Bunce school road almost snow free

[RockyMtRebel]

I know this Trail is pretty easy and not much of a destination but posting this update anyways. The gates are still closed near Middle St Vrain but you can pretty much get all the way to the gate (7 or 8 miles) on road 105. The last 1/8 of a mile is snow/ice and some big mud puddles, one of which can get vehicles stuck that don't have an it if clearance due to the deepens and snow and ice.

Forest service says they may open the gates early May since it's pretty dry already. I hope so!

Ironclads loop (road 216) is dry 99% and fun (steep, loose, rocky and fun). This loop is moderate, has a large step at the end that is unavoidable and intimidating (but doable if you have clearance and at least 33" tires).

very busy on weekends but weekday days and afternoons are very quiet and perfect for hitting this trail system.

i live just a few miles from here and hit this a few times a week to get out of the house or for sunsets. If anyone wants to hit these trails anytime, let me know and I'd love to join ;)

[Max]

This loop is moderate, has a large step at the end that is unavoidable and intimidating (but doable if you have clearance and at least 33" tires).

If you go clockwise (left at the fork), the obstacle will be uphill and at the beginning.

[RockyMtRebel]

Correct, but counter clockwise is the "preferred" route and at busy times going clockwise could cause traffic jams -- but when it's quiet this would be a fun alternative.

heres a boring video of me going up the loose steep climb (counter clockwise) just a few weeks ago after some snow


https://youtu.be/NRBG5uUhDag

[RockyMtRebel]

And here's another video going down -

https://youtu.be/eHnnIkM9knA


i can't seem to be able to upload pictures so links to videos is all I can do ;)

[Max]

Correct, but counter clockwise is the "preferred" route

I always go left and do the ledge uphill. Trail Damage says to go that way as well. https://www.traildamage.com/trails/index.php?id=175

[xaza]

I always go left and do the ledge uphill. Trail Damage says to go that way as well. https://www.traildamage.com/trails/index.php?id=175
Actually it says to take the trail on the right.
"Then you come to a "Y" intersection with both trails marked 216. This is the bottom of the large loop. Take the road on the right."

[Max]

Oops, I read that wrong, there are two ledges. I still like going to the left better.

[RockyMtRebel]

I would like to try it that way, probably during the week when it's not so busy

[Jim]

there are two ledges.

Two? I know of the "one to the left" but where's this second ledge?


This picture is the entrance to Camp Dick this past Friday (4/14/17). Granted, it likely looks worse than it is. The road behind is probably clear of snow with only snow remaining in the shadows.

[RockyMtRebel]

The first, and largest ledge is before the loop starts (right after the camp/climbing area). It is optional with a rocky easier route that bypasses it on the left (most people bypass this, it's a very large ledge). I have not and probably won't try this ledge, it's for the BIG tire guys