Washington Gulch

The Washington Gulch Parcel was once a mining in-holding claim that is completely surrounded by the Gunnison National Forest. The Crested Butte Land Trust acquired interest in the 54-acre parcel in 2000 and 2002. Washington Gulch Road and the Gulch itself, with its associated wetlands, runs through the parcel and the land is flanked on the east by Gothic Mountain and by Coney’s Ridge on Anthracite Mesa to the west. Herds of elk and deer, foxes, coyotes, porcupines, lynx, and bears have been seen on or near the property roaming through the willows, drinking from the river and springs, grazing in the meadows, or taking cover in the spruce stands. The parcel is abundant with wildflowers such as heartleaf arnica, delphinium, osha, penstemon, and, elephantella. Rarer species are thriving in this area and include the elusive bishop’s cup orchid, twisted stalk, monkey plant, and corydalis. Washington Gulch is one of the few places in Colorado that the unusual corydalis can be found.