BUSHDUCKS COLORADO JEEP TRAILS
WHEN ARE THEY PASSABLE?
DATES FOR 2006

The status of many popular high elevation 4x4 trails in Colorado is listed below and updated as the trails open or close. The list only includes the main trails and the voluntary updates come from many sources, including the National Forest service, the BLM, and interested individuals. As the Colorado mountain weather can be highly unpredictable, please check with the relevant information body yourself for any recent changes. Conditions can change without notice. It is also subjective - a trail one person says is open, may be considered too dangerous to travel by another.

As a guide, you can view the dates and information from the 2005 Season, 2004 Season,2003 Season, the 2002 Season or the 2001 Season. The 2003 season was pretty average for opening dates, but the 2002 season was a dry, low snowpack year, so some dates were a lot earlier than usual. The 2004 snowpack in Colorado was mixed. Low snowpack on the front range, higher than normal in the San Juans. Keep an eye on this page for frequent updates in season. Where passes are left blank, no current information has been submitted.

This list is intended as a guide only and no responsibility is taken for any incident arising from mis-information. The ultimate responsibility as to whether the trail is safe to travel, within the capabilities of yourself and your vehicle, or indeed open at all, is taken by YOU.

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TRAIL NAME	NATIONAL FOREST NAME/DISTRICT	PHONE NUMBER	STATUS	DATE UPD.
Argentine Pass/Waldorf Mine	White River/Dillon	970-468-5400	Partially open	7/16/06
COMMENTS: 7/16/06 - All the way open to the top. Usual condition, great wildflowers. 6/25/06 - Snowbank is still blocking access approximately 1 mile from the top. 6/3/05 - Went up to about 11,500 feet before the switchbacks up to Argentine Pass but could not progress any further due to snow banks blocking the road including the one to Santiago Mine.
Ballard Road	Fort Collins Region
COMMENTS:
Bangs Canyon	BLM
COMMENTS:
Bill Moore Lake	Clear Creek	303-567-3000	Partially open	6/17/06
COMMENTS: 6/17/06 - Still snowed in by drift at tree line, several vehicles going around the drift and off trail. Make sure to stay on the trail in this area. Drift snow at tree line. 5/20/06 - Hit untracked snow drifts about 1/2 mile past the "Entering Arapaho National Forest" sign and turned back.
Birdseye Gulch	Uncompahgre/Ouray	970-240-5300
COMMENTS:
Black Bear Pass	Uncompahgre/Ouray	970-240-5300	Open	7/15/06
COMMENTS: 7/15/06 - Some SUVs were getting stuck at Ingram Falls crossing and having to be winched out. Stay to left when crossing the falls. Wildflowers were gorgeous on the Ouray side. 7/14/06 - The pass opened this morning. We ran the entire pass from 550 to Teluride. I think we may have been the first to make the run this year. Everything seemed in good shape except for the Ingram Falls crossing. It seemed very rough compared to years past. 6/26/06 - Black Bear Pass is closed at the top before descending to Telluride at this time for approx. 3 weeks due to trail work that is being conducted on the lower portion due to falling debris.For public safety, no hikers or bikers below the top of Ingram Falls and below Bridal Veil Falls on San Miguel County Road K69 or on the Hillside. Pedestrian traffic allowed in this area on weekends and holidays only. Call 970-327-4835 if questions. 5/21/06 - No attempt has been made to open pass from US 550.
Blowout Pass	Rio Grande/Divide	719-657-3321
COMMENTS:
Bolam Pass	Uncompahgre/Ouray	970-240-5300	Open	6/29/06
COMMENTS: 6/29/06 - Now open all the way. 6/3/06 - Still blocked at the top. But it hopefully won't be long before it opens.
Boreas Pass	White River/Dillon	970-468-5400
COMMENTS:
Breakneck and Browns Passes	Pike/Fairplay	719-836-2031	Open (small vehicles)	7/21/06
COMMENTS: 7/21/06 - Driving in from the Fairplay side, at the top of Browns Pass, the main road is blocked by a large barrier made of dead wood. Also met a small jeep at this barrier coming from the other direction, and the driver said the other side was pretty nasty was very difficult in places. A smaller vehicle (we were in a 4runner) could probably get around the barrier and through to Weston pass, but we didn't try. Later looked at a current NFS map (we had been using the Colorado 4wd book also seen on this website) and this map no longer shows the road going all the way through.... 6/23/06 - Open all the way. Dry and dusty but TONS of wildflowers including lots of Columbines.
Bunce School Trail System	Boulder	303–541-2500	Open	8/19/06
COMMENTS: 8/19/06 - The trail running from the Bunce School house at HWY 72 all the way to Camp Dick is open. The trail was in great condition. There were a hand full of puddles and one muddy area that caused moderate sliding of the rear. 5/27/05 - Trail completely open. Started trail from Camp Dick. Some wet spots but not deep at all. Just enough to get your tires dirty. Lots of 4wd's and ATV's/dirtbikes. Trail in good shape and spur roads very accessible.
