To reach the trail travel east on East Fork Road from Highway 75 for about 12 miles to the Federal Gulch Campground on the right/south. The trail departs from the east end of the campground road.

Description for following the Federal-Timber Draw Loop:

Head up the Federal Gulch Trail #169 and stay on it where the Timber Draw Trail #313 comes in from the right/south. Continuing up the Federal Gulch Trail #169, the trail climbs up through the lower, treed-portions of Federal Gulch, utilizing alignments that are sometimes direct, and at other times utilizing switchbacking turns.

After clearing the trees the views become more dramatic as you crest into an open grassy area. The trail gets a little faint and braided in this meadowy environment. Keep heading east toward some larger evergreen trees and the intersection with Timber Draw Trail #313. To follow the Federal-Timber loop, turn right onto the #313 trail.

From this intersection, Timber Gulch Trail heads southwest, first traversing up and around an open butte, and then climbing up to a ridge line. After about 0.8 miles on Timber Gulch Trail you will reach the high point of the loop. From here, you continue along the trail, generally following the ridge and trending gently down for about another 0.7 miles; to an intersection with the Timber Draw Trail #313. Turn right onto Timber Draw Trail to continue the loop by following the singletrack north and then down Timber Draw. Turn left when you reach Federal Gulch Trail and continue your descent back to the trailhead.