Ancient fossils still lie hidden in the bold and bronzen buttes of Badlands National Park, a protected wilderness penetrated by hiking and biking trails.
This trail provides access to Boreas Pass via the old Boreas Pass Wagon Road, which it connects to after crossing FDR 406.
Much of the trail above County Road 50 generally follows an old flume which diverted water from North Tarryall Creek and its tributaries to mining operations located in the upper Tarryall Drainage.
Water is not available at the trail heads or at Selkirk Campground. This trail is also a popular cross-country ski trail.
Details
Length:
8 miles
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Time:
4 - 5 hours
Trailhead Elevation:
11000
Elevation Range:
10000 feet to 11000
Elevation Change:
-1000
Season:
Summer to Winter
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
The Gold Dust Trail begins off the Church Camp Road in the town of Como. The trailhead is approximately 5.5 miles from US Highway 285. There is a wide spot for parking in the road approximately .3 miles past the trailhead. There is also access along County Road 50, approximately 1.5 miles northwest of the Boreas Pass Road turnoff.
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