This page includes reported changes in trail conditions and unexpected closures. Normal seasonal closures are not shown here. Remember that trail conditions can change quickly. Other hazardous situations may exist that are not reported here. If you know of changes in trail conditions or closures for trails covered in our books, please e-mail us at books@funtreks.com or call toll-free at 877-222-7623.
Click on a book to see updates.
White Wash Sand Dunes, Trail #2: The BLM's new 2008 travel plan now prohibits travel in the branching canyons south of Waypoint 03. See map on page 39.
Dellenbaugh Tunnel Secret Spire, Trail # 5: On page 50, Waypoint 03 is incorrect. It should read: N38º 40.19' W109º 55.78'
Bull Canyon, Trail #11: The road that heads north to Gemini Bridges after Waypoint 04 is now closed to motorized vehicles. A barricade will soon be built across the road and you will have to hike in the short distance to see the bridges.
Dome Plateau, Trail #19: On page 106, continue straight the
first time you reach Waypoint 04; do not turn left. In addition, when
you reach the county road south of La Boca Arch, travel 1.8 miles south
and turn right. (A newly constructed road now continues straight.) Download the corrected pages 106 and 107 (PDF, 254KB).
Pole Canyon Rim, Trail #20: The BLM's new 2008 travel plan has eliminated motorized travel on several small side roads shown on the map on page 111. Do not ride east to the minor overlook at Waypoint 04. Do not ride southeast of Waypoint 05. Do not take the northernmost of two routes that depart northeast of Waypoint 03. Hopefully, signs will identify these illegal side roads.
2008 Change in Colorado OHV Laws: A change in Colorado's OHV laws now requires every out-of-state unlicensed OHV user to purchase a non-resident OHV permit. These can be purchased online at www.parks.state.co.us/parkstore or call (303) 791-1020 for details.
Yankee Hill, Trail #15: Hamlin Gulch DOES allow ATVs. My map erroneously reports this road closed to ATVs.
Saxon Mountain, Lamartine, Trail #16: Due to private property issues, the staging area has been removed. DON'T DRIVE UP UTE CREEK ROAD. There is no place to park or turn around. There is limited parking along the Highway 103 near the start of Ute Creek Road. Some people ride their ATVs up the road including a few homeowners who live in the area. However, since Ute Creek Road is a county road, it is technically illegal to ride on it. So far, the sheriff has not been enforcing the law, however, that could change overnight if traffic gets heavier and residents complain. IF THIS HAPPENS, YOU COULD GET A TICKET! If you need to cross paved 103 on your ATV, go direct from one side to the other. Don't ride up the road. Be very careful and watch for fast-moving traffic. There are other entry points to the Saxon Mountain area, however, they all have the same private property issues. The Georgetown side is extremely narrow and rocky at the bottom. High clearance, 4WD pickup trucks can probably get up the road far enough to unload, but if you are towing a trailer, forget it.
Tincup/Hancock Loop, Trail #28: On page 140, Waypoint 07 is incorrect. It should read: N38º 37.29' W106º 22.47'
2008 Change in Colorado OHV Laws: A change in Colorado's OHV laws now requires every out-of-state unlicensed OHV user to purchase a non-resident OHV permit. These can be purchased online at www.parks.state.co.us/parkstore or call (303) 791-1020 for details.
P.O. Box Change: The P.O. Box for the Silver Plume General Store, shown on page 156 has been changed to P.O. Box 255.
Red Mountain Mining Area, Trail #11: A customer reported that
County Road 31 was closed at the north end on Sept. 19, 2005.
Hopefully, this is just a seasonal closure.
Tomichi Pass, Trail #37: A customer has reported that my distance to Tomichi Cemetery and every mileage tick thereafter is one mile short of actual. I have not been able to redrive to verify. Also, the bridge over the mud bog has been repaired.
