the final coordinates. (The reference waypoints listed below mark turns on the hike.)

RM Off Road Series #8 Complete Cache Listing (Doing the Loop Counterclockwise)

1. Air Down
2. Poser Rock
3. The Hard Way
4. Slaughterhouse Aspens
5. Lunch Spot
6. Derringer Peak
7. The Jeep Wave
8. A Cirrious Situation
9. Down in the Valley

Trail Information

Rating/Description
Slaughterhouse Gulch trail is mostly easy to moderate with a few sections bordering on difficult. It is only rated a 3 (easiest routes) to 5 (most difficult routes) out of 10 on the traildamage website. When the trail is dry, it can be done in most high clearance stock SUV's with low range 4WD. If the trail is wet or has snow, the difficulty rating can go up significantly. Disclaimer: You need to decide for yourself if it is safe to make the trip in your vehicle.

This is a fun trail that's close to the Denver area so it's easy to get to. The scenery along the route is awesome with many cool things to see. The trail runs down through aspen lined valleys and up over hills with great views to the north and south.

To get to the trailhead near the first cache Air Down, go north on CR-43 from 285. Stay on CR-43 for 6.8 miles and then turn left on Saddlestring Dr. You will come to the staging area shortly after you make the turn. From the staging area, take a right onto FS-101 at the large yellow sign for Crow Gulch. Stay on FS-101 until you come to the beginning of the loop at N39 28.613 W105 32.847 where you will take a right to run the loop in a counterclockwise direction. At N39 28.304 W105 32.055 take a right to go to the mud pits. You will return to this point after visiting the mud pits. Continue on the loop back to the start and take a right on FS-101 to return the way you entered.

You can find a list of trail waypoints on the cache page for the first cache in the series Air Down.

Winter Months
This route is often open in winter months when conditions permit. It is possible to run the trail with snow on it, but you should be experienced under such circumstances and have a capable vehicle with the right equipment (like a winch).

Time/Distance
The entire route as described above is approximately 11.5 miles and should take about 2 to 2.5 hours driving time. You will also need to include time for finding the caches, exploring, sight seeing, lunch, etc.

Trail Waypoints
See waypoint list below. (Running the loop in a counterclockwise direction)

Additional Waypoints

D11D1MY - Derringer Peak Trailhead
N 39° 27.482 W 105° 33.532
The trail starts at the end of the road. Go over the cables and boulders, then follow the stream to the next waypoint.
D21D1MY - Cross Stream Here
N 39° 27.414 W 105° 33.494
Cross the stream here and follow an old two track trail up to the saddle/ridge.
D31D1MY - Left Turn Here
N 39° 27.294 W 105° 33.814
Turn left here and follow the horse trail to the next waypoint.
D41D1MY - Right Turn Here
N 39° 27.223 W 105° 33.685
Turn right here, off trail, and head direct to the final coordinates. Keep the heavy tree line on your right and you'll enjoy an easy meadow stroll to Derringer Peak's gentle summit.