BUSHDUCKS COLORADO JEEP TRAILS
WHEN ARE THEY PASSABLE?
DATES FOR 2007

Updated:2/4/2008

This is the page for the 2007 Colorado Pass page. we're already updating regularly. You can add to this page and
UPDATE HERE FOR 2007

Or, as a general guide, check out the 2006 information

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 2006 season, 2005 Season, 2004 Season,2003 Season, the 2002 Season or the 2001 Season.

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. If in doubt, DO NOT TRAVEL. The inclusion of any trail on this page does not mean it is open or legal to travel. Conditions change, and trail status may change, sometimes without warning. Use common sense, and do not go around closure barriers.

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Jump straight to the trail you are interested in:
Argentine Pass/Waldorf Mine Ballard Road Bill Moore Lake Birdseye Gulch
Black Bear Pass Bolam Pass Boreas Pass Blowout Pass
Breakneck and Browns Passes Bunce County Trail System California Gulch California Pass
Chinaman Gulch China Wall Cinnamon Pass Coney Flats
Corkscrew Gulch Cumberland Pass Cunningham Gulch Eagle Rock
Elwood Pass Engineer Pass Georgia Pass Governor Basin
Gunsight Pass Grizzly Lake Hagerman Pass Hancock Pass
Hayden Pass Holy Cross City Hurricane Pass Imogene Pass
Iron Chest Italian Creek Road/Upper Reno Divide Jones Pass Kebler Pass
Kelly Flats Kendall Peak and Kendall Mountain Kennebec Pass Kingston Peak
Lamartine/Saxon Mountain Lead King Basin Left Hand Canyon McAllistair Gulch
Medano Pass Middle St. Vrain Mill Creek/Red Elephant Moody Hill
Mount Antero Mount Baldy/Captain Jacks Mount Blanca/Como Lakes Mosquito Pass
Ohio Pass Ophir Pass Owl Creek Pass Pearl Pass
Pomeroy Lake Poughkeepsie Gulch Ptarmigan Pass Radical Hill
Rampart Range Red Cone Red & White Mountain Rollins Pass
Schofield Pass Scotch Creek Shrine Pass Slaughterhouse Gulch
Spring Creek Spring Creek Pass Stony Pass Taylor Pass
Tincup Pass Tomichi Pass Treasure Mountain Loop Twin Cone
Uncompahgre Plateau Area Wager Gulch Wearyman Creek (FS747) Webster Pass/Handcart Gulch
Weston Pass Wheeler Lake Williams Pass Yankee Boy Basin
Yankee Hill      

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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 6/9/07
COMMENTS:
6/9/07 - Our trip started in Georgetown, and we were able to make it up to the lower half of the Waldorf Mine. The river was running fast with all the melting snow, and there were several groups of people trying to dig through the snow drifts but it is still too early.
4/15/07 - My dad and I tried to ATV up to Waldorf yesterday but only could made it about 2 miles from trail head due to huge snow drifts covering the roads. Lower road was cut off by snow drifts just before you get to the road that leads back up to upper road. Upper road was also unpassable due to 5 ft snow drifts we did not want to drive over. Great for snowshoers, which there was one who was leaving as we pulled up to unload.
 
Ballard Road Fort Collins Region      
COMMENTS:
 
 
Bangs Canyon BLM      
COMMENTS:
 
 
Bill Moore Lake Clear Creek 303-567-3000 Open 7/7/07
COMMENTS:
7/7/07 - The Trail is open all the way to the Lake. There is still snow at the end of the trail, but it does not cross the road.
6/10/07 - Tried from two different trails (West from inside the gate and East up the switchbacks on the right). Got to within .9 miles of the lake at 11500 ft with ~5' of snow.
 
Birdseye Gulch Uncompahgre/Ouray 970-240-5300    
COMMENTS:
 
 
Black Bear Pass Uncompahgre/Ouray 970-240-5300 Open 9/26/07
COMMENTS:
9/26/07 - Officially closed now per San Miguel County.
8/7/07 - Open all the way between 550 and Telluride. Had the entire mountain to ourselves on Tuesday, August 7. A terrific ride all the way. Four of us in a Rubicon rented from Riverside Inn in Ouray. This was my sixth trip over Black Bear (first one was in 1968) and the best ever. Trail was in great shape, certainly made easier by the Rubicon. A bit rough on that steep slope just above the old mine. Did some cutting and backing on the first three switchbacks. VIEW PHOTOS FOR THIS DATE
8/4/07 - We traveled Black Bear Pass on the 4th and it was in good condition. The steps seemed easier than last year because not as much loose rock. The switchbacks seemed somewhat more intimidating than last year.
8/3/07 - According to information on Web forums the County sent heavy equipment up to Black Bear and it is now open. There is reference to through travel as of July 17, 2007. Also video of the road/washouts being cleared.
8/2/07 - Reopened as of 8/2/07, according to the Forest Service!
7/24/07 - Black Bear experienced a substantial washout the night of 7/23/07 on the switchbacks between "The Steps" above Ingram Falls and the lower switches to Bridal Veil Falls. We had a group of five Suzuki DR's travel to the top of the pass from Hwy 550 (no problems) and on to the switchbacks at the Telluride side. This is an East-to-West only trail. We pushed through a couple of minor slides on the top switches only to be defeated by a 30-ft deep washout that cut through the next three switches, which forced a retreat back up the steps (not advisable) and back to 550. The bottom switches are open to Bridal Veil Falls from the Telluride side. It is very doubtful that the switchbacks will be open this season. However, the East side of the trail is a great ride with a beautiful view at the top. Definitely check ahead of time if you are planning to travel Black Bear.
Closed!...maybe for the season. 7/24/07 - Trail closed to all traffic. Multiple rock slides across the switchbacks, including complete washout of the road in at least two places as seen from the end of Telluride. Word from tour company is that the road is most likely closed for the season. From personal observation, I would agree.
7/13/07 - The trail is open all of the way. I was part of the FJ Cruiser Summit, I run a heavily modded rig and Black Bear was a piece of cake. The switchbacks were made in 1 move each with the exception of one that took two. The only spot that is slightly nerve-wracking (Unless you have a major fear of heights) is the section when you begin descending by the falls. You have to ride up the wall a bit to line up, as the road is very very narrow ahead and has a wash on the left side near the edge. This portion is off camber as you ride up the wall but the trail is in great condition, only one or two spots where I believe a stock vehicle may need to be spotted and that would depend on driver skill; Furthermore the scenery is unmatchable; definitely worth the trip.
7/13/07 - Black Bear is open all the way to Telluride, Did the pass today with a Group of FJ cruisers in my Rubicon Unlimited. Some of them were fairly stock and did not have much of a problem.
7/4/07 - Still Closed. When I spoke with the Marshall in Telluride, he told me it could be open by the 10th and would be open by the 14th.
7/2/07 - Still closed!
6/19/07 - No, definately closed! They will open Imogene Pass first, then begin plowing Black Bear. It is still blocked by snow about a quarter of a mile in.
6/17/07 - Open, according to the Ouray road conditions report. Bushducks says: this seems amazingly early... Can anyone confirm
 