Peru Creek, Trail # 53: This
trail is closed from Shoe Basin Mine to Horseshoe Basin. There is a
gate blocking access for all motor vehicles. This trail may be closed
permanently.
Trails #53, #54, #55: The town of Montezuma no longer has a porta-potty in the center of town. It has been replace with "No Parking" signs just about everywhere as you pass through. If you need to park, continue south past town another mile to a large Forest Service parking lot.
Phantom Creek, Signal Butte, Trail #64: Side road F.S. 364 is now open. This road was temporarily closed in 2004 due to the Hayman Fire.
Bonus Trails, Page 248: NEWS FLASH!!
As of July 22, 2009, Hackett Gulch and Longwater Gulch are now open.
However, you must turn around 1/4 mile from the river at the bottom.
The two routes are not connected and are easier than they were in the
past. We will be driving both trails very soon and we give you a more
detailed update at that time.
Hayden Pass, Trail #72: This trail has gotten more difficult near the top due to rockiness. The gas station at Villa Grove has closed.
Lefthand Canyon, Trail #18:
Carnage Canyon Trail (Forest Service Road 286A) has been closed
permanently. Also, Fireman Hill Trail (Forest Service Road 286D) has
been re-routed and is now open. The Forest Service is building a new
rock crawl route through the shooting range. The rock crawl is not open
yet and the shooting range is closed. For more information, please
contact the Boulder Ranger District at 303-541-2525.
West Magnolia, Trail #24: When I redrove this trail on Aug. 19, 2009 , I discovered a mileage error in my instructions. Waypoint 02, at the Lone Star Mine, is actually at 1.9 miles, not 2.2 miles. At this point, the book instructs you to reset your odometer, so the remaining mileages are correct.
Moon & Gamble Gulches, Trail #26: I found many changes to this trail when I redrove it on Aug. 19, 2009. It has always been a very confusing area, but new signs, closed routes, a new route and a new gate, make the instructions in the book very confusing. Here are a few tips that may help you traverse the area:
As you head in on Moon Gulch Road, the maintained portion ends at 2.4 miles. Continue on a lesser road until you reach an unmarked fork at 0.6 miles. Reset your odometer at this point and turn left. This is Waypoint 01 in the book and begins the trail instructions. You will eventually find yourself on F.S. 290 that runs into and becomes F.S. 413. Where I tell you to turn left uphill at Waypoint 02, is now marked as a dead end road F.S. 413.2. Continue straight on 413. Where 413 seems to end, turn left through a fence opening and following a winding road downhill that brings you out on Apex Road. Turn left on Apex Road and head uphill. I found a very large gate that was closed but not locked. Continue uphill through the gate then make a sharp left turn uphill when you reach metal mine buildings. Climb switchbacks uphill until you reach Dakota Hill, pictured on page 104 (lower left photo). The harder shortcut route, I show in the book that goes to the Shaft House, is closed at the bottom of the hill, so you must turn around and follow Gamble Gulch Road down to Missouri Gulch Road. Lots of roads make this area very confusing, but it is still a fun area to explore.
Oh-My-God Road, Trail #31: At Waypoint 02, I tell you to turn left to take a steeper, shorter route. This was intended to give you a better 4-wheeling experience. Unfortunately, this shortcut route is now graded super smooth. Locals use the road to save time. I recommend you bear right and stay on Virginia Canyon Road (a.k.a. Oh-My-God Road). The road is now all gravel, except for a short paved section at the top. Be extremely careful; there are no guardrails and it is very easy to slide off the road.
White Wash Sand Dunes, Trail #2: The narrow canyons north of the dunes are now closed to motorized vehicles.
Tusher Tunnel, Trail #4: Typographical error on Waypoints 3 and
4. North reading should be 38 degrees, not 39 degrees. Balance of
coordinates are correct.
Bull Canyon, Trail #19:
The road that heads north to Gemini Bridges after Waypoint 04 is now
closed to motorized vehicles. A barricade will soon be built across the
road and you will have to hike in the short distance to see the bridges.