California Gulch	Uncompahgre/Ouray	970-240-5300	Partially open	6/04/06
COMMENTS: 6/4/06 - This Trail IS NOT open all the way from 550 to Lake City. From Anamis Forks you can go approx. 2 miles towards 550. There is a snow plow at that point and there is snow blocking the trail, it has been worked on but at this point it is not doable by everyone. On the 550 side, at the beginning of the trail, where there used to be alot of rocks it is now pretty smooth and the rocks have been moved. There is new dirt on the trail, it has been changed with the removal of the rocks for approx 1/2 mile. From Anamis Forks to Lake City is open.
California Pass	Uncompahgre/Ouray	970-240-5300	Open	6/10/06
COMMENTS: 6/10/06 - Open all the way through. Looks like they had just finished a couple days prior to my visit. Placer and Picayne are open as well but was unable to get to the Sound Democrat mill. Surface is fine except for some muddy areas. lots of water
Carnage Canyon	Boulder	303–541-2500	Open all year	4/16/06
COMMENTS: 4/16/06 - Only some wet patches. 3/18/06 - Light dusting of snow. Completely open all year.
Chinaman Gulch	San Isabel/Salida	719-539-3591	Open all year	4/16/06
COMMENTS: 4/16/06 - No snow anywhere Completely open all year.
China Wall	Pike/Fairplay	719-836-2031	Open all year	4/16/06
COMMENTS: 4/16/06 - Completely open all year, only small patches of snow as of 1/21/06 (most likely completely clear by now but I can't verify that).
Cinammon Pass	Uncompahgre/Ouray BLM/Gunnison	970-240-5300 970-641-0471	Open	5/22/06
COMMENTS: 5/22/06 - Pass is mostly dry with some wet and muddy spots going through snow drifts near the top. East side has been bladed and is smoother than later in the summer. Snow is melting rapidly and water is high all over San Juans. 5/13/06 - The trail has been plowed from Lake City to Silverton. There is still a lot of snow at the higher elevations, but it is passible.
Coney Flats	Boulder	303–541-2500	Open	7/9/06
COMMENTS: 7/9/06 - Trail is open. Many water crossings; some door sill deep plus. 5/13/06 - Trail is still closed. No posted opening date.
Corkscrew Gulch	Uncompahgre/Ouray BLM/Gunnison	970-240-5300 970-641-0471	Open	7/17/06
COMMENTS: 7/17/06 - Wild flowers are approaching their peak display, especially on the west side of the pass. Road is in good shape all the way. 6/04/06 - Trail is open all the way
Cumberland Pass	San Isabel/Salida	719-539-3591	Open	7/1/06
COMMENTS: 7/1/06 - We ran the main road from Pitkin to Tin Cup. No issues the whole way. Did not run the off road sections but they looked clear as well.
Cunningham Gulch	Uncompahgre/Ouray	970-240-5300	Open	6/29/06
COMMENTS: 6/29/06 - Open all the way.
Eagle Rock	Teller County	Near Colorado Springs	Open all year	4/16/06
COMMENTS: 3/18/06 - Completely open all year, only small patches of snow.
Elwood Pass	Rio Grande/Conejos San Juan/Pagosa	719-274-8971 970-264-2268
COMMENTS:
Engineer Pass	Uncompahgre/Ouray BLM/Gunnison	970-240-5300 970-641-0471	Open	7/11/06
7/11/06 - The very first part off Hwy 550 has been reworked and is smoother than last year. But after that the Mineral Creek access to Engineer is as rough as last year. 5/27/06 - Open all the way from Hwy 550 to Lake City. Trail was a little more rough than what I remembered from my trip in '04 but not bad. 5/22/06 - wet and muddy at top and west side. Oh Point is plowed out too. Pass is posted as open in Lake City on sign board as well.
Georgia Pass	White River/Dillon	970-468-5400	Open	6/24/06
COMMENTS: 6/24/06 - Pass is open all the way. We started on the Breckenridge side and made it all the way to the Jefferson side in a standard Rubicon. 6/17/06 - One can get to the top from the east no problem, but the west side has too much snow to get down. 4/27/06 - Still heavily snowed in just past where the snowmobilies and trailers park from the Jefferson side.
Governor Basin	Uncompahgre/Ouray	970-240-5300 970	Open	7/22/06
COMMENTS: 7/22/06 - Trail is open all the way. Near the top we saw 3 ATV riders blazing multiple "trails" where ever they pleased. Hope to see less of this in the future... 6/11/06 - Still closed. Visibly snowed in as seen from the Yankee Boy Basin road.