Blowout Pass Rio Grande/Divide 719-657-3321  
 
COMMENTS:
 
 
Bolam Pass Uncompahgre/Ouray 970-240-5300 Open 7/11/07
COMMENTS:
7/11/07 - Open, road conditions good. My book rated it "easy", some places might be a little more difficult than "easy", but any stock SUV should have not problem. A beautiful trail to get some experience on, or just view the countryside. Nice shortcut from Highway 550 to Telluride.
 
Boreas Pass White River/Dillon 970-468-5400 Open 6/17/07
COMMENTS:
6/17/07 - Open all the way. Road in good condition, traveled in SUV.
5/26/07 - Gate was still locked from the Breckenridge side. (Also went to Cottonwood Pass this same trip, It's open, but there is still just a lot of snow anywhere you go up high).
 
Breakneck and Browns Passes Pike/Fairplay 719-836-2031 Open
COMMENTS:
6/18/07 - Trail open all the way. Browns is very rough on the west side. West side water crossing is deep. Scenery is very nice
 
Bunce School Trail System Boulder 303�541-2500    
COMMENTS:
 
 
California Gulch Uncompahgre/Ouray 970-240-5300 Open 6/23/07
COMMENTS:
6/23/07 - Yes, open all the way. Plowed, clear, water from melted snow covers trail in some parts.
6/14/07 - Open according to Ouray road conditions report.
 
California Pass Uncompahgre/Ouray 970-240-5300 Open 6/27/07
COMMENTS:
6/27/07 - Open all the way. Pass itself is clear and dry. Shelf road is wet with walls of snow.
 
Carnage Canyon Boulder 303�541-2500 Open all year  
COMMENTS:
Completely open all year.
 
Chinaman Gulch San Isabel/Salida 719-539-3591 Open all year  
COMMENTS:
Completely open all year.
 
China Wall Pike/Fairplay 719-836-2031 Open all year  
COMMENTS:
Completely open all year.
 
Cinammon Pass Uncompahgre/Ouray
BLM/Gunnison
970-240-5300
970-641-0471
Open 6/1/07
COMMENTS:
6/1/07 - Open all the way, 12 feet snow on top... Beautiful!
5/30/07 - Open in both directions and passable. It's narrow up top where plows have carved passages through snow. Some running water on the Lake City side, bone dry down to Silverton.
5/18/07 - Open all the way, although wet and muddy, with melting snow and high water levels. Good tires needed.
 
Coney Flats Boulder 303�541-2500 6/1/07 Closed
COMMENTS:
6/1/07 - Coney Flats was blocked by snow drifts.
 
Corkscrew Gulch Uncompahgre/Ouray
BLM/Gunnison
970-240-5300
970-641-0471
Open 6/23/07
COMMENTS:
6/23/07 - Open all the way. Absolutely perfect conditions.
6/10/07 - 6/10/07 - Supposedly this is open, according to the local Jeep rental company.
 
Cumberland Pass San Isabel/Salida 719-539-3591
Partially open 5/27/07
COMMENTS:
5/27/07 - On ATV's, left Pitkin. Was able to get 9.1 miles up from Pitkin. Snow was first across the road at about 8 miles up (Bon Ton Mine). For the most part we were able to stay on top of the snow. When we turned around the snow was getting deeper and didn't want to press our luck. Last year over Memorial Weekend we made it to within 100 yds of the top.
 
Cunningham Gulch Uncompahgre/Ouray 970-240-5300 Open 7/2/07
COMMENTS:
7/2/07 - Open, according to the San Juan Forestry office.
 
Eagle Rock Teller County Near Colorado Springs Open 6/23/07
COMMENTS:
6/23/07 - Open all the way. Ran it all the way to FS379. It was a little wet and muddy in spots. Ran FS379 all the way to the "Seven Lakes" road and back down to Gold Camp road.
6/20/07 - Headed up to Captain Jacks, Mount Baldy and turned around at rock slide area, came down to other forest rode on the other side. Open all the way to there, I went across the river, but turned around so that's as far as I made it. Dry and dusty.
6/11/07 - Actually, this has been snowed in for the last few months. Snow and Ice have blocked the trail at about the 2/3 point around the last water crossing. FSR 379 to Mt. Baldy is equally locked in. Maybe another 2-3 weeks of sun?
6/1/07 - Usually completely open all year.
 
