Bayou Gulch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bayou Gulch |
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South Platte River watershed including Bayou Gulch
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| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Ponderosa Park, Colorado |
| River mouth | Confluence with Cherry Creek 6,000 ft (1,800 m) |
| Length | 8 mi (13 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Cherry Creek-South Platte-Platte—Missouri—Mississippi |
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Bayou Gulch
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| NRHP reference No. | 100005167 |
| Added to NRHP | April 13, 2020 |
Bayou Gulch is a small waterway, often called a "gulch," located mostly in the state of Colorado in the United States. It is a tributary (a smaller stream that flows into a larger one) of Cherry Creek. This area is part of the flat lands known as the Colorado Eastern Plains.
In 2020, a special part of Bayou Gulch was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is an important historical site, likely because of old artifacts or evidence of past human life found there.
Where is Bayou Gulch?
Bayou Gulch starts in Elbert County, Colorado. This is southeast of the big city of Denver. It begins about 1 mile (1.6 km) southeast of a place called Ponderosa Park.
From its start, the gulch flows west. It travels through the eastern part of Douglas County. Eventually, it flows into Cherry Creek. A road called Bayou Gulch Road follows along the path of the gulch. The streambed of Bayou Gulch is usually dry, meaning water only flows there after heavy rain or snowmelt.
What is a Gulch?
A "gulch" is a term often used in the western United States. It describes a deep, narrow valley or ravine. These are usually formed by fast-flowing water, especially during floods. Gulches are often smaller than canyons or valleys. They can be dry for most of the year, only carrying water after storms.
Recreational Fun at Bayou Gulch
Even though the gulch itself is often dry, there's a fun park right next to it! This park offers many ways to play and stay active.
You can find a playground for younger kids, where they can climb and slide. There are also basketball hoops for shooting hoops with friends. For team sports, the park has a football field and a baseball field. If you enjoy being outdoors, there are also hiking trails where you can explore the area around the gulch.