Hancock Pass	San Isabel/Salida	719-539-3591	Open	7/1/06
COMMENTS: 7/1/06 - Ran from St. Elmo to Alpine tunnel road. No blockage on the trail. 5/27/06 - The trail is blocked by deep snow .4 miles from the Alpine Tunnel from the Tin Cup side. The trail is dry until you reach the parking for the Alpine Tunnel, otherwise the trail is very very wet and muddy in spots. 5/27/06 - 20 yards in from turn where it splits from the trail to the lake there are big drifts covering the trail. The trail up to the lake is open but a lot of runoff coming down it.
Hagerman Pass	San Isabel/Leadville White River/Sophris	719-486-0749 970-963-2266	Partially open	7/5/06
COMMENTS: 7/5/06 - The USFS says they plowed the road the last week of June so it is open. Muddy due to snow melt and local rain. 6/22/06 - From Turquoise Lake, the pass is clear to approx. mile 7 which is one mile shy of the summit. Here you will find the road impassable due to large amounts of snow. At least 4-6 foot snowdrifts still cover the road. 6/4/06 - Trail blocked by snow just past the railroad sign.
Hayden Pass	Rio Grande/Saguache San Isabel/Salida	719-655-2547 719-539-3591	Open	5/28/06
COMMENTS: 5/28/06 - Open all of the way. Traveled west to east. Two small drifts on the side on the way down, but not in the trail to much. Otherwise dry, very dry.
Hurricane Pass	Uncompahgre/Ouray	970-240-5300	Open	6/10/06
COMMENTS: 6/10/06 - Open all the way. Neat setting at lake Como with it still being mostly frozen. 5/22/06 - San Juan is starting work on the Hurricane Pass road. Their progress is visible from the Cinnamon Pass road. They are not up to Begley Tunnel Mill yet so are not into Hurricane basin.
Imogene Pass	Uncompahgre/Ouray	970-240-5300	Open	9/03/06
COMMENTS: 9/03/06 - Took trail out of Telluride. First 1-2 miles out of Telluride have some loose rocks but no problems going over. Just over the pass and in the first half mile down-hill on the Ouray side there are two big drop-offs you will need to stair step through and will probably still bottom out just a little--no other bad areas. 8/31/06 - Trail was open, but travel from Ourey to Telluride was NOT recommended by one of the larger tour operators. He said they were being forced to route their tours through Telluride and then over Imogene. Our experience supported his concerns. Weeks of heavy rains have made the trail rougher and more difficult than normal. Rough on the Ourey side with enough enough loose rock to make two good size stair steps difficult to manage when wet. 8/11/06 - We have already reported on our experiences in June and late July. But it might be worth reporting that scuttlebutt has it that Imogene has been pretty bad since the first of August. It is a fact that a jeeper from Texas was killed by a rockfall on the Sneffels-Ouray section around the end of July, as reported in the Ouray News. 8/2/06- We came from the Ouray side & the trail was closed at the Imogene Trail head. Apparently there are 2 landslides that they have not cleared. 7/27/06 - The road is open -- sort of, as of the 27th. We traveled Imogene on the 27th, and found it to be rougher and rockier than our previous trip. Our party had an unmodified Rubicon and a stock Liberty, and some places on the Ouray side were marginal. Torrential rain on the afternoon of the 27th made it much worse. Rockslides and near washouts between the Sneffels intersection and Ouray were severe at 5:00 PM. 6/29/06 - The trail is open all the way. We traveled it from Telluride to Ouray on 6/29. The Ouray side is rough, and wet and muddy in spots, especially the last two miles or so from the Camp Bird locked gate to the Sneffels intersection. 6/23/06 - Plowed open, but is icy and muddy at the top. Use caution. 5/13/06 - Imogene Pass was snow covered from just across the bridge that crosses the creek.
Italian Creek Road/Upper Reno Divide	Gunnison/Gunnison	970-641-0471
COMMENTS:
Jones Pass	Clear Creek	303-567-3000	Partially open	8/12/06
COMMENTS: 8/12/06 - Trail is open all the way - snowdrift has been removed at pass. 7/28/06 - Opened to within 20 feet of the top of the pass where it is blocked by snow ridge. A few puddles is all there is of other obstacles encountered on the way. Went up there to watch the sunset on Friday night. The trail is dry and opened to about 20 feet from the top of the pass. There is a ridge/drift of snow right at the pass that is about 20 feet wide and 4-8 feet tall that blocks the road. You can see the ridge of snow that will cross the road as you climb. A couple of people could tackle it with shovels in a couple of hours if they were so inclined. Saw a nice family of mountain goats while on top. 6/26/06 - The very top is still snowed in. There are patches of snow on the higher sections of the road. A couple of wet and muddy spots lower down, but mainly dry and clear.