Elwood Pass Rio Grande/Conejos
San Juan/Pagosa
719-274-8971
970-264-2268
Partially open8/10/07
COMMENTS:
8/10/07 - The trail is open over the pass, but you can only go about 3-5 miles west-northwest along the trail then you come to a wonderful road closed sign where the road is now a waterfall. This is passable for four wheel ATVs and motorcycles, but my new Wrangler Unlimited could not cross. At least my wife would not let me attempt this. The trail is washed out about 1/2-1 miles east of McCormick cabin as listed on USGS Topo maps. Otherwise the trail was in good condition. Any water crossings were less than 12" deep.
7/8/07 - Open all the way. Clear and Dry. Great condition. Good dry surface all the way. Low range required for steep sections. Water crossings were maybe 15 inches at the deepest.
 
Engineer Pass Uncompahgre/Ouray
BLM/Gunnison
970-240-5300
970-641-0471
Open 7/8/07
COMMENTS:
7/8/07 - Took my stock '06 LR3 over the pass on a fine Sunday morning out of Ouray and the trail was in great condition. It does "get down to business" as the book stated in the first five miles but thereafter it was smooth sailing into Lake City. The alpine tundra above tree line at the top was gorgeous. Still had a substantial snowbank (12 feet) on one side of the road after the summit on the descent towards Lake City but nothing impassable.
6/9/07 - The trail is open all the way and is in good condition. (Did not travel the entire route due to time, but we verified with the locals) There are a few rough sections and when nearing the summit there is a a decent amount of muddy water, should be no issue for stock vehicles.
6/3/07 - No..opened just 1/2 mile beyond Roses Cabin on Lake City side. Snow pack and slippery there. One couple got there jeep stuck within 150 feet of getting through.
5/31/07 - Trail now open all the way. Muddy but passable with good tires.
5/17/07 - Open from Silverton to Mineral Point. Extremely slippery and muddy conditions. Spring melt!
 
Georgia Pass White River/Dillon 970-468-5400 Open 7/8/07
COMMENTS:
7/8/07 - The trail was open all the way. It was very easy from Jefferson up to the pass. However, from the pass to Breckenridge was a little hairy in places. Not long after the pass, you come to an area of deep mud that has a sudden drop of about 18". In my stock Jeep Liberty, there was no going back after that. Down was tough, but up would have been impossible. After that spot, the rocks get tricky in a few spots, and I bottomed out twice. I am a novice, though. There are several stream crossings, but none are more than a few inches deep.
7/7/07 - Completely open from Jefferson to Breckenridge. We started on the Jefferson side after reports of snow on the trail but did not find any snow throughout the trip. The only trick was the 40 feet of mud about 5 minutes down trail 355 after the Georgia pass summit. The truth here, is that the mud is not deep but the terrain ungulates working against long wheel-based vehicles. We were traveling in an 2001 F-150 SuperCrew Off-Road edition and made it without much effort. There are a ton of great campsites next to the stream approximately 20 minutes down the pass. One thing to be aware of is two confusing intersections on the trail. The first is a four-way intersection about 35 minutes over the summit. Straight ahead is a camp site, to the left is a dead-end site (rather rugged) and the path you want (into Breck) is on the right. It can be confusing as there are two trails marked 355. Neither suggests from or to Georgia pass. The next confusing part of the trail is another four-way intersection with orange spray paint indicating several paths (indicated on logs and large rocks: left, right, etc). You want the path on the right which takes you down onto Tiger Road. From here it's like a highway into Breck.
6/30/07 - Trail is open all the way. Trail opened completely. Gate was closed due to snow, but Ranger opened seasonal gate July 1st, in the morning.
6/23/07 - Georgia Pass from the Breck side was blocked by 2-3 foot snow approx 1/4 mile beyond the seasonal closure gate. It appeared as if some motorcycles had ridden on top of the snow but it is impassable for vehicles at this time. Probably a couple more weeks (unless the heat wave continues).
 
Governor Basin Uncompahgre/Ouray 970-240-5300
970
Open 7/25/07
COMMENTS:
7/25/07 - Trail is now open all the way. We dug through the last 100 feet of snow drift at the top.
7/6/07 - Closed by snow 50 yards past the turnoff for Sydney Basin.
 
Grizzly Lake San Isabel/Salida 719-539-3591
Open 6/16/07
COMMENTS:
6/16/07 - Open all the way to the lake.
 
Gunsight Pass White River/Sophris District 970-963-2266 Partially open 7/1/07
COMMENTS:
7/1/07 - As of 1 July it was open to just above the Daisy Mine where the road was blocked by a snow field approx 2 feet deep. The Slate River crossing at the start of the trail was approx 30 inches deep.
 
Hancock Pass San Isabel/Salida 719-539-3591 Open 6/30/07
COMMENTS:
6/30/07 - Trail is open all the way. From the top, it looked like Tomichi Pass was still blocked by snow.
6/16/07 - Blocked by a 100+ yd drift at the shelf road just before the summit on the St Elmo side.
5/27/07 - Not open from Pitkin side. On ATV's we couldn't even get to the turn-off from the Alpine Tunnel Rd. Got to within about 1/4 mile of the turnoff.
 
Hagerman Pass San Isabel/Leadville
White River/Sophris
719-486-0749
970-963-2266
Partially open 7/1/07
COMMENTS:
7/1/07 - Open all the way from Leadville to the top. I stopped at the top, but vehicles are getting thru ok to Aspen on the west side. On the Leadville side, just a couple of muddy spots, but easy to get thru.
6/23/07 - Not open all the way, I ran it from the Leadville side and almost made it. There are two snow banks at 10,500 ft. blocking. They seen to be melting fast and maybe another week and it will be clear.
 
