Cucumber gulch

Question

I read you can access the cucumber gulch trail from peak 8. We want to ride the gondola up and tske the trail down....is that possible. I don't see how to access it though. Thanks

Answer

Cucumber Gulch is a popular natural area in Breckenridge known for its scenic trails, wildlife, and relatively easy hiking paths. It is located between Peaks 8 and 9 and is accessible via several trailheads in the resort area.

Regarding your plan to ride the Peak 8 gondola and take a trail down to Cucumber Gulch, here’s what you need to know:

The Peak 8 gondola primarily serves skiers in the winter but is open in summer for sightseeing and hiking access.
There is no direct trail from the top of Peak 8 that leads straight into Cucumber Gulch. Most Cucumber Gulch trails are accessed from the valley near the base of Peak 8 or along the surrounding residential areas.
Hiking down from Peak 8 to Cucumber Gulch would require using a network of connecting trails. Some are multi-use (bike/hike), and it may involve a combination of paths that are not clearly marked from the gondola exit.

Practical approach for your plan:

Take the gondola up to Peak 8 for the views.
Hike along trails near the top for a short loop if you want alpine scenery.
Return to the base area near Peak 8 and enter Cucumber Gulch from the official trailheads. The most common access points are:

From the base of Peak 8 near the parking lots and ski resort area.
From the north side via Wellington Road, connecting into the gulch trails.

The trails in Cucumber Gulch are relatively flat and suitable for a gentle hike, wildlife viewing, and enjoying wildflowers in summer.

In summary, while you can enjoy Peak 8 gondola rides and then hike in Cucumber Gulch, there isn’t a direct trail that descends straight from the gondola to the gulch. You will need to plan your route to connect from the base of Peak 8 or other access points. Maps of Breckenridge hiking/biking trails are very helpful to plan the exact route.