Citadel via Herman Gulch Trail: Complete Colorado 13er Hike Guide

Jul 23

ABSTRACT

Experience the ultimate summer adventure on the Citadel via Herman Gulch Trail, a 9.45‑mile Colorado hike with 2,999 ft of elevation gain. This detailed guide covers trailhead amenities, moderate to high traffic, and essential equipment like La Sportiva GTX boots and trekking poles. Navigate class 3 scrambles safely and enjoy stunning tree‑canopy sections near Herman Lake at 13,199 ft. Plan your Rocky Mountain summit trek with insider tips on parking, difficulty, and best practices for high‑altitude hiking.

Keywords

Citadel via Herman Gulch Trail
Citadel hike Colorado
Herman Gulch Trail hike
Colorado 13er hiking guide
Rocky Mountain Citadel summit
Herman Lake to Citadel route
Colorado high‑altitude trails
9.5‑mile Colorado hikes
Class 3 scramble Colorado
Hiking boots and poles for altitude
Summer hikes near Denver
Colorado tree‑canopy trails

Colorado Hikes: Citadel via Herman Gulch Trail

Time of Year: Mid-July.

Weather: 45-60 degrees and sunny.

Cover: 35% covered with a tree canopy (fully exposed near Herman Lake and beyond).

Time: 8:34 am - 1:56 pm.

Distance: 9.45 miles total.

Cost: None.

Bathroom at Trailhead: Yes.

Difficulty: Hard Level 3 for altitude (13199 feet), elevation gain (2999 feet), class (several class 3 plus moves over last 200 feet of gain), and length (9.45 miles).

Route: Herman Gulch Trail to the Citadel Trail and then the Citadel-Herman Lake Bypass Trail to Herman Gulch Trail. Please note that the unofficial, unmarked Herman Lake Bypass Trail should be avoided (unless during the winter while skiing???).

Traffic: Moderate to high.

Parking: All roadside and parking lot spaces were 80% full at 8:15 am; however, 5 spots were available.

Equipment: La Sportiva Trango Tech GTX Hiking Boots, Black Diamond Alpon Carbon Cork Trekking Poles, Osprey Talon 33 Backpack, Kahtoola MICROspikes

Terrain: Dirt and rock trail to Herman Lake. Dirt trail up towards the top of Citadel, and then a rock scramble and climb.

Experience: Herman Gulch Trail is extremely busy every weekend for a good reason. The trek to the lake is flanked by 12ers with incredible views in all directions by the time you reach the water retreat. It's a challenging, hard level 1 route until Herman Lake (not technical), and then the real fun (and views) begin. The top section of the Citadel is classified as Class 3 plus. It requires sure-footing on scree in sections. Still worth it even if you don't finish the last 60 feet nearly straight up (80% grade). Incredible views and a new favorite! Last note: The Citadel All-Trails route offers an alternative route to the Herman Gulch path (the typical route to the lake). Please note that it is NOT a trail past the creek crossing. There isn't a trail to be seen until you reach the initial ascent to Citadel. You are essentially trampling on fields of beautiful wildflowers. Please use this as a guide only during the winter while skiing. And then you can worry about avalanche danger instead......

Personal Trainer Notes: Personal training clients will be challenged by the 1700 feet of elevation gain to the lake alone. Undoubtedly, a good baseline of cardiovascular endurance is required. For the ambitious altitude climbers, you’ll enjoy the remainder of the trail beyond Herman Lake in solitude. The grade of the trail is a workout and requires patience, as well as possibly some butt-scooting on specific sections (if needed). The final climb up is too technical for you, but you can avoid it and enjoy the views at 13,001 feet instead. No judgment here!

Hiking in Colorado — **Colorado Hiking Trails**

List of Hiking Trails in Colorado

To check out more hiking reviews with pictures, visit “List of Colorado Hikes.” You’ll find options across a spectrum of difficulty, including many trails in the foothills and front range.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: MICHAEL MOODY, PERSONAL TRAINER

As an author, a personal trainer in Denver, and podcast host, Michael Moody has helped personal training clients achieve new fitness heights and incredible weight loss transformations since 2005. He also produces the wellness podcast "The Elements of Being" and has been featured on NBC, WGN Radio, and PBS.

Michael offers personal training to Denver residents who want to meet at the 2460 W 26th Ave studio….or in their homes throughout LoHi (80206), LoDo (80202), RiNo (80216), Washington Park (80209), Cherry Creek (80206, 80209, 80243, 80246, 80231), and Highlands (80202, 80211, 80212). Michael also offers experiences with a personal trainer in Jefferson Park (80211) and Sloan's Lake (80204, 80212).

If you’re looking for a personal trainer who can curate a sustainable (and adaptable) routine based on your needs and wants, Michael is the experienced practitioner you’ve been looking for. Try personal training for a month…your body will thank you!