Baxter Gulch

Baxter Gulch is an unassuming drainage located just south of the prominent Augusta Falls, and it makes a great follow‑up canyon since the approach begins at the end of the Augusta Falls exit route. The first and third rappels are enjoyable, but the real highlight is the multi‑stage second rappel, along with the excellent overall “pay‑to‑play,” which together make Baxter Gulch well worth doing.

Drive North out of Crested Butte on CR 317 toward Mt. Crested Butte. Turn Left (West) on CR 734 for 8 miles to parallel the Slate River heading North and passing the Oh-Be-Joyful Campground. Turn Left on Forest Service Road 552, where high clearance 4WD will be required. Follow signs to avoid private driveways and cross the Slate River, then dodge cattle on the open range. Select one of the seven Poverty Gulch dispersed campsites or Park near the end of the road for both Baxter Gulch and Augusta Falls. Hike Daisy Pass Trail 404 until it nears Baxter Gulch above the first rappel. Depart the trail to the south and descend a game trail to the watercourse below.

Downclimb a short low angle cataract R1: 130' from a rock or rock stack in Canyon Center R2: 185' from a tree on Canyon Left for a multistage rappel with a 100' vertical falls first, past two potholes and a final 20' vertical falls into a deep pool R3: 60' from a tree on Canyon Right

Follow Baxter Gulch downstream until it merges with Poverty Gulch. The shortest path back to the road is to pick up an old dirt two track on the North side of Poverty Gulch and follow this to the Northeast.