From the CTF Facebook page 2 hours ago…
“WILDFIRE EVACUATION AFFECTING COLORADO TRAIL. Just learned…http://denver.cbslocal.com/2013/06/19/lime-gulch-fire-breaks-out-in-jefferson-county/ Sheriff has begun stopping CT travelers at South Platte River, the division between Segments 1 and 2.”
Wandering Bob
Wandering Bob, THANK YOU for posting this. I would have never seen it on the FB page. This makes a great argument to go cookless in the first few segments. Pray for the homeowners, critters and rain as well as bring PB&J instead of a stove. It looks as though at this point a hiker may be able to take the “Raleigh peak RD” and have a little “road” walk as that is the Southern end of the current evacuation area. (2:45am 6/20) I have yet to hike the area. Does anyone know if the Raleigh peak road is accessible?
Birdog
Via the CTF facebook page
FIRE UPDATE - Lime Gulch Fire (formerly called Chair Rocks Fire) has not currently enveloped any of the CT. However, CT closures are in place including Waterton and Seg 2 … so (functionally and safety-wise) CT SEGMENTS 1 AND 2 ARE CLOSED. Best info now suggests users might change their plans to START AT THE SEGMENT 3 BEGINNING, LITTLE SCRAGGY TRAILHEAD. Currently upwind from fire, Seg 3 is reportedly still open and we think Jefferson County 126 Pine Valley Road might well be open, though there are some indications it is closed south of Buffalo Creek. Best known FIRE MAP HERE–>
I just talked to authorities, USFS, Sheriff, etc. CT users are being stopped, not allowed to use Segments 1 and 2. However, Segment 3 still looks open.
On Track
I spoke with a trail angel and auxillary law enforcement officer that said the smoke as of last night, when they were closing several of the roads down in the Lime Gulch area was so bad that they had to wear respirators. The thought of hiking in smoke that thick does not seem too appealing, and it seems kinda dangerous too. The Segment 3 start that we were discussing is a no-go and I am wondering if a segment 4 start is wise. Just a heads up if anyone else is planning on starting segment 3. If you get feet on the ground there, please let us know.
Birdog
My wife and I shuttled a hiker to segment 3 at 6am 6/22 and it was clear and a beautiful day to hike the CT!
Bernard
We found an expensive piece of gear on the Colorado trail, along with a couple other pieces, about 1 mile NE of where the trail crosses Deckers Road above the town of Buffalo Creek. If this might be yours, message us describing what the piece of gear is. We’d love to return it to its rightful owner. Thanks.
Mike & Meg
P.S. I posted this in the main forum too, but I thought maybe since the time it was lost might coincide with the fire, that it might be helpful to post here too. Thanks!
Mike & Meg
Here is the latest post on the CTF Facebook Page:
"BUMMER, WATERTON CANYON CLOSED AGAIN - Rapidly changing fire conditions this Monday June 24 3:30 Mountain Time. Another fire (new, still small) has started near Strontia Springs Reservoir, midway CT Segment 1. "
“BEST BET (AGAIN) IS TO START AT SEGMENT 3 LITTLE SCRAGGY TRAILHEAD. Though Segment 2 is open, Foxton Rd, County Rd 96/97, is still restricted to residents only, so you cannot currently drive to the east end of Segment 2.”
Eli