SEASONAL TRAIL and ROAD UPDATE – April 19, 2007

EARLY SEASON TRAILS THAT ARE OPEN (OR PARTIALLY OPEN),  NOTE:  the new snowfall we received April 18-19 has changed the condition of many trails that are listed below as “open”, please use good judgment if you are out on trails this weekend and apply the rule of thumb “if you leave a muddy track, turn back”.

Adams Gulch:  Sunnyside, Citizens and Lanes Trails are open, however, new snowfall has created wet conditions although warmer predicted temps over the weekend may help dry these trails.  Eve’s Gulch, Shadyside and the upper loop of Adams Gulch trail and the upper portion of Adams Gulch Road are still closed.

Heidelberg Hill (Wanderers Way): is open for ¾ mile, up and back, it is closed at the ridgeline leading down into Adams Gulch.

Greenhorn Area:  Cow Creek Trail is open for a 2.5 mile out and back.  Lodgepole, Mahoney and Greenhorn Trails are also open for approx. 2 miles but this week’s snowfall has recreated muddy conditions.  Sawmill trail is still holding snow and is closed.

Trail Creek:  Trail Creek Trail is open; portions only of Aspen Creek, Corral Creek Trail are open.  Please observe signs along these trails that indicate how far trails are open.

Proctor Trail: Open.

Lake Creek: Open for about 2 miles out and back, a 2 track trail is open, access is only from the Lake Creek Trailhead, cross the steel bridge and follow the new trail that leads up to the bench.

Fox Creek, Chocolate - Oregon Gulch are still closed.

SUGGESTED RIDES AND HIKES FOR NOW   Due to this weeks snowfall and cold temps we are recommending only the trails listed above that have southern exposures or are in open areas such as Sunnyside and Trail Creek.  Better riding and hiking is still in the southern portion of the Wood River Valley.  This is a great time to explore roads and trails located on southern exposures up Croy Canyon such as Carbonate Mtn and Democrat Gulch.  Please use good judgment and turn around if wet conditions are encountered, remember most trails in the southern foothills, located on BLM lands, are not protected by signs and much of the access either crosses or borders private land.  Please be respectful of private lands by carrying out all trash and honoring signs.

 For up to date dirt trail conditions log onto:

Big Wood Backcountry Trails
"A positive voice for our community trails"
www.bwbt.org

See you on the trails. Bob Rosso

ROADS CONTAINING CLOSURES:

              Adams Creek #141: Closed about 1 mile above the trailhead.

              Warm Springs #227:  Closed about 6 miles above Penny Lake.

              Cove Creek #124:  Closed about 1.5 miles from the East Fork junction. 

              Baker Creek #162:  Closed.

              Eagle Creek # 144:  Closed.

              Lake Creek # 142:  Open –please use good judgment, road is still wet in some areas.

              Independence Creek: Closed.

              Fox Creek: Closed.

              Corral Creek # 137: Open - please use good judgment, the last ½ mile is still wet in areas.

Deer Creek # 097: Open.

Greenhorn: Open to the trailhead.

East Fork of the Big Wood:  Open; be cautious of muddy wet conditions above Federal Gulch.

Expect snow or mud at higher elevations.   Use good judgement on roads and trails not signed shut and turn around if conditions become wet.  Please go over any obstacles or through small puddles on roads and trails, not around them.  Going around obstacles and puddles causes “braiding”, vegetation loss, and soil erosion.

SHEEP GRAZING LOCATIONS:  No sheep are currently grazing on the forest.