Hayden Pass Rio Grande/Saguache
San Isabel/Salida
719-655-2547
719-539-3591
Open 7/8/07
COMMENTS:
7/8/07 - Good travel surface. All was dry except for wet section on the shelf road but they posed no challenge (were not frozen). The area has seen massive blowdowns but the trail was well cleared. At times there were walls of fallen trees on both sides. 4WD low required and good clearance, but a moderate to easy trail.
5/27/07 - No. Major snow drifts cover the road for 1 mile short of pass on west side. Some amount of snow drifts on east side (unknown amount/location). Some large boulders on west side. Will be tight but can probably be driven around if careful.
 
Holy Cross City San Isabel/Leadville
White River/Sophris
719-486-0749
970-963-2266
Open 7/3/2007
COMMENTS:
7/3/07 - French Creek crossing has gotten worse. The large rock above the crossing with a winch point in it has been dragged down to the middle of the problem, above the first climb. A large rock on the left side above the problem has been moved closer to the center of the road. With 35" tires it was a real hassle to get past the rocks. A group camped out there said I was the only one to make it in 2 days. No rig with 33" tires made it. There will be a lot of carnage there if at least one of the rocks aren't moved! If you can make the crossing, you can go all the way.
5/1/07 - From Gold Park (HW 24 south) there is a sign for Holy Cross City and a 20-25 degree incline straight away. Sign shows 3.8 miles, we got as far as about 1.8 miles. We hiked some, but snow was 2-3 feet high (10,000+ ft high). I imagine June/July might be a great time to go all the way! Tried the alternate route from Homestake Reservior, a trail leads to Missouri Lakes, go right instead, followed this one 2.5 miles, same issue, came to an impassable pond and 4-5 feet of snow. Looks interesting though!!
 
Hurricane Pass Uncompahgre/Ouray 970-240-5300 Open 6/28/07
COMMENTS:
6/28/07 - Open all the way. A little wet at the top but trail is good condition.
6/10/07 - Supposedly this is open, according to the local Jeep rental company.
 
Imogene Pass Uncompahgre/Ouray 970-240-5300 Open 9/26/07
COMMENTS:
9/26/07 - Officially closed now per San Miguel County.
9/5/07 - Open in great condition. Went from Telluride to Ouray in a 2007 Rubicon from Farabee Jeep Rentals. Highest water crossing was no more than 14". We encountered steady rain in the basins on both sides of the summit where the rockiest sections are, but it did not cause any problems on the trail. No sign of the leaves changing yet.
8/7/07Went west to east, Telluride to Ouray, in a Rubicon. No snow, no slides, no problems whatsoever. No view from the top this day, as we were in a cloud with 50-foot visibility - certainly added to the adventure! Took some water in the jeep on the first two stream crossings on the way down. Spent quite a while at Tomboy (mine and ghost town) before reaching the top - highly recommended spot for lunch and rock hounding.
7/11/07 - Open but very rough compared to previous trips. Water is high at fords, covers a 31" tire. The Ouray side is rougher than the Telluride side. I would not recommend this trail without high clearance, no mid-size or smaller SUVs or SUVs with running boards. In the past this trail was moderate, but now I'd say closer to difficult; not for the inexperienced. From July 10th "The Ouray County Watch" newspaper. An elderly couple was flown to St. Mary's Hospital after an ATV rollover near the top of Imogene pass July 5th 2007. This trail is not to be take lightly. There were 6 calls to the Mountain Rescue Team last year, one a fatality from a Jeep incident.
7/7/07 - The trail is still pretty muddy on the Ouray County side due to the snow melting. We drove the entire pass in our stock Jeep Grand Cherokee. I wouldn't recommend this if you are afraid of hitting the bottom a couple of times. A higher clearance vehicle would be better. Near the summit there is an amazing 20-25 foot wall of snow.
7/4/07 - Open all the way. Lots of people out on the 4th. Good Condition.
7/3/07 - Crews finished opening about noon 7/3. Went all the way over, Ouray to Telluride about 3:00 PM. As much as 15-20' snow cliffs in places. Road in average condition this year. Traffic moderate for now.
7/2/07 -Still closed at present.
6/26/07 - Just talked to the Forrest Service and they are actively plowing it. Barring problems, it may be open by the weekend. Black Bear it the next trail on their list.
6/19/07 - Still closed. Not sure if they have started plowing yet.
 
Iron Chest San Isabel/Salida 719-539-3591
Open 6/27/07
COMMENTS:
6/27/07 - There were no snow drifts blocking this trail on 6-27-07. The only major snow drift, on this trail, is directly in front of you when you take the switchback to the left. You don't have to drive through it. Ran it all the way to the mine. A little wet with a few patches of snow after you get past the rock garden.
6/16/07 - Blocked by a drift 0.3 miles from the mine.
 
Italian Creek Road/Upper Reno Divide Gunnison/Gunnison 970-641-0471    
COMMENTS:
 
 
Jones Pass Clear Creek 303-567-3000 Open 9/4/07
COMMENTS:
9/4/07 - Trail is open all the way over the top; no snow. There is a lot of road grading & construction below. Hiked to Vasquez Peak, saw 3 gorgeous goats.Road does require 4WD.
7/24/07 - Snow is still blocking the very top of the pass. 7/21/07 - The very top of the pass is still covered with a thick cornice of snow. The rest of the road is in great shape.
7/10/07 - The very top is still blocked by a snow cornice. There were herds of Mountain Goats crossing over the cornice and the ridge along the pass!
 
