South Fork Wheeling?

Blue Dodge · February 8th, 2010, 08:16 AM

Any trails near South Fork? Everytime I drive through town I see the picture of Jeep on the sign, and want to hit the trails. Charles Wells doesn't list any there, just near Lake City. (The classic high San Juan trails), but I was wondering around there?

(San Luis Valley side of Wolf Creek Pass)

Thanks in advance.

DaJudge · February 8th, 2010, 11:16 AM

Wheeler geologic area about halfway between South Fork and Creede--
4x4 road to the entrance and a hike through weird rock formations:

http://picasaweb.google.com/alstine/WheelerGeologicArea#

Creede is a neat little town with a lot of history, a mining museum and a
network of 4x4 FS roads off of the Mining District loop:

http://picasaweb.google.com/alstine/...MiningDistrict#

We stayed at Riverbend Campground a couple of miles west of South Fork
and really enjoyed it. We also spent a day just exploring to the South on
FS roads thru Summitville (see your tax dollars at work at the Superfund
site), over to Platoro Reservoir and the village of Platoro, then back to
South Fork. We had an excellent meal on our anniversary at the Chalet
Swiss in South Fork.

None of the 4x4 roads are hardcore but all are very scenic as is the Silver
Thread Byway.

luigi0523 · February 8th, 2010, 03:53 PM

We explored that same area DaJudge refers to south of South Fork and the best trail we found was Elwwod Pass, not hardcore but fun. There is also some stuff out SE of Pagosa ,Bear Basin and Blue Creek area. Ck out FS and Nat'l Geographic Trail Illustrated maps.

DaJudge · February 8th, 2010, 04:40 PM

Also there are 4WD trails listed here. Look for Rio Grande Natl Forest trails. Divide Ranger District (basically north of US 160) lists these trails:

http://activities.wildernet.com/page...riving&CU_ID=1

Conejos Peak RD shows these:

http://activities.wildernet.com/page...riving&CU_ID=1

ColoradoXJ · February 8th, 2010, 05:15 PM

www.staythetrail.org/maps for free companion maps and information

www.staythetrail.org/mvum for the Motor Vehicle Use Maps for the USFS

comanchecolt · February 8th, 2010, 05:40 PM

There's a dam just south west of town, past the dam are some trails, all scenery stuff though.

Blue Dodge · February 8th, 2010, 07:05 PM

Awesome! Yeah the wifey is working this weekend so we did Valentine's day at the Swiss Chalet. We were impressed!

Awesome area, this year we will camp down there for sure. That Wheeler area looks fantastic.

Trying to decide if its worth dragging the Dodge down or just wheeling the tow rig. (Avalanche -- decent tires and winch, stock otherwise, scratch free though).

Jeff Mason · February 8th, 2010, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blue Dodge

Awesome! Yeah the wifey is working this weekend so we did Valentine's day at the Swiss Chalet. We were impressed!

Awesome area, this year we will camp down there for sure. That Wheeler area looks fantastic.

Trying to decide if its worth dragging the Dodge down or just wheeling the tow rig. (Avalanche -- decent tires and winch, stock otherwise, scratch free though).

You take the avalanche, I'll drive the Sorento and Dan can drive his Dodge 2500. Maybe even throw in a Ford F350 on the trail?

guapotaco · February 8th, 2010, 10:31 PM

what ever happened to the rock crawling area around del monte, almont area? (south side of san luis valley) i thought there was actually a designated crawler area...?? it was written up in the mags years ago but haven't seen nor heard anything since then...

74BuckinBronc · February 9th, 2010, 11:12 AM

Guapotaco, are you talking about the Rock Quarry? I honestly don't know for sure where that's at, but that key word should get you some results on this site.

Yeah, there isn't much for good wheeling in the SLV. There are TONS and TONS of scenic roads, but you'll find most of them under LOTS of snow this time of the year, and especially this year. I grew up there and know quite a few camping areas for primitive camping that you won't see another soul for a week. Solitude! There are a few rough roads here and there, but there isn't much a stock jeep can't handle.

Wheeler Monument is worth the trip. Pack a lunch tho. I went as a little kid and I remember leaving mid-morning and all the adults commenting on how long it's taking to get in there. We weren't prepared and were all starving since we didn't get out of there till after dark. I can't say for sure if the trail gets tight enough to get you some pin stripping. I'd recommend getting a FS map of the area. So many spur roads to get lost on.

J.D.

JeepDiva · February 10th, 2010, 01:47 PM

The Rock Quarry it still there, outside of Del Norte. I think they do a seasonal closure on it for the winter/spring. It didn't look like it had gotten much travel last summer.

Blue Dodge · February 10th, 2010, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Mason

You take the avalanche, I'll drive the Sorento and Dan can drive his Dodge 2500. Maybe even throw in a Ford F350 on the trail?

Sounds fun, but i do need to get the Dodge out. Its an ok shelf, but someday I should start it....

The funny thing is last year i had committed to pin striping on the Avalanche but after getting run into and the whole side being repainted, it doesn't have any scratches.

I had meant to go to Rock Quarry a few years ago and never made it over there. Being close to Del Norte makes it interesting.

Jeff, should we do Cozu down there this year?

cmd11 · February 10th, 2010, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guapotaco

what ever happened to the rock crawling area around del monte, almont area? (south side of san luis valley) i thought there was actually a designated crawler area...?? it was written up in the mags years ago but haven't seen nor heard anything since then...

as far as I know, it's still there. It's outside of Del Norte and it's called the stone quarry. Here's a link from 4WD&SU with directions and coordinates. I would call the local BLM before heading down just to make sure it's still open for use.

http://www.4wdandsportutility.com/fe..._me/index.html

it's a load of fun and a great place to stop and play a while....

The other trail outside of Antonito (the power house trail) is closed last I heard. It started at the bottom of a decent sized hill and climbed it's way to the top of the mesa really close to where the C&TS RR Big Horn water tank is located.

SPY · February 10th, 2010, 07:01 PM

The Rock Quarry...that place is fun! That's where I flopped my TJ playing with the big boys(see Twisted Digital's "V"). It's kinda hard to find if you have never been there before but directions are easy. PM me if you want 'em but it's something that doesn't need to be all over the web!!!

cmd11 · February 10th, 2010, 07:36 PM

I must be confused....is it Stone quarry or rock quarry? same or different place?

JeepDiva · February 10th, 2010, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmd11

I must be confused....is it Stone quarry or rock quarry? same or different place?

Same place.