“It wasn’t the trail we meant to take, but it was a hike meant for us.” My friend Mindy perfectly summed up our unexpected adventure on Guanella Pass. We planned to hike Shelf Lake, but without downloaded directions and no cell service, we ended up at a different trailhead. Instead of calling it a bust, we turned it into a discovery hike on Bruno Gulch Loop, also called Buno Gulch.

Over seven miles, we saw only five other people. On a summer day near Guanella Pass, that felt like winning the hiking lottery.

Bruno Gulch Loop Trail Stats

Our route combined the Bruno Gulch Connector Trail No. 792.A, Kirby Gulch, and Bruno Gulch Trail No. 792.

• Distance: About 7 miles
• Elevation gain: About 1,300 feet
• Starting elevation: Approximately 9,800 feet
• Highest elevation: Approximately 11,175 feet
• Route: Loop with a short road walk
• Difficulty: Moderate, with steep, rocky, and muddy sections

For a shorter hike, follow Bruno Gulch Trail No. 792 as an out-and-back. Hiking roughly four miles round trip will take you through aspens and past beaver ponds without the full loop’s elevation gain.

Getting to the Bruno Gulch Trailhead

The trail is on the southern side of Guanella Pass near Duck Creek Picnic Area, about seven miles north of Grant and Highway 285. From Denver, taking Highway 285 to Grant is the most direct approach to this side of Guanella Pass.

Look for the horse corrals and the Bruno Gulch Connector Trail No. 792.A sign. Some older trail signs and maps use “Buno,” but the gulch and primary trail are officially listed as Bruno Gulch.

Download an offline map before leaving Grant. Cell service is spotty to nonexistent in this part of Guanella Pass. We learned that lesson the scenic way.

An Accidental Discovery Hike

We started at 8:25 a.m. with the temperature hovering around a brisk 50°F. The connector trail took us through pine forest and open meadows before reaching a small wooden bridge and the intersection with South Park Trail No. 600.

Turning left sent us climbing beside a creek into Kirby Gulch. At about the three-mile mark, we reached a beautiful open meadow and met a couple scouting for mountain goats. They knew the area well and helped us piece together a loop instead of retracing our steps.

From there, the trail crossed a stream on a log and climbed through several rocky and muddy stretches. We topped out near 11,175 feet before beginning our descent, with a stellar viewpoint along the way.

The “Butt Tree” and an Aspen Jackpot

The couple had also told us to watch for the “butt tree” near the intersection with Bruno Gulch Trail. Sure enough, we found the tree burl shaped like a booty. Nature has a sense of humor.

The next mile or so was the prettiest part of the hike. We descended through an aspen tunnel and stopped at a beaver pond surrounded by more aspens. Mindy and I agreed this would be a fantastic fall hike when the leaves turn gold, especially if you want to avoid some of the bigger crowds found elsewhere on Guanella Pass.

After a few switchbacks and rolling sections, the trail leveled out and followed the creek to the Bruno Gulch Trailhead. A short walk through the campground returned us to our car.

Sometimes missing the intended trail leads to exactly the hike you need. That’s what we got on the Bruno Gulch Loop. This quiet corner of Guanella Pass delivered forests, meadows, mountain views, beaver ponds, an abundance of aspens, and one unforgettable tree.

For another great hike on Guanella Pass, check out post on Square Top Lakes Trail.