Kebler Pass     Open 5/21/07
COMMENTS:
5/21/07 - I drove to the Lost Lake trail from Crested Butte side, and it was clear and dry. Quite sure it was open below (west of) Lost Lake. Pass open and dry, Lake Irwin and Lost Lake spurs still snowed over as of May 21.
 
Kelly Flats Canyon Lakes 970-498-2770    
COMMENTS:
 
 
Kendall Peak and Kendall Mountain Uncompahgre/Ouray 970-240-5300    
COMMENTS:
 
 
Kennebec Pass Uncompahgre/Ouray 970-240-5300 Open 6/23/07
COMMENTS:
6/23/07 - Trail open and in good condition to the top. Some meltwater is still coming down the road.
 
Kingston Peak Clear Creek 303-567-3000 Open 6/24/07
COMMENTS:
6/24/07 - Wide open!
 
Lamartine/Saxon Mountain Clear Creek 303-567-3000 Open 6/24/07
COMMENTS:
6/24/07 - The trail is open all the way, no snow on the trail. Just a bit in between the trees near the top. There has been a rock slide that has caused a boulder to rest on the cliff side of the trail, there is an off camber drive around but it's no big deal.
6/5/07 - The trail is open from Georgetown to 10900. Can't get to the Lamartine Road. Many rocks have fallen on the road. One rock has a drive around, but it is very "Tippy". Got stuck in snow at about 5 miles from Georgetown. Road is very rough.
 
Lead King Basin White River/Sophris District 970-963-2266    
COMMENTS:
 
 
Left Hand Canyon Boulder 303�541-2500    
COMMENTS:
 
 
McAllistair Gulch White River/Holy Cross 970-827-5715 Open 7/8/07
COMMENTS:
7/8/07 - Open all the way. Traveled the entire McAllistair Gulch - Ptarmigan Pass loop -- trails open all the way. Trails in very good shape. Near the Shrine Pass entry, Wearyman creek is still running heavy, and parts of the lower trail are mini-creeks, but all crossings are 18" deep or less. Trail very dusty up top, but no traction issues. No snow anywhere near trails. Abundant wildflowers in full bloom throughout!
7/4/07 - Trail is open all the way. It was very dusty on the 4th. We did the Camp Hale McAllister Gulch Ptarmigan Pass Camp Hale loop. So didn't do Wearyman creek. However, the start of Ptarmigan on the north still left 2 creek crossings. No issues. Trail seems rougher than I remember, but still no problem even for stock 4wd.
7/1/07 - Traveled from Shrine pass to Camp Hale. Open all the way. Overall, trail was in excellent shape. Wearyman Creek crossings were 18"-24". Creek had overflowed banks and was flowing down trail for a brief stretch. Further up the trail was dry and very dusty. One small patch of snow off to the side near the top that was melting onto the trail, forming a few small puddles. No other snow or mud encountered. Descent to Camp Hale was very dusty and traction on steepest half mile near top was at times mildly difficult.
 
Medano Pass Rio Grande/Saguache
San Isabel/San Carlos
719-655-2547
719-269-8500
Open 5/27/07
COMMENTS:
5/27/07 - The trail is completely open into the Sand Dunes. The trail is muddy in spots. Several mud bogs have developed because of heavy traffic over the weekend, otherwise the trail is in good condition.
 
Middle St. Vrain Boulder 303�541-2500 Open 6/17/07
COMMENTS:
6/17/07 - Trail is open so is Coney Flats. River crossing is about 20".
6/1/07 - Jeep gate closed (in back of Camp Dick), not sure if trail is officially open. Trail is clear all the way back where it turns to wilderness and stops. Trail going to Coney Flats was blocked by snow drifts. Lots of water flowing on trail and three large water crossings, all passable.
 
Mill Creek/Red Elephant Trail Clear Creek 303-567-3000    
COMMENTS:
 
 
Moody Hill Canyon Lakes 970-295-6700    
COMMENTS:
 
 
Mosquito Pass Pike/South Park
San Isabel/Leadville
719-836-2031
719-486-0749
Open 8/15/07
COMMENTS:
8/15/07 - We made it with F150 and Jeep. This was a Justrun group. This area had and was raining heavy from 3:00PM to 5:00PM. W e also had snow at 12200 feet. We cross an unnamed pond which was overflowing across the trail. The water depth was around 30 to 32 inches., also had problems going up and down with the wet rocks. Moved a few to the side. The old explore mine holes had about 2 to 3 feet of water in them. Good times, and good test of your skills.;br: 7/22/07 - Trail is open all the way and in good condition.
7/19/07 - Trail still closed by snow.
7/15/07 - Traveled from the Leadville side. This is a challenging 4WD only road. Can get about a mile down on the other (Fairplay) side until you hit a snow patch where vehicles were abandoned and stuck. DO NOT plan on going all the way through.
7/15/07 - Still blocked by the snowbanks. You'd think they would be melted by now. We went up from the Fairplay side. Trail seemed unusually rough for a 4. This is my first time up there.
7/6/07 - We went through to Leadville from Fairplay on motorcycles. No problem for us, but a 20 foot snow bank that we went right over. Could be a different story in a vehicle.
7/6/07 - Good shape from the Leadville side to the top.At least 2 large snowbanks across the road have it blocked on the Fairplay side. We walked down about a mile on the Fairplay side from the top to the second snowbank. There were 2 vehicles abandoned by this site and both were in danger of rolling off the side of a cliff. They were straddling the road and the slope of the cliff. Don't have any idea how they got there, or better yet, how they will get out without going over the side. People do some stupid things!
6/29/07 - From the Alma/Fairplay side, the water crossing just before the start of the pass is indeed washed out again. Hard core 4wheelers will scoff at it, but it will stop those less inclined to potential body damage, that's me! Did not actually get to the Mosquito Pass road as I stopped at the water crossing. Otherwise the county road was good to that point.
7/1/07 - Open all the way on the Leadville side to the top. Still several large snowdrifts near the top on the Fairplay side. Will be at least 2 weeks until that is open to Fairplay.
6/10/07 - From Fairplay Side Open to just below upper mine. Still a little snow up to just below mine. Soft on the shoulder be careful, Jeep rolled off side on Sunday 6/10/2007 Culvert washed out at creek below top Beaver Dam but still passable.
 