Kebler Pass
COMMENTS:
Kelly Flats	Canyon Lakes	970-498-2770	Open	6/19/06
COMMENTS: 6/19/06 - Open all the way. Dry and dusty.
Kendall Peak and Kendall Mountain	Uncompahgre/Ouray	970-240-5300	Open	8/29/06
COMMENTS: 8/29/06 - The trail to Kendall Mountain and Kendall Peak is often overlooked. This trail begins in Silverton, climbs to around 12,000 feet and then splits with one leg going east to Kendall Peak and an interesting mine. The other goes west to Kendall Mountain and great views of Silverton. Both legs of the trail end above 13,000ft. This is a great trail for magnificent views, lots of wildlife and several historic sites. Trail conditions were good to excellent - manageable by most stock 4x4s. The major obstacles were loose rock in a few places and an occasional boulder on the road. The higher sections of these trails are narrow. Drivers traversing the western leg of the trail to Kendall Mountain should park at the second parking area by the comm equipment (the one beyond the notch in the mountain) and walk the last two blocks to the end of the trail. There is no place to turn around at the end of this leg of the trail and backing along a 3000 ft drop is not much fun.. The view of Silverton, the Durnago and Silverton RR and the mountains to the north and west is amazing!
Kennebec Pass	Uncompahgre/Ouray	970-240-5300	Open, but...	10/2/06
COMMENTS: 10/2/06 - This trail should not be even called a "pass" as that indicates a passage from one side of the mountain to the other. Near the summit at a popular photo area there is a Forest Service Sign that clearly indicated the Durango was 26 miles on the road leading through Kennebec Pass. As we found out the hard and scary way, there is no pass. The trail ends abruptly at the summit. There is a small road that is too narrow for even a 4 wheeler that disappears into the mountain in a few hundred feet and a 36 inch tall pile of rocks in front of a sheer 400 foot drop off that is meant to stop anyone from reaching the summit and driving off the other side. There were also 4 crosses placed there I guess to memoralize those who didn't know better and died trying to make the "pass". If you travel on past the scenic outlook make sure you take a short wheel base and leave your self room to make a 4 point turn with a spotter to get back down the way you came. We found out later from some locals that it is common knowledge and they refer to it as the "Notch". There should not be a sign indicating a trail into Durango and there should be a warning about the cliff on the other side of the summit. It was a little unnerving but we managed to get turned around and pointed back down. Another contributor states that the sign to Durango refers to the Colorado Trail hiking path and not a 4x4 Road. 7/27/06 - We went into the area by way of the Kennebec Cafe. We went all the way up to the pass without trouble, however...After going through the pass heading into Durango -- the road became EXTREMELY narrow and unsteady and we were not able to continue through with our LR3. We had to back up to get back to the pass and turn around there and head out. It was dangerously narrow, with ground giving way beneath our tires. We truly didn't think we were going to get out ok. We've been doing this for awhile and this was scarey! This road is should not be 2 way at the top. There is absolutely no way for vehicles to pass -- you'd have to back up the entire way to the top. We thought the road should be marked closed. 6/29/06 - Now open all the way. 5/19/06 - Blocked by a landslide below Columbus Basin
Kingston Peak	Clear Creek	303-567-3000	Open	7/15/06
COMMENTS: 7/15/06 - Open all the way. Seemed to be rougher than usual. A few water crossings, nothing big, just enough to get the tires wet.
Lamartine/Saxon Mountain	Clear Creek	303-567-3000	Open	8/3/06
COMMENTS: 8/3/06 - Took the Saxon Mountain Road from Georgetown to Idaho Springs. Road open all the way.We start ed this trip in a Jeep Grand Cherokee with a lift kit and off road tires. Leaving from Georgetown, the road is rough and slowly smooths the further you go, until you reach the Red Mill. After leaving the mill, the road becomes very narrow in a few places with large boulders we had to maneuver around. A few washed out places in the road had us driving on the side of the mountain; not for the the weak at heart. To makes thing even more challenging, we ran into rain approximately 1/2 our way to the top; take this one early in the day to avoid the afternoon showers. Near the top of the mountain, there is a turn off to the left that says Cascade Creek. We chose Cascade Creek as our path down to Idaho Springs. It is rather rough and rocky, but well worth the time. We were canopied by large aspen and pine trees the entire length of the road, which entered the highway on Chicago Creek; just a few minutes from Idaho Springs. 6/24/06 - Saxon Mountain Road open...but, if you are using a wide vehicle...maybe not. There is a substantial wash out in one place where the road is giving way, requiring you to get the wheels up on the high side to clear. Plus a couple large boulders next to the road making clearance very tight. My Land Cruiser just barely squeezed thru (real pucker factor with the wheels just on the road edge). Normal sized American vehicles would not clear. 6/3/06 - Open and dry all the way from Idaho Springs to Georgetown. 5/13/06 - Trail was not open to the top from the Idaho Springs side. Large snow drift blocked the road. Could not bypass without going off trail.