Strike Ravine, Trail #29:
Coyote Canyon, a side trip described in text and shown on map on page
119, was not approved as a legal route in the BLM's new travel plan. Do
not drive this trail.
Dome Plateau, Trail #37: The third paragraph on page 146 says, "After visiting the overlook, turn around and retrace your route back to Waypoint 05. Reset odometer and turn left. Bear right at 0.1 where a lesser road goes left." Correction: Instead of bearing right at 0.1 miles, continue straight on what appears to be the main trail.
Toroweap Overlook, Trail #1: The two prime camping spots at the overlook have been converted to "Day Use Only."
Saddle Mountain Road, Trail #3: Waypoint 04 is incorrect. It should read: N 36 18 10.7 W 111 59 38.7
Point Sublime, Trail # 4: At 2.1 miles, the left turn has
been closed off by the park service for revegetation. At 11.3 miles, to
reach the overlook, bear left, not right.
Oak Creek Homestead, Trail #22: The left fork at Waypoint 04 is now closed to motorized traffic. The trail is still open if you go right at the fork.
Vampire Mine, Trail #29: No easy bypass at 10.6 miles; trail is washed out badly. A customer has reported that, when he was there, gates at Waypoints 02 and 03 were cabled and locked. Hopefully, this is a seasonal closure and not permanent. Should these gate be closed, you would have to access Vampire Mine via Shea Road which starts south of Parker. (See Waypoint 10 on Trail #30.)
Swansea Townsite, Trail #30: A customer has reported that, when he was there, gates at Waypoints 02 and 03 were cabled and locked. Hopefully, this is a seasonal situation and not permanent. If gates are closed, you would have to enter via Shea Road south of Parker starting at Waypoint 10.
Wickenburg Mountains, Trail #36: A customer took the alternate exit from Waypoint 06 down Castle Creek. He said it was great fun and rated it easy to moderate. His directions: Just follow the creek to the private property sign and come out of the creek and uphill to rejoin Wickenburg Mountain Trail or continue down Castle Creek to Castle Hot Springs Road (not recommended if rain is forecast).
Backway to Crown King, Trail #38: First 4 miles after Waypoint 04 has been graded, which delays the fun part of trail.
Reno Pass, Trail #42: Reno Pass is closed from the Highway 87 entrance near Sunflower due to a forest fire over a year ago. The Mesa Ranger District is not sure when it will re-open. They are waiting for vegetation to grow back. You can access Reno Pass from the Punkin Center side off Highway 188 but eventually will run into the closed area. For more information, contact the Mesa Ranger District at 480-610-3300.
Sunflower Mine, Trail #43: A customer drove this trail in
November after very heavy rains and found the trail blocked by fallen
trees. Hopefully, the trail is cleared by the time you arrive.
Telegraph Line Road, Trail #45: A customer has reported that the
entire area around this trail is closed because of damage from the Bart
fire in 2005. He spoke to a Tonto National forest ranger and was told
that fines for being caught in this area are very steep (many thousands
of dollars). There is no word when this trail will reopen.
Walnut Canyon, Trail #57:
On page 200, directions at 12.7 miles are correct where I say to turn
right. However, my note that the Coke Ovens are right is obviously
incorrect. Coke Ovens are left at this point.
Chivo Falls, Trail #71:
At Waypoint 08, the gate is cabled and locked, which requires you
return the same way you came in. You can still get to Chivo Falls at
Waypoint 07.
Butterfield Stage Route, Trail #65: The start of this trail can be found as follows: From the intersection of Highways 238 and 347 north of Maricopa, travel west 25.4 miles on Highway 238. Watch for a "National Monument" sign on the right 0.9 miles west of mile marker 18. If you go past mile marker 17, you've gone too far. Paragraph 5 on page 225 should read: "To Get There: From the intersection of Highways 347 and 238 just north of Maricopa, head west 25.4 miles on Hwy. 238. Turn north on dirt road at National Monument sign. (Just east of mile marker 17.) The GPS waypoint coordinate listed in the appendix is correct.