Mount Antero San Isabel/Salida 719-539-3591
Partially open 7/3/06
COMMENTS:
7/3/06 - Open all the way to the top.
6/25/07 - Got up to +/- 13,000 ft. Had a switchback to the right and one to the left to get to the top but was blocked by a 4-5 foot snowdrift. Hikers coming down said that was the only drift to the summit but I am not sure I trust the word of people who won't use an internal combustion engine to gain that kind of altitude!
6/16/06 - Blocked by a drift at the last switchback before the longer shelf road section to the saddle where the Antero and Browns Lake trails split.
 
Mount Baldy/Captain Jacks Pike National Forest/ El Paso County 719-836-2031    
COMMENTS:
 
 
Mount Blanca/Como Lakes Rio Grande/Saguache
San Isabel/San Carlos
719-655-2547
719-269-8500
Open 6/28/07
COMMENTS:
6/28/07 - It's open all the way for vehicles capable of passing Jaws 1-4. Several people parked at the end of the road. The rough stuff begins with big rocks well before the "Mt. Blanca" sign. Most stock vehicles should not go more than 2.0 miles past this sign. Jaws 1 appears at 5.8 miles.
 
Ohio Pass Gunnison 970-641-0471    
COMMENTS:
 
 
Ophir Pass Uncompahgre/Ouray 970-240-5300 Open 9/26/07
COMMENTS:
9/26/07 - Officially closed now per San Miguel County.
6/13/07 - The trail is open all the way, started in Ophir and came out on the Highway 550 side. Trail conditions very good. There are several areas of small waterfalls to drive over, but none of them were very deep.
5/17/07 - A dump of snow closed this again. Current condition uncertain.
4/29/07 - Not open all the way. Traveled from Red Mountain Pass (550) side. Trail was plowed almost the entire way to the top of the pass. Bulldozer parked about .5 miles from top of pass on the east side where road is blocked by snow. Probably two more weeks before road is open all the way. Trail in very good condition. A little muddy in spots due to snow melt, but overall easy and in good shape.
 
Owl Creek Pass Uncompahgre/Ouray
BLM/Gunnison
970-240-5300
970-641-0471
Open 6/14/07
COMMENTS:
6/14/07 - Open according to Ouray road conditions report
 
Pearl Pass Gunnison/Gunnison 970-641-0471 Open 8/4/07
COMMENTS:
8/4/07 - Open all the way. travled Aspen side to Crestted Butte. comments: Castle Creek about 10" deep at first crossing. At start of first serious switch backs at tree line, erosion has washed a lot of road away leaving bare rock where trail became water course. Had one spot there which took several tries to get by, other than that no problem. We have stock 2007 Wrangler X without axle lock, which would be helpful.
7/29/07 - Pearl completely open, and sufficient snow melt to clear the entire roadway on Aspen side. It's a little rougher than previous years due to erosion on both sides, but not at all impassable for a stock 4wd with good tires. Kudos to Blue Mesa club for repairs, especially at the rock/water obstacle on the Aspen side!
7/25/07 - Open. Traveled from Aspen to Crested Butte. Trail is in good shape. The big obstacle on the Aspen side has gotten worse in the 4 years since I've done the trail. Took me 4 attempts with my 3" lift CJ7 with 31" MTR tires. Could be problematic for stock vehicles. Rest of the trail was rough (as usual) but passable.
6/30/07 - I traveled out of Aspen west south west-there is a ridge of snow on the shelf section that is likely gone by now, but at the top of the pass are 2 or 3 snow drifts I would estimate at around 8' or better. Trail was in decent shape and water crossing is about 12"- roughly 1 mile up the Pearl Pass turnoff after leaving the Castle Creek Road.
 
Pomeroy Lake Rio Grande/Saguache
San Isabel/Salida
719-655-2547
719-539-3591
   
COMMENTS:
 
 
Poughkeepsie Gulch Uncompahgre/Ouray 970-240-5300 Open 7/9/07
COMMENTS:
7/9/07 - Trail is open all the way. Traveled up the trail from Engineer Pass, and it's clean and clear all the way past the "big obstacle". A couple of patches of snow above that near lake Como, but passable in a locked up jeep. Absolutely beautiful.
6/28/07 - Not open at top. I did not travel this but from California and Hurricane you can see it is still covered with snow around Lake Como and a ways down.
6/17/07 - Did not travel this, but according to the Ouray Chamber of Commerce, the trail is open.
 
Ptarmigan Pass White River/Holy Cross 970-827-5715 Open 7/8/07
COMMENTS:
7/8/07 - Open all the way. Traveled the entire McAllistair Gulch - Ptarmigan Pass loop -- trails open all the way. Trails in very good shape. Near the Shrine Pass entry, Wearyman creek is still running heavy, and parts of the lower trail are mini-creeks, but all crossings are 18" deep or less. Trail very dusty up top, but no traction issues. No snow anywhere near trails. Abundant wildflowers in full bloom throughout!
7/4/07 - Trail is open all the way. It was very dusty on the 4th. We did the Camp Hale McAllister Gulch Ptarmigan Pass Camp Hale loop. So didn't do Wearyman creek. However, the start of Ptarmigan on the north still left 2 creek crossings. No issues. Trail seems rougher than I remember, but still no problem even for stock 4wd.
 