Lead King Basin	White River/Sophris District	970-963-2266
COMMENTS:
Left Hand Canyon	Boulder	303–541-2500	Open all year	4/16/06
COMMENTS: 4/16/06 - Completely open all year, mostly dry with some muddy sections and patches of snow in the higher elevations.
McAllistair Gulch	White River/Holy Cross	970-827-5715	Open	7/16/06
COMMENTS: 7/16/06 - Open all the way. Tons of wildflowers in the high meadow. Most of the trail is dry and dusty. Water levels at stream crossings was moderate. Fantastic views at the top (including Mount of the Holy Cross). 6/4/06 - Trail not open all the way. Snow blocks trail when the switchbacks start.
Medano Pass	Rio Grande/Saguache San Isabel/San Carlos	719-655-2547 719-269-8500	Open	5/28/06
COMMENTS: 5/28/06 - Open all of the way. Creeks are maybe 18" max. Otherwise dry. The sand is very dry and loose already, worse past the large dune lot headed south towards the visitors center.
Middle St. Vrain	Boulder	303–541-2500	Open	7/9/06
COMMENTS: 7/9/06 - Trail is open all the way to the turn-around. A number of water crossings; some bumper deep plus. 6/18/06 - The gate was opened in the afternoon. I walked most of the way up to the junction with Cooney Creek Road in the morning. Trail is dry, but the puddles are still there. There is also the small amount of drainage crossing the trail. 5/20/06 - Closed until June 16th. They want to open Coney Flats at same time so this is the earliest date because of snow. 5/13/06 - Camp Dick is still closed until 5-19 according to sign on gate. Not sure if trail will be open after that date or not.
Mill Creek/Red Elephant Trail	Clear Creek	303-567-3000	Open	6/17/06
COMMENTS: 6/17/06 - No snow on trail as of Saturday 6/17, however, several mud holes where snow was the previous weekend. Trail passable.
Moody Hill	Canyon Lakes	970-295-6700	Open	6/19/06
COMMENTS: 6/19/06 - Open all the way. Dry and dusty.
Mosquito Pass	Pike/South Park San Isabel/Leadville	719-836-2031 719-486-0749	Open	9/9/06
COMMENTS: 9/9/06 - We came from the Alma side, where the first sign on County Road 12 states the pass is closed due to snow. The next sign by Park City said pass was open so we continued. There was a lot of snow on the higher peaks but the trail was clear the entire way to Leadville. Trail basically in good condition. Dusting of snow on the west side of pass - take it easy so you don't end up with the other vehicles at the bottom. Large vehicles may not be able to clear large boulder on road about 1/2 mile from summit on east side of pass. Need two guys or winch to move it. Next snow will probably close the pass. 8/27/06 - Still open all the way despite the sign at the beginning of the road off Rt. 9 on the Alma-side. It shows that the Pass is closed due to snow. If you continue up the road, the next status sign shows that the pass is open. There was fresh light snow on the ground but none affecting the trail. The whoops as you climb up from the Alma side were slick and a bit of a challenge for a stock vehicle. Otherwise, smooth sailing the whole length. 7/16/06 - Open all the way, no problems. Traveled east to west, both signs show closed, USF has never been speedy about getting these posted quickly. 7/15/06 - Forest Service in Fairplay reports this as open this week, we will verify this Sunday. 6/25/06 - From the Alma side the pass is open to the upper mine. It is blocked by a large drift, probably about 4-5 foot deep. We hiked to the top and parts of the east side are pretty rough. Once we reached the summit, we met a couple that had driven from the Leadville side in a rented Grand Cherokee. 6/16/06 - We were able to make it up to about 12.5K ft from the Leadville side then hit a big snowpatch.
Mount Baldy/Captain Jacks	Pike National Forest/ El Paso County	719-836-2031	Open	5/28/06
COMMENTS: 5/28/06 - Trail is passable all the way to the gate by high cleareance stock 4wd SUVs. Some vehicles had to turn around at the standard rock fall area. Rock steps were constructed at the rock fall that allowed a few vehicles to get through. No problems were encountered after that. 4/22/06 - You can get to the shelf road but it is blocked at the normal rock slide area. Large boulder is in the trail but a modified jeep could get by. Unfortunately, there is a snow drift right after that which is impassable by vehicles. All the lower elevation areas are open.