Pleasant Canyon/South Park, Trail # 6: Damage near the narrow bridge has been repaired and you can now drive the entire trail again.
Goler Wash, Mengel Pass, Trail #7: Conditions for this trail
change quickly. After heavy rains, the trail often washes out and can
be very difficult. After repairs are made, it becomes easy again.
Santa Ynez Peak, Trail #10: Closed until further notice due to fire damage. Check future status with Los Padres National Forest.
Aqua Caliente Springs, Trail #11: Closed until further notice due to fire damage. Check future status with Los Padres National Forest.
Pronghorn, Trail #14: The "steep rock" mentioned at 2.9 miles has gotten worse and may be impassable for all but the most capable vehicles.
Rowher Trail, Trail #16: This trail is closed due to fire damage. It is expected to reopen sometime in December, 2008.
Mohave Road West, Trail #26: A customer has reported that when he tried to exit this trail early, heading north on Basin Road from Waypoint 06 to Interstate 15, he found a large gate blocking Basin Road.
Rincon-Shortcut Road, Trail # 27: Check status of this
trail before going there. It has been temporarily closed for
construction projects. In addition, Azusa Canyon has been closed due to
flooding and it may take awhile before it is reopened.
Cucamonga Big Tree Trail, Trail #28: This trail has received major damage from fires and floods and is closed until further notice.
Cleghorn Ridge, Trail #29: July 2008 report from customer indicates this trail is now completely open.
Dishpan Springs, Trail #34: Hooks Creek Road, the main access
road to this trail, is temporarily closed because of fire damage from
the 2003 San Bernardino fires. I have not heard that the trail itself
has been closed, but for a while, you won't be able to get to it from
the Lake Arrowhead side. Also, the creek crossing at the start of the
trail has been changed by the forest service. According to reports from
my customers, a bridge has been built across the creek. There is no
longer an obstacle at the start.
Holcomb Creek #35: This trail has been closed for
awhile due to fire damage. Local clubs have been working on the trail
and hope to convince the forest service to open it soon. Stay tuned.
Rattlesnake Canyon, Trail #43: This trail follows a wash and has
changed considerably according to customer reports. Gates mentioned
have been buried or have washed away. In some places the trail has been
rerouted. Apparently, it is now difficult in places.
Calcite Mine, Trail #45: I've been told this trail was badly torn up and impassable on March 5, 2006. Someone attempting the route when it was wet, rolled 500 feet and was killed. Don't attempt this trail unless it is repaired. Never attempt it when wet.
Truckhaven, Trail #46: We've been informed by local sources that approximately two years ago the "Fireplug," pictured on page 170 and shown on our map, has been removed. Sorry to everyone who has wasted time looking for it. Efforts are being made to reinstall it, but so far no luck.
Fordyce Creek, Trail #17: I had a customer report that
he had no trouble getting across the 1st water crossing when the flow
rate was reported at 150 cfs. He also said he crossed over to the
"Committee Trail" at Waypoint 08 with no problem.
Strawberry Pass, Trail #25: The Forest Service has cut 20 to 25 giant waterbars across the steepest part of the trail. Apparently, the bars are several feet high and very challenging. Also, heavy rains have changed the trail, considerably. Smaller rocks have been removed making obstacles more difficult. The tippy spot I mention at 4.5 miles has filled in a bit and is not so bad.
Pichacho Peak, Trail #53: The Clear Creek Management Area is closed, including the Pichacho Peak Trail and Clear Creek Road.
Bonanza Gulch/EP15, Trail #73: Please note that cabins along this route are on private property and are active mining claims. Land owners allow people to visit as long as they treat the sites with care and respect. Please leave the area exactly as you find it.
No trail updates at this time.
No trail updates at this time.
