Ride for a group of 5 in segment 24

imported
#1

Hello, My friends and I are hiking Segment 24 of the CT on May 14 and 15, 2011, and are looking for a ride to where Segment 24 begins at Stoney Pass Rd. on Sunday morning, May 14th. We plan on hiking 20 miles to Molas Pass, south of Silverton to pick up our car. Or, any suggestions for a simpler arrangement would be appreciated, since this is our first time. We are willing to pay for the ride out to Stoney Pass, the apparent access point. Thanks! You can conact me at fabaden@hotmail.com. Thanks for your consideration!
Frank

Frank Baden

#2

There may be deep snow at 12,500+ feet on May 14. This has been a big snow year in that part of the state.

food

#3

I just checked. There is 43" of snow at Molas Lake elevation 10,500. Stony Pass is at 12,500 with a 4x4 trail as access. Without a snowmobile and snow shoes probably not happening in 3 weeks.

woofer

#4

Not necessarily. The Silverton area passes are almost always open for Memorial Day weekend which is the big kickoff day for the new tourist season. Call the San Juan County Sheriff’s office (970-387-5531) a few days in advance and they should be able to tell you if it’s been dozed out yet. Even if the road is open, you will likely be walking on deep snow (like 10’ in places) from Stoney for the first 7 miles or so until you are 1/2 mile down from the divide in Elk Creek. (That descent might be helped by carrying a ice axe.) The trail is usually not completely snow-free in there until early to mid July.

If you go I’d appreciate a report on how many trees are down in Elk Creek. I will be in there with a adopter crew for three days over 4th of July weekend to cut them out. Also, if anybody would like to join us on that crew let me know. (No slackers - everything has to be done by hand as it is wilderness.)

bearcreek

#5

Bearcreek - My girlfriend and I are interested in your trail crew but there is no e-mail link with your post. How do I get in contact?

longhiker

#6

Sorry. bearcreek@wic.net

bearcreek