banner gif

2002 RMIHR TRAIL DESCRIPTIONS


*NOTE: Trail ratings are subjective and based on the worst part of the trail under DRY conditions. Wet weather can make a 5 rated trail into an 8 rated trail in short order. The Trail Rating Guide is provided for your reference. You must weigh your experience and your truck's ability to the conditions of the trail that day. Ultimately you are responsible for the safety of your passengers and yourself.

ALPINE TUNNEL—HANCOCK
Rating:*   4
Description: Pending Pre-Run
Vehicle recommendations:   T B D
Historical:   T B D
Scenic:   T B D
MT. BLANCA (Overnight Run)
Rating:*   9
One of the premier hardcore trails in Colorado. The trailhead is in the high San Luis Valley and climbs a canyon steadily to Lake Como at about 11,500 feet. There are four main obstacles on the way to the lake, all named Jaws (Jaws 1, 2, 2.5 and 3). There is also one obstacle after the lake named Jaws 4 on the way to Blue Lake. It is a beautiful trail, driving up a narrow steep canyon through juniper and aspen trees, passing a couple of cabins along the way to Lake Como. Fishing is possible at this lake but you must possess a valid Colorado fishing license. The return trip, coming back down the same trail you went up, will take you through the Great Sand Dunes National Monument. There is a $3.00 per PERSON entrance fee. You will get an up close view of the HUGE sand dunes and then on to Medano Pass and back to Salida.
SPECIAL NOTE: This is an overnight run, spending the night at timberline (11,500 feet). Plan for low temps at night (in the 30's) with heavy afternoon rain possible. Bring all of your own camping gear (tents, stove, food, sleeping bags, etc).
Vehicle recommendations:   33" tires, 4" lift, and at least a rear locker. Limited slips don't count. NO EXCEPTIONS,
Historical:   Medium
Scenic:   High
BOULDER MOUNTAIN—BALDWIN LAKES
Rating:*   5
Description: Pending Pre-Run
Vehicle recommendations:   T B D
Historical:   T B D
Scenic:   T B D
CHINAMAN'S GULCH
Rating:*   7
Chinaman's Gulch winds its way through a Juniper forest. We will use part of the trail that was run last year. There will be a diversion down a sand wash to a rock filled gully for those that want to "flex" as there is only one way in and one way out. Then we will work our way back to the waterfall. There are many rocky sections and a few sections to challenge the hardcore wheeler. The hardest part is a rock face with several ways up ranging from a slight challenge (3') to a 6 foot vertical wall. This trip can be as challenging as you want it to be.
Vehicle recommendations:   32" tires, 4" lift, rear locker or front and rear Limited slips.
Historical:   Low
Scenic:   Moderate
HAYDEN PASS
Rating:*   3
Description: Pending Pre-run
Vehicle recommendations:  T B D
Historical:   T B D
Scenic:   T B D
IRON CHEST MINE
Rating:*   8
One of the oldest and best known hardcore trails in Colorado. Most of the challenge is in the first half mile where you will negotiate a tight gully filled with large boulders. After the fun of the boulder field, the trail gets much easier and more scenic on the way up to the Iron Chest Mine where there are some old ruins from Colorado's god rush days. This is a one way in and one way out trails. Big tires and lifts are your friends here.
Vehicle recommendations:   4" lift, 33" tires, and a rear locker or tight front and rear Limited Slips
Historical:   High
Scenic:   High
MINESEEPER
Rating:*   9
A short trail only a few mile long but don't let that fool you. A few miles east out of Salida is the beginning and what a beginning it is. The first obstacle, rightfully named "Winch and Go" is at the mouth of a dry wash. It is a 10-12 foot high wall of water smoothed rock that climbs almost vertically into a tight squeeze at the top. Immediately after this are the next two obstacles, "Single Jack" and "Double Jack" (names from the mining era), that will tilt you off camber and test your flex. This is all in the first 50 yards of the trail. After this it is a relatively easy drive up a sand wash to a dirt road and back to Salida. NOTE: This trail may not be run if wet.
Vehicle recommendations:   4" lift, 33" tires, front and rear lockers and rear tow points. NO EXCEPTIONS
Historical:   Low
Scenic:   Low
NO NAME CREEK
Rating:*   ?
Description: Pending Pre-run
Vehicle recommendations:   T B D
Historical:   T B D
Scenic:   T B D
PONCHA CREEK TRAIL
Rating:*   3
Description: Pending Pre-run
Vehicle recommendations:   T B D
Historical:   T B D
Scenic:   T B D
TAYLOR MOUNTAIN ROAD
Rating:*   ?
Description: Pending Pre-run
Vehicle recommendations:   T B D
Historical:   T B D
Scenic:   T B D
LADIES RUN
Rating:* ?
Description: Pending Pre-Run
Vehicle recommendations:   T B D
Historical:   T B D
Scenic:   T B D
© 2000, 2001, 2002     All rights reserved.
RMIHR Committee, P.O. Box 471821, Aurora, CO 80047-1821    (303) 364-5535