The trail crosses open meadows and then follows Fossil Creek drainage downstream for approximately 1.5 miles before climbing off the creek and back into the spruce. The trail parallels the Fossil Creek before crossing open meadows to Beaver Creek. Beaver Creek has sections of overflow and open water even during winter. The trail continues through spruce forests and across the bridge at Montana Creek to the junction with Colorado Creek Trail. The Fossil Gap Trail is non-motorized only during the summer, May 1 - October 14.

Access this trail from the Colorado Creek Trailhead at milepost 57.1 Elliot Highway. The trail insects Colorado Creek Trail about 21 miles from the trailhead.