Matchless
Maps:
USGS 7.5' Map:	Gold Hill, Ward
Statistics:	Difficulty: Number: Miles: Altitude: Obstacles: Time: Easy 2 FR314, FR226 4.05 8,350 to 8,800 ft. None 1-2 hours
County:	Boulder
Adopted by:
Managed by:	Roosevelt National Forest, Boulder Ranger District	2140 Yarmouth, Boulder, CO 80301	(303)541-2500
Summary:	Matchelss is part of a network of 4WD roads off Highway 72 north of Nederland.
Attractions:	Camping
Seasonal Closure:	Natural - Closed by heavy snows.
Best Time:	June - May be open unless heavey snows July - Best August - Best September - Best October - Best
Trail Heads Accessed:
Camping:	There are many dispersed campsites along the Matchless part of the network of roads.
Base Camp:	Good area to base camp with access to many 4WD roads along the Switzerland Trail.
Fall Colors:	Average - There are a few aspen in the area.
Navigation:	From Ward, CO. head north on Utica Street toward Modoc Street and go 0.4 miles. Continue onto Nelson Street and go 394 feet. Turn left onto CO-72 E and go 6.7 miles. Turn left into the Gordon Gulch dispersed camping area onto FR226, the Garnet Spur. Follow FR226 northeast and turn right at the first or secon right hand turn. This is the Matchless road network. From Nederland, CO. head west on West 2nd Street toward North Jefferson Street going 0.3 miles. Continue onto Colorado-72 W/Caribou Street and continue to follow Colorado-72 West for 4.8 miles. Turn right into the Gordon Gulch area onto FR226, the Garnet Spur. Follow FR226 northeast and turn right at the first or secon right hand turn. This is the Matchless road network.
History:
Description:
After leaving Hwy72 you will come to a large parking area. At the far end of this wide area there will be a main road to the left, FR226, and another road to the right, FR314. Taking the left you will head northeast and come to a four way intersection. The left is a short spur to a campsite. The right is the other end of FR314. Continue straight on the wider graded road. In a quarter of a mile you will come to an intersection with Upham Gulch, FR228, on the right. The main road will continue left. In a tenth of a mile you will come to the last intersection. The road to the right is Gordon Gulch, FR233. Again, continue with the left and within about a quarter of a mile you will come to some dispersed camp sites and the end of the road. Going back to the parking area take the road to the right, FR314, that heads into the forest. In about a tenth of a mile you will come to a couple of intersections. The first one on your right, that heads back south, is FR314.1E. Past this turn you will come to a few dispersed camp sites, and another right turn, which is FR314.1H. If you turn left here you will connect back with FR226, at the four way intersection. Starting with FR314.1E, the road will head southeast along the east side of upper Gordon Creek. The road is single lane, but well maintained. you will pass through an open forest with small openings. After just over a quarter of a mile you will find dipsersed campsites along the road. As the road heads down toward Upham Gulch you will come to an intersection. The road to the left is FR314.1H, which is more of a two track. It will head back northwest, passing more dispersed campsites, connecting with the intersection on FR314. Taking the right, FR314.1A, you will continue to head down toward Upham Gulch. After about a half mile you will come to the Coughlin Meadow Road. To the right are private homes, the left will head down to the Sugarloaf Road, CR122.
Data updated - January 31, 2020      4WD Road driven - July 2, 2006      Copyright 4X4Explore.com - 2000-2020