Mount Blanca/Como Lakes			Partially open	4/15/06
COMMENTS: 4/15/06 - We knew that we were a little early - appeared that we might have been the first tracks of the season - we were able to make it up past Jaws#1, #2,  but only with some winching because of the snow. When we got past the talus field (it still ahad a couple of feet of snow on the trail) and began entering the trees just before the lower lake the snow bagan getting really deep (three to four feet) after what seemed like 25 wench pulls (I'm running 36" tires aired way down with lockers)we finally gave up and hiked up the last 800 or so yards to Como Lake. It was frozen solid and snow covered - but real beautiful!! Lots of snow and ice - the stream crossings were rock solid snow was up to 4' deep in places.
Ohio Pass	Gunnison	970-641-0471
COMMENTS:
Ophir Pass	Uncompahgre/Ouray	970-240-5300	)pen	09/02/06
COMMENTS: 09/02/06 - From Silverton side. Trail in very good shape--no problem areas at all. A nice easy drive. Leaves should be in full color in about 2-3 weeks, they were just beginning to turn. 06/09/06 - Pass open all the way. Road in good condition. 550 Silverton side had rock slide. Most vehicles can maneuver through. We have a Tacoma, but nothing much wider can fit. 5/21/06 - East side (from Silverton) is plowed to top for several weeks. West side plowed to top as of 5-21 except for 100 feet of four feet loose snow. Would expect this pass to be open Memorial Day week end. Check with locals. 5/13/06 - The trail is open to the top on the Hwy.550 ( Silverton ) side. They are plowing all the trails in the San Juans early because of less than average snowfall. The trail is in excellent condition. They will probably be plowing the top this week.
Owl Creek Pass	Uncompahgre/Ouray BLM/Gunnison	970-240-5300 970-641-0471	Open	6/25/06
COMMENTS: 6/25/06 - Open all the way.
Pearl Pass	Gunnison/Gunnison	970-641-0471	Partially Open	9/16/06
COMMENTS: 9/16/06 - From the Aspen side, three vehicles quit about 0.5 miles from the summit. Snow drifts at that point were 10 inches deep. No evidence of anyone else summiting from Aspen since the time the storm started on the previous night. 8/26/06 - Road is open all the way. No snow. We traveled from Crested Butte to Aspen. It had been raining quite a bit so everything was wet and the bog section on the CB side was challenging. Otherwise, the road is in decent shape. 7/16/06 - Not doable from aspen side yet, without chains+lockers, possibly more. Some small drifts in switchbacks around 11.5k. There's the usual large drift at the scree pile at the base of Pearl Mt. at about 12k. The last mile has snowdrifts. There were tracks coming down from the top, so it's been done from the Crested Butte side, probably with chains all4 and lockers. 7/2/06 - We ran it from the Aspen side and hit an short, 8 foot high snow drift at 11,675 feet. N38* 59.930; W 106* 50.454. We might have shoveled our way through as it was only 20 feet long, but there was still 1,100 feet of climbing to do with the possiblity of more of the same so we headed back. 6/9/06 - Trail is not open from Aspen side. Still a lot of snow, and a tree in the way just before the road splits to Montezuma Basin. The tree could be moved if you have a winch, but the snow beyond that was still pretty deep. There are a few spots still on the Castle Creek side, where there is snow, but it is driveable. Castle Creek is running high right now too.
Pomeroy Lake	Rio Grande/Saguache San Isabel/Salida	719-655-2547 719-539-3591	Partially open	5/27/06
COMMENTS: 5/27/06 - The trail is open to just past the grave yard. After that the road is snowbound. Trail is in good condition up to the grave yard fairly easy road up to that point.
Poughkeepsie Gulch	Uncompahgre/Ouray	970-240-5300	Open	7/18/06
COMMENTS: 7/18/06 - The trail was open all the way - We drove it up from Alpine Loop to Lake Como - Took the left climb at the "wall" - we made it in our Jeep Rubicon with lockers and no winching was needed. 6/29/06 - Supposedly open. I heard this in Telluride, so it's second hand news. 6/25/06 - Still closed.
Ptarmigan Pass	White River/Holy Cross	970-827-5715	Open	7/16/06
COMMENTS: 7/16/06 - Open all the way. Trail is dry and dusty. Lots of wildflowers on the north side of the pass.
Radical Hill	White River/Dillon Pike/South Platte	970-468-5400 303-275-5610	Partly open	7/4/06
COMMENTS: 7/4/06 - Radical Hill is blocked near the top by two snow banks. I viewed it from the top and saw two guys trying to come up. I later spoke to one who said they had a difficult time turning around after driving to the blockage.
