Fourmile, Sat April 27

[Java]

Planning to go to Fourmile on Sat, April 27. The area is set to open on 4/15, once it's all officially open I'll post it. Meet at the 311 trailhead off 285 at 10:00, loop around back to the same spot. Its about 25 miles of easy trails that are a lot of fun to drive and are different from most of Colorado's trails. Aside from a section of 376 it's not rocky, and there are a few significant sand areas. It's suitable for any stock 4x4.

Maps and more here https://garna.org/friends-of-fourmile/

[Jim]

'never been and it keeps coming onto my radar - so perhaps now's the time...

[open_circuit]

This is an OHV permit trail system, right? Plenty of time to get a pass if you don't have one yet

[Java]

Spoke to the Salida Ranger station, the Rangers are out right now opening the gates north of 285 so we're good to go for this run; the area south of 285 (Chinaman Gulch area) will open later in the month.

[Java]

It's posted :thumb:

10:00 Saturday April 27
Meet at the kiosk on 311 off highway 285
www.google.com/maps/place/38%C2%B054'35.6%22N+105%C2%B058'32.2%22W/@38.9098889,-105.9777998,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x0!8m2!3d38.909891!4d-105.975621 (https://www.google.com/maps/place/38%C2%B054'35.6%22N+105%C2%B058'32.2%22W/@38.9098889,-105.9777998,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x0!8m2!3d38.909891!4d-105.975621)
www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/psicc/recarea/?recid=21414 (https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/psicc/recarea/?recid=21414)


Plan to run a big loop, down 309, across 376, 375, 373, 311 back to the start. It's easy and a lot of fun, aside from one section of 376 it's not rocky / bumpy like most of Colorado. You can go a lot faster than most trails and there are water crossings, a big sand wash, lots of whoopdees, amazing views of the Collegiate Peaks, the old Sailor Homestead, old Cabins, and campsites all over. Stocker friendly.

This video starts at the meet up location, the kiosks are @1:00: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0sgCO5BuJI

[Jim]

This is an OHV permit trail system, right?

OHV / trails permit needed?

[Tom]

OHV / trails permit needed?
List of trails requiring a permit can be found here.
http://staythetrail.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=266593&module_id=247561

I don't see the four-mile area listed. Does anyone else?

but this page https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/psicc/recreation/recarea/?recid=21414&actid=93
says
”OHV Road Riding

There are nearly 200 miles of road and trails open in the Fourmile area for OHV enthusiasts. All Forest Service and BLM roads in the Fourmile area are open to ATV's and motorcycles. ​All OHV's must have valid Colorado OHV registrations.”

[Jim]

Thanks Tom.

I didn't think of looking at that list.

From Paul's map there's green USFS and tan BLM - with some of the listed trails trekking into BLM where I thought a permit might be needed (don't anticipate one being needed for USFS).

EDIT: I took the list from Tom's URL and sorted by the right column... It looks like only Carnage Canyon requires the permit.

[Tom]

See my second link and quote added during edit below.

[Jim]

Yea, I read that too - the FS page - but I'm going the not-needed aside from Carnage Canyon. (even though I drove right by the FoCo office today - just after 5p)

[open_circuit]

This is an OHV permit trail system, right? Plenty of time to get a pass if you don't have one yet

This comment (question) was due to our trail run in November, 2017, when Paul indicated this trail was an OHV area.

(http://www.frontrange4x4.com/forums/showthread.php?26243-Fourmile-Area-Sat-Nov-4&p=318618#post318618)

Maybe things changed since 2017 or the information was wrong then. I was just looking for clarification since I bought an OHV permit the last time I ran this trail, at the direction of folks on this forum.

Note that the USDA / USFS website (https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/psicc/recreation/ohv/?recid=12403&actid=93) Paul linked in 2017 does still appear to list Fourmile as an OHV trail riding area. Rainbow Falls is also listed, fwiw.

[JandDGreens]

I think that there are so many trails we run that you might as well get a sticker

[open_circuit]

I think that there are so many trails we run that you might as well get a sticker

Definitely the prudent choice.

I ordered mine online just now.

[Java]

Just buy it. You'll feel good about yourself.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wt2m1Ji1HZI

[Jim]

:chuckle: Yea, I hear ya.

[Tom]

Just paid for my permit renewal. So I am thinking I am a definite YES unless there is a major rain/snow storm in that area thur or fri.

[Java]

:thumb: Weather looks great, glad you can make it!

[Jim]

I'm likely yes

[Java]

:thumb: Great! A JKUR is coming along too. The weather looks perfect, we should easily be able to do 20+ miles of trails. My first run of the year!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Om0A7K4IptQ

These guys are on 311:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2PZzcfSpS4

[Jim]

`heard on the radio this afternoon that US-285 south of Fairplay to expect 15 minute construction delays starting Saturday / tomorrow.

I don't see this listed on CO Trip.

Anyone else have info?

[Java]

Glad you're coming, Jim! :thumb:

your tax dollars at work: https://www.codot.gov/projects/us-285-fairplay-resurfacing

you can possibly bypass the area using 9 and 24, which would probably take as long as waiting for the delay. We'll just do our best, get there as we can; 10:00 or as cdot allows. It's casual.

[Tom]

I am up and heading out soon.

[Java]

leaving in a few minutes, looks like a beautiful morning! :thumb: