Gypsum Ponds

About

Gypsum Ponds is a State Wildlife Area in Gypsum, Colorado, located on the Western Slope. The primary trail is a short, 0.6-mile loop with a total elevation gain of 29 feet, ranging from 6,298 to 6,327 feet. This easy hike typically takes about 2 hours to complete and is suitable for fall hiking from September through November. The trail surface is dirt, and the route traverses varied terrain with the ponds as a key feature. Conditions are generally dry in the fall, though mud and ice are possible as temperatures drop. Parking is available at the trailhead. Restrooms are listed in some sources, but the managing agency, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, does not explicitly list them as an amenity on their official page. A valid hunting or fishing license OR a State Wildlife Area (SWA) pass is required for all visitors aged 16 and older. Dogs are permitted on the trail but must be leashed, as the COTREX database lists 'Allows Dogs' as yes but notes 'No' for the specific permit requirement context often associated with SWA management; however, the specific trail page states 'Allows Dogs No' which contradicts the general 'Pet friendly' database entry. Closer inspection of the COTREX data shows 'Allows Dogs No' for the specific trail, while the database says 'Pet friendly'. Given the SWA status, leash laws are strict. The area is managed for wildlife, so visitors should expect quiet and natural conditions.