Radical Hill White River/Dillon
Pike/South Platte
970-468-5400
303-275-5610
Open 8/4/07
COMMENTS:
8/4/07 - Red Cone and Radical Hill are open all the way. One of the 4x4 groups was doing some work on Radical Hill to remove some debris and rocks from the upper part of the trail that had migrated due to the snow and rain.
 
Rampart Range Pike/Fairplay 719-836-2031 Closed 12/2/07
COMMENTS:
12/2/07 - The trail is officially closed. If coming from 67 the beginning (about 1/4 mile) is open but then there is a huge gate denying any one to enter or exit in that case. I read a story that when they closed it a family got stuck behind the gate!!!
 
Red Cone White River/Dillon
Pike/South Platte
970-468-5400
303-275-5610
Open 7/29/07
COMMENTS:
8/4/07 - Red Cone and Radical Hill are open all the way. One of the 4x4 groups was doing some work on Radical Hill to remove some debris and rocks from the upper part of the trail that had migrated due to the snow and rain.
7/29/07 - Drove from Hwy 285 over to Montezuma. Almost went up Radical Hill but the old lady was getting tired. Webster looked as if we could have opened it with 15 minutes of shoveling.
7/3/07 - I did not travel the trail, but the sign says it is still closed. A lot of snow in the saddle where it meets Webster Pass.
6/9/07 - Still closed at the gate. Talked to members of Mile Hi 4x4 who had been up on the road they said there was a "bunch of snow" probably 3 more weeks before it can be opened. Also lots of downed trees this year.
 
Rollins Pass - East Side Clear Creek 303-567-3000 Partially open 7/1/07
COMMENTS:
7/1/07 - Trail is blocked by snow at the top edge of Yankee Doodle Lake. Bikes and ATVs can get past, but not SUVs.
 
Rollins Pass - West Side Clear Creek 303-567-3000 Open 6/28/07
COMMENTS:
6/28/07 - Trail is open all the way to the pass. Road is in good condition all the way to the parking lot at the top.
 
Red and White Mountain White River/Holy Cross 970-827-5715    
COMMENTS:
 
 
Schofield Pass White River/Sophris District 970-963-2266 Open 9/1/07
COMMENTS:
9/1/07 - Drove through all the way in a stock 93 ford explorer, no problem. Probably 20 people told us you couldn't drive through it. So we walked up until we could turn around and drove up to there and just worked our way through it. I think Pearl Pass was more difficult but they said we couldn't get though that either but we did. Dry, creek crossing were about 6 inches deep. Good road just a long way to the bottom.
7/2/07 - Drove Schofield Pass from Crested Butte to the bottom of the Devil's Punchbowl and the Iron Bridge. Road was clear and in good shape. River crossing before the descent was approx 18 inches deep. According to others on the trail it was open to Marble but you had to cross through the river as opposed to over the bridge above the Crystal Mill.
 
Scotch Creek Uncompahgre/Ouray 970-240-5300 Partially open 7/2/07
COMMENTS:
7/2/07 - Open to the top on the Rico side.
 
Shrine Pass White River/Sophris District 970-963-2266 Open 6/21/07
COMMENTS:
6/21/07 - Open all the way from Vail Pass to Red Cliff. No problems, surface dry, no obstacles.
 
Slaughterhouse Gulch Pike/Fairplay 719-836-2031 Open all year 1/5/08
COMMENTS:
1/5/08 - Though they aren't posted, the mud pits at Slaughterhouse are closed and should not be driven in. Someone tore down the signs.
12/7/07 - The trail is open! I went around the entire loop of SlaughterHouse Gulch with about 5 inches of snow on the ground. In wintery conditions I highly recommend that no one enter this trail unless with another vehicle and/or a winch!! The mud pits were frozen but if there is a warm day up there and if that snow melts it is gonna be a blast!
Completely open all year.
 
Spring Creek Pike      
COMMENTS:
 
 
Spring Creek Pass Clear Creek 303-567-3000 Open 7/4/07
COMMENTS:
7/4/07 - Trail is open all the way, all the snow is melted at the top. The last switchback prior to the Rock Garden section is washed out, The corner is sharp with very large rocks. Lockers or winch are required.
6/16/07 - Open all the way. 5ft. snow drift at the top blocking the road to Lamartine if you want to go back down that way.
 
Stony Pass Uncompahgre/Ouray 970-240-5300 Open 8/12/07
COMMENTS:
8/12/07 - The trail is open all the way. Some parts dusty, but wild flowers are in bloom.
7/2/07 - Still closed.
 
Swan and Wise Trail, middle fork White River/Dillon 970-468-5400    
COMMENTS:
 
 
Taylor Pass Gunnison/Gunnison 970-641-0471 Open 7/1/07
COMMENTS:
7/1/07 - Open all the way. Normal conditions.
 
Tincup Pass San Isabel/Salida 719-539-3591
Open 7/7/07
COMMENTS:
7/7/07 - Went over the top from St Elmo to Tincup in a FJ80. Trail is a bit narrow where the snowfield is but passable.
7/5/07 - People were digging out the shelf road. Should be open now.
7/3/07 - The same snow bank is blocking the east side of the pass. Unless it gets dug out it may well be a couple of weeks before it melts. This is the same area that a Rubicon slid off on the ice last year.
6/28/07 - Still blocked at same point as June 16, 2007 report.
6/16/07 - Blocked at the shelf road at the summit by a 100+ yd drift on the East side
 
Tomichi Pass Gunnison/Gunnison 970-641-0471 8/17/07 Open
COMMENTS:
8/17/07 - Open all the way! The boggy area on the north side of the pass is wet and requires remaining on the plank bridge. Traveled the pass from Tomichi town site to the Alpine Tunnel. No obstacles on the north, narrow side of the pass.
7/31/07 - Trail is open all the way. Condition normal.
6/30/07 - When viewed from Hancock Pass, it looked like this was still closed.
 
