Colorado trails that are open now (March/April) near the front range area

[Hulk]

A friend of mine with a new 4Runner wants me to take him wheeling. I'm thinking that is a good idea, but what trails are not snowed in right now? I don't mind driving a few hours to the trail head but I'm not looking for an overnighter right now. Any suggestions?

 

[MountainGoat]

We are supposed to get 10 to 14 inches of snow tomorrow in Conifer. That might make it difficult for another week or so unless more snow comes next week. So, no suggestions right now. Sorry bro.

 

[subzali]

Slaughterhouse can sometimes be pretty dry, until the next snowstorm comes

 

[Hulk]

Slaughterhouse can sometimes be pretty dry, until the next snowstorm comes

I think it is closed for the winter, isn't it?

 

[jps8460]

I think it is closed for the winter, isn't it?

yep, I want to say may 15th....

 

[subzali]

Huh? I didn’t think they had a gate on slaughterhouse? I know I’ve been up there in February.

Oh well, when it snows there’s always yankee hill!

 

[Cocarlisle]

I might be heading up to Yankee tomorrow just to get out
If I do I’ll let you know

 

[Inukshuk]

We could maybe run Stony Pass this weekend. Lets watch the snow fall. It snot so high up that its usually enough to be fun. I've driven it in a Subaru in winter before.

 

[MountainGoat]

Huh? I didn’t think they had a gate on slaughterhouse? I know I’ve been up there in February.

Oh well, when it snows there’s always yankee hill!

Slaughterhouse seasonal closures have changed every year for the past several years. They were using signage rather than gates and most people were ignoring the signs and driving on it anyway. They can't really lock the gate at the bottom because there are a couple of houses behind it.

Anyway, last time I was up there (last year) the closure signs were gone. I just checked the NF website and found nothing about seasonal closures there. The latest MVUM (2018) shows it as NOT under seasonal closure: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd575442.pdf

That is GREAT news!!!

 

[subzali]

We could maybe run Stony Pass this weekend. Lets watch the snow fall. It snot so high up that its usually enough to be fun. I've driven it in a Subaru in winter before.

I've never heard of Stony Pass before, is this the one you're talking about?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stony_Pass

 

[MountainGoat]

He probably meant the one down by Wellington Lake:

https://www.google.com/maps/@39.3135877,-105.3606133,16z

https://www.4x4explore.com/rds/s_rds/stoney_ps.html

 

[subzali]

Cool! I will have to check that one out sometime! I believe I've seen it but IIRC there was a gate across it (in summer) when I last went by. Maybe due to one of the fire burns in that area?

 

[J1000]

I'll be down for Stony Pass either day this weekend.

 

[cbelgard]

What about Bunch School Rd? Been a while, but I've wheeled that in the snow.

 

[Inukshuk]

I will be checking on and staying at a cabin Saturday night near Bailey. They have about 12" new snow in that area. Stony could be fun and I'm not interested in the higher-elevation potential challenge of Slaughterhouse. @J1000 and I have PMd. Others PM too. Not terribly interested in anything else nor do I think we have too many options.

 

[Fishy]

We can head down to Metberry, Longwater and Hackett. I'd be in at a safe distance. Can't do all three in a day, but can do one and part of another. Should be all melted by tomorrow afternoon.