My Trail Reviews (18)
(within last 6 months)Seasonally closed until 5/20.
Cool trail. Awesome views right next to the creek and I'm sure probably has some awesome camp spots in the summer.
We only traveled between waypoints 1 and 4 and turned around because we wanted to return to Deckers and not go into Divide, but this trail was an awesome winter run! The tight trees gave you such a remote and lonely feeling! It was awesome. Even if it was dry without snow, the scenery is cool and several steep climbs would easily entertain anyone in a stock to modified vehicle.
Went down to the area to just get away for the day and hit some fresh snow on the trails. Only a few inches along the entire trail and not icy at all. The trail appeared to be well used for the day although we only saw tracks and only a couple other vehicles. Beyond the awesome views of Pikes Peak, this trail is super mellow even with the snow.
Ran the trail in a counter clockwise direction, and good thing! The bottom half was a great drive down into the valley. As we circled around to attempt the top half, the hill climbs out of the valley were proving to be impossible with the snow. There was probably 4"-6" of fresh snow. I also noticed some very severe washouts near waypoint 6. With the snow covering the ground, it's hard to say if they were actually on the trail, or just off of it, but just something to be aware until you can see clearly once the snow melts.
Cool little trail until waypoint 4. Driving next to the creek is really pretty. I was running this in the snow, so between waypoint 4 and 5 the trail seemed to get a little lost since it was covered in snow. I saw what appeared to be maybe 3 different routes up the hill. 1 which appears to be the most logical and original route, was severely washed out. It was an extreme challenge for my LJ on 37s with the snow. In dry conditions, it would still be pretty difficult. I opted to back out as I flipping over would have been a very difficult recovery. The other 2 routes that appeared through the snow looked like they were bypasses to this washout and were very off camber. I'm curious to see the various routes and the true route once the snow melts.
Seasonal Closure now in effect
Attempted the trail yesterday with varying rigs all on 37s. Right from the trailhead the snow is impassable. It's extremely deep sugar snow providing no traction at all. Getting to the trailhead wasnt bad as it appears it is getting pretty regular use and the trail has been packed down by snowmobiles. Although we couldn't traverse any of the actual trail, the views were still awesome as always.
Coming from the south side, the trail is impassable immediately at waypoint 10 where people use this spot as a parking area for backcountry skiing and snowmobile dropoff. The entrance to the trail is blocked by plowed snow. No idea what the north side looks like, but I assume deep snow.
Coming from Elk Park Road, we attempted to run the trail in the reverse direction of this guide. 50 yards onto the trail, we buried our Jeeps in giant, soft, snow drifts. The beginning of the trail (per this guide) was snow covered and looked doable at least for a short while, but no idea how big the drifts are back deeper in the trees.
Had a group of very well equipped Jeeps on large tires. The snow is deep and sugary through most of the trail. The beginning was very icy under a fresh layer of snow. There were a number of pretty good drifts in the really shaded parts that we really had to work to get through, but we made it almost 6 miles until we met a giant snow drift covering the road. Stock vehicles should not attempt this trail until the snow clears.
A new seasonal closure was implemented for upper Transfer Trail above Glenwood Springs. Closure started Nov. 23 to maintain conditions for snowmobiling. Not sure of the date the gate will open again. Call the local BLM office to check in the spring.
Black Bear is currently closed due to snow. It is likely to remain closed for the season now, but be sure to check with the local district.
For a fall weekday, there was a lot of traffic on the trail. Not many people at the lake up top, but many along the drive. Passing oncoming traffic is not an issue along most of the trail. A few spots might be a bit narrow to pass someone, but overall not an issue. The waterfall was pretty low due to the drought down there, but still a cool sight to see.
Trail is still open and very dry. Where there are typically waterfalls on the east side, right now they are nothing but trickling water. Ingram Falls and Bridal Veil are very low on volume also.
Beyond the water situation, the views are incredible on this trail, and being my first time on it in the fall, it was cool, but I do prefer the lush green scenary better.
Great day to be on the trail! The fall colors are amazing right now in the area. Saw quite a bit of traffic, but probably not as busy as peak summer season. I would say the only thing this guide is missing is the historic post office on the west end between the highway and ophir. It's a really cool building to stop and visit.
Great dirt route from Ridgeway to Telluride. Strangely enough, the aspens on the north side are not yet changing much, but on the south side, they are spectacular. Incredible views along this trail! It's super easy and we saw a lot of traffic... everything from Audi sedans to pickup trucks and Jeeps. Great trail for Aspen viewing!
The trail will be closed this Friday and Saturday, August 17th & 18th for a work project with the Forest Service.