Treasure Mountain Loop Uncompahgre/Ouray 970-240-5300 Closed 7/2/07
COMMENTS:
7/2/07 - Still closed.
 
Twin Cone Pike, South Platte 719-836-2031 2/1/08 Closed
COMMENTS:
2/1/08 - The trail is closed until spring as the mud hole in the road has returned. The gate is locked.
 
Uncompahgre Plateau Area        
COMMENTS:
 
Wager Gulch Uncompahgre/Ouray
BLM/Gunnison
970-240-5300
970-641-0471
Open 7/11/07
COMMENTS:
7/11/07 - Trail is dry and well maintained to Carson City (Bachelor Mine). While the divide separating "Old" and "New" Carson City is wet the road surface is solid and safe for 4x4 travel. Although the loop is not mentioned in most trail books, this trip from Cinnamon Pass road to South Clear Creek Falls is very scenic and well worth the trip!
 
Wearyman Creek (FS747) White River/Sophris District 970-963-2266 Open 7/21/07
COMMENTS:
7/21/07 - From Shrine Pass road, we headed up FS747. Trail was open all the way to Ptarmigan. Took FS702 down through Camp Hale Some minor washouts, and a bit muddy going at times due to Friday night rainstorm. We drove modified Jeep Ruby with lift, and had no problem. Only encountered two dirt bikes, and a few ATV's from the Camp Hale side.
 
Webster Pass/Handcart Gulch White River/Dillon
Pike/South Platte
970-468-5400
303-275-5610
Partially open 8/12/07
COMMENTS:
8/12/07 - Webster is open from both sides. Shelf road on 285 side narrow as always, but roadbed is solid with minimal winter fill on inside track. Very little evidence of snow at the saddle.
7/15/07 - Webster Pass is still closed. The top 100 feet of the Grant side is still under 10+ feet of snow. I was able to climb/walk to the top. The Montezuma side looks clear.
7/3/07 - Open to within 80 or so yards of the top. Blocked by 20'- 40' deep snow along those 80 yards. Still will be a few weeks even with the record high temps. There was snow at the 1st switchback, but I was able to drive over the top of it. That should be gone fairly soon.
6/17/07 - From the 285 side you can get all of the way to where the switchbacks start up the pass. Looking up to the pass it'll be weeks before it's clear of snow. Trail seems no worse from wear from years past. The creek crossing is significant. Probably 100 yds of the road is covered by the creek.
6/9/07 - From 285 Can get just about to the shelf about 3 miles. Guys from Mile Hi 4x4 working the snow banks when I was there. Trail is good the top of the shelf does not look like it will be passable anytime soon.
 
Weston Pass Pike/Fairplay
San Isabel/Leadville
719-836-2031
719-486-0749
Open all the way 11/5/07
COMMENTS:
11/5/07 - Road was dry and open all the way. Lakes were frozen, but there was no snow on the ground. Should it snow, this road would not be passable.
6/25/07 - Open all the way.
 
Wheeler Lake     Open 7/14/07
COMMENTS:
7/14/07 - Open all the way. No snow on the trail. Bowling ball hill is wet and slick.
6/21/07 - 95% open. There is still a large snow field after the trail levels out past bowling ball hill The snow is covering the last 100 feet or so of the trail before you reach the lake. The rest of the trail is clear all the way to this point.
6/10/07 - Trail not open all the way to top, deep sheet of snow about a mile or 2 from top of trail. Lots of water on trail from snow melt, makes some of the rock obstacles difficult due to wet tires.
 
Williams Pass San Isabel/Salida 719-539-3591 Open 6/30/07
COMMENTS:
7/28/07 - an off road trail association had just open it, a few days before the traditional August 1st,maybe because 8/1/2007 falls in the middle of the week. Rough on the Pitkin side, the trail consist of rock falls, the creek run through it with a lot of boulders, on the top you will find a nice mud hole. On the Hancock side you have a nice 4wd road
 
Yankee Boy Basin Uncompahgre/Ouray
BLM/Gunnison
970-240-5300
970-641-0471
Open 7/12/07
COMMENTS:
7/12/07 - Yankee Boy is open all of the way. The trail conditions are normal, the flowers are beginning to bloom heavily, and around the last week of July should be absolutely amazing (Not that they aren't now!)
7/6/07 - Open almost all the way to the top. Still closed as mentioned previously. Maybe a couple more days.
7/3/07 - Open almost all the way to lake at top end of trail. Road rough. About 30" deep snow bank covering about 50' of road near top. No one has gone through this yet, but plenty of sun on this spot. Shouldn't be long now.
6/27/07 - Not open to top. Seasonal gate is open but you cannot get far beyond it. Snow blocks trail about half a mile beyond gate (maybe less) No safe place to turn around.
6/21/07 - The trail is open all the way. The trail is in good shape and we had no problems in a stock Grand Cherokee.
6/10/07 - 6/10/07 - Supposedly this is open, according to the local Jeep rental company.
 
Yankee Hill Clear Creek 303-567-3000 Open 6/26/07
COMMENTS:
6/26/07 - Open all the way and across the ridge, also all other trails in the area are open.
5/26/07 - The road is open on the East side until you get to 10,600 feet. After this point the trail is wet, and muddy. A couple of guys on trail bikes told me it is not open all the way to Alice. Probably too much snow. I parked and did some hiking.
 


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