Red Cone	White River/Dillon Pike/South Platte	970-468-5400 303-275-5610	Open	7/4/06
COMMENTS: 7/4/06 - Traffic was flowing down Red Cone and on to Montezuma via Webster pass. Handcart gulch is still blocked near the summit so it is not possible to return to Hwy 285. 6/17/06 - Gate at the trailhead was closed this weekend again. Signs that can be read from US285 still say closed. Webster pass is still snowed in. Gate is closed probably due to climbing back out over Redcone Peak. 6/10/06 - We cleared through the snow drift at timberline. The rest of the trail presented no problems. However,Webster Pass has impassable 15 foot snow drifts. Therefore, in order to return to civilization we had to reverse our direction and head back up Red Cone. Note that Red Cone is a one-way trail due to steepness and many vehicles may find heading back up simply not possible. 6/3/06 - The Bad News? The sign at US285 still says, "closed." The Good News? The gate is open, but snow drifts across the trail just above timberline (above the last of the trees).
Rollins Pass - East Side	Clear Creek	303-567-3000	Closed	5/29/06
COMMENTS: 5/29/06 - Trail is covered by snow about 5 miles up the trail from where it begins near the East Portal entrance of Moffat tunnel( Rollinsville side). Trail is in great shape up to the blocked point. Some ATV'S tried to go over the snow but were not having much luck. Spring runoff and some snow drifts melting in the roadway make for some fun driving. I talked to some hikers that had hiked up to Yankee Doodle Lake and they said that the road was blocked in a couple more places.
Rollins Pass - West Side	Clear Creek	303-567-3000	Open	9/6/06
COMMENTS: 9/6/06 - Pass road and "cart road" just east of the summit are open to Needles Tunnel. The pass road was car drivable to Rifle Sight, then a washout above that area limited traffic to 4x4s. The cart road from the summit to Needles tunnel was rough but quite passable. Vehicle was stock 2002 Mitsubishi Montero.
Red and White Mountain	White River/Holy Cross	970-827-5715
COMMENTS:
Schofield Pass	White River/Sophris District	970-963-2266	Partially Open	6/24/06
COMMENTS: 6/24/06 - The trail is open all the way coming from the Crested Butte side, but the lowest Crystal River crossing was so deep that we decided not to risk fording it and returned the same way. Otherwise, it should be no problem with a narrow, high-clearance vehicle. Surprisingly, the Devil's Punchbowl is as obstacle-free as I've ever seen it, and mostly dry. Deep snow atop still atop Paradise Pass. An abandoned vehicle was blocking the trail at one point, and other vehicles have created a steep alternate trail around it.
Scotch Creek	Uncompahgre/Ouray	970-240-5300	Open	8/6/06
COMMENTS: 8/6/06 - Open. Tree down halfway, my stock rubicon could go under it barely. Very rough, slippery and muddy. 5/19/06 - Open but a very rough ride
Shrine Pass	White River/Sophris District	970-963-2266
COMMENTS:
Slaughterhouse Gulch	Pike/Fairplay	719-836-2031	Open all year	5/3/06
COMMENTS: 5/3/06 - No mud at all. A few water holes. 4/16/06 - completely open all year. No snow now, only a small amount of mud.
Spring Creek	Pike
COMMENTS:
Spring Creek Pass	Clear Creek	303-567-3000	Partially open	4/16/06
COMMENTS: 4/16/06 - The trail is not open all the way. You can get to the second obstacle, the one that is a rock climb next to the cliff edge overlooking Georgetown. It's a bit too snowy there to safely stay on the trail. There is a big snow drift on the side of the trail just before the second obstacle. The drift makes you slide out away from the mountain and toward the edge.
Stony Pass	Uncompahgre/Ouray	970-240-5300	Open	10/1/06
COMMENTS: 10/1/06 - Trail is open from Stoney pass into Creede. The trail from the pass to the Rio Grande Reservoir is more than moderately challenging. I would not reccommed a stock SUV try without traveling with some others with minimal recovery equipment. Rocks in the worst part of the trail were manageable but tricky and trail gets narrow at times. The streams we crossed were not more than 18 inches deep and very easy to get across. I would not reccommed running this trail from the Creede side into Stoney without a well modified rig and I would not reccommed trying this trail by yourself. Overall the scenery is outstanding and the trail is rewarding. If coming in from Silverton and going into Creede, plan an entire day and take food and water. We drove from Creede to South Fork and into Pagosa via Wolf Creek Pass then back to Durango. 9/1/06 - Trail was closed on 8/30/06 and perhaps part of 8/31/06 due to multiple landslides well down on the Creede side. Stoney was open on 9/1 with heavy equipment and damage in evidence along the trail. Creede side was rough in places. Water levels at the stream crossings were low in spite of the rains. Silverton side of the pass and higher levels of the Creede side were in good shape. Many folks don't take the final stretch to the Rio Grande Reservoir but turn around and return to Silverton at the Kite Lake intersection. The challenges were on the far east side, Some of the damaged areas of Stoney, like those on Imogene, would maker it difficult or impossible for stock SUV to drive in the east to west direction. ATVs and dirt bikes could easily surmount the obstacles, but are dangerous in the thunder storms we witnessed (and expected). 9/2/06 - In good condition--no bad areas. If you take the side trip to Bear Town and Kite Lake it gets a little bumpy but is worth the trip--about an hour and half extra to take this side trip off Stoney. 6/25/06 - Open and in fair condition. 5/19/06 - Still closed
Swan and Wise Trail, middle fork	White River/Dillon	970-468-5400
COMMENTS:
Taylor Pass	Gunnison/Gunnison	970-641-0471	Open	9/17/06
COMMENTS: 9/17/06 - Open from Aspen. Very thin snow patches near the top on the Aspen side. Some boulder fields on the Gunnison side have a little extra mud from the previous day's storm. The long road/river section is about 6" deep. 6/18/06 - Wide open from south (creek is not too deep), and north (via aspen trail 123) to top ridge, easily doable by motorcycle, jeeps should have no trouble next week as there is thin snow at the very top. Same as every year, snow on west approach from Crested Butte side. Conditions are thawing and drying very quickly, no major mud bogs, etc. Creek/trail on south is no more than 1.5 feet deep.
