Bull Gap Winter Trails

The Bull Gap  area in the winter has a 3 mile out and back trail that can connect up to the Mount Ashland ski lodge by adding 2 miles. Great for snow shoeing, x-country skiing, dogs, and a little sledding.

Driving 

– The Bull Gap Winter Trails are a 15 mile, 35 minute drive south of Ashland. Get on Interstate 5 heading toward California. Exit 6 says Mt. Ashland and that is your “sign” to get off the freeway. (Ha. Get it?) Continue straight at the off ramp intersection towards Mt. Ashland and then in 300 yards turn right up toward Mt. Ashland. There are many Mt. Ashland signs so take advantage of them. After about 15 minutes of a winding uphill road there will be a larger, triangular parking cut out to the right. If you arrive at the ski lodge, you’ve gone too far!

Parking

– The Bull Gap parking area requires an Oregon Sno-Park pass.  I go to Bi-Mart and buy mine at the gun counter. The paved parking pull-out holds 30 cars maybe but there are no lines or anything so be a thoughtful parker.  The Bull Gap Snowpark sign is smaller and in the back of the lot so get ready to squint. It’s packed on a nice, sunny Saturday so go early or bring your skinny car.

The Adventure

– 20 yards in from the parking lot is a sledding area. There’s a steep downhill through the trees to the right, and a wide, short hill to the left. It’s mediocre sledding, but it’s a scenic “snow angels and snow ball fight” area.

The trail continues at a mild downhill for over 3 miles to the actual Bull Gap intersection. You can head uphill from there to your left to Mt. Ashland which is over 2 miles of steeper trail. Downhill to your right goes all the way to Ashland via Toleman Creek road. The smaller trail straight ahead becomes Ashland Loop Road.

If you are in shape and have a buddy you can park one car at Bull Gap and drive up to Mt. Ashland for a 6 mile tour. Or vice versa. Remember your winter safety rules – chains for the car, sunscreen, layers, sunglasses, water, snacks, check the weather… It’s not Mt. Everest, but you can still become a popsicle if you are a knucklehead.