Tincup Pass	San Isabel/Salida	719-539-3591	Open	7/6/06
COMMENTS: 7/6/06 - Open all the way. Trail condition okay. 7/2/06 - Not open to trucks. The snow drift near the top on the St Elmo side is still there. Enough has melted to get motorcycles and ATV's past but not enough room for a truck yet. 6/25/06 - Pass is still not open, but only 20 yards of snowbank block the very top on the St Elmo side. Snow is on a south-facing slope, shouldn't be too much longer. Don't know about the Tincup side. Good condition all the way to the snowbank at the top. 5/27/06 - The trail is not open all the way from the St. Elmo side. You get with .25 miles of timberline. The trail surface is wet and muddy in places. Be careful several mud holes exist. The approach to the pass itself is bumpy but in good condition.
Tomichi Pass	Gunnison/Gunnison	970-641-0471	Open	7/11/06
COMMENTS: 7/11/06 - Open all the way. On the top be careful of marshy bog. Wooden bridge looks bad but is the only way over. Don't go around bridge, there's 18" of mud. 7/1/06 - Viewed from the top of Hancock there were a few small patches of snow left on the trail that won't be around much longer. I watched a motorcycle run from the Hancock side to the summit. I have no information about the south side of the trail. No jeeps were running it while I was there.
Treasure Mountain Loop	Uncompahgre/Ouray	970-240-5300	Open	6/29/06
COMMENTS: 6/29/06 - Open all the way. A pleasant trail. 5/19/06 - Not yet
Twin Cone	Pike/Fairplay	719-836-2031	Open	5/27/06
COMMENTS: 5/27/06 - Open all the way to the top. Trail is in good condition but dusty. Mogul Hill has some good challenging climbs to it. Make sure you close the 2 gates behind you.
Uncompahgre Plateau Area
COMMENTS:
Webster Pass/Handcart Gulch	White River/Dillon Pike/South Platte	970-468-5400 303-275-5610	Partially open	7/4/06
COMMENTS: 7/4/06 - The Webster Pass side is open from the base of Redcone down to Montezuma. Handcart Gulch is blocked. I traveled from Montezuma up Webster and had to stop at the blockage on Handcart just past the summit. Traffic was flowing down Redcone and then down the Webster side 7/1/06 - From the South (Handcart Gulch) the top switchback is still blocked by snow. NOTE: The final switchbacks at the top have eroded and washed out sections that are very narrow, loose and with serious dropoffs. Jeeps can make it, but Trucks or large width vehicles are too big for the narrow stuff.
Weston Pass	Pike/Fairplay San Isabel/Leadville	719-836-2031 719-486-0749	Open	6/4/06
COMMENTS: 6/4/06 - Trail open all the way. Spur roads very accesible also.
Wheeler Lake
COMMENTS:
Yankee Boy Basin	Uncompahgre/Ouray BLM/Gunnison	970-240-5300 970-641-0471	Open	7/10/06
COMMENTS: 7/10/06- Open all the way to the parking area at the beginning of the Mt. Sneffels Trail. The road beyond the toilets is very rough. The talus rock stretch of road is loose and a little slippery. A few muddy spots as you approach the parking area. 5/13/06 - Open and dry all the way past Imogene pass turnoff. We drove it in a Geo Metro and had no problem getting to the intersection. 5/13/06 - The trail is open all the way to the top. Bridal Falls is flowing very well. Great pics. There is still snow at the top campground and higher. There was a rock slide earlier this spring, but it has been cleared and the trail is in good condition.
Yankee Hill	Clear Creek	303-567-3000	Open	5/13/06
COMMENTS: 5/13/06 - Open from Mine Road on the Alice side to Central City. No Problems.

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