Albany Parking Area

[Lonnie]

NO OVERNITE PARKING! That is the rule, and it should be understood by all. If people are parking 3 axle trailers in the lot and staying at the lodge, then the lodge needs to correct their parking to accomodate their customers.(I don't know if the tripple axle trailer owner was staying at the lodge, just using it as an example) All I heard last year was that it was the forest service lot, and any charges for parking in the lot have nothing to do with the lodge, which is fine, but then they shouldn't have lodge guests parking their rigs in the "no overnite parking" lot. I live in Laramie, and i've spent money staying at the Albany Lodge for a weekend or 2, but I parked my rig in the lodge parking, not the parking lot. Like everyone else said, sleddin is expensive for everyone, not just a certain person driving xxx miles to get here. I've got friends that are flatlanders, and they have wanted to leave their sleds and trailers in the lot overnite so they don't have to trailer them up every day(they stay at my house and drive 2000 miles round trip to get here), but I will not allow that! I've explained the situation to them and they understand, and I will park my vehicles elsewhere just to make room for them when I have to. They are driving from Fargo, ND and they understand, Ya, ya, sure....hehe
I do feel apologetic to people that have motorhomes designed for camping out in the wintertime, but until they create an overnite parking area there is no overnite parking, and there should be no overnite parking, period.
The biggest thing is that it gives the groomers or lot tech some time to make the lot a nice place to park for everyone when there are no vehicles parked overnite, and yes, the Berm in the middle would help greatly! I guess the only thing that will fix the issue is Rocky Mountain Towing hauling a rig down the mountain, and the owner pay a 350 to 600 dollar towing bill, then just add that to the amount of money you are spending on gas, lodging, food, booze, etc. Then you could say you spend 5400 + 2400(4 days) on your trip! Just consider it another cost of the sport if you must park up there overnite and disobey the law.....Again, just my 2 cents...
See ya on the Mountain 7:00 AM Saturday!!

 

[bish]

Wow. If you all would put as much energy into asking for a bigger lot, as you do into complaining about it, you would have it by now. When you are wining to the forest service about what you get or need, ask for little fences for each parking stall, so you know what space is yours and what space is the next guys. I could really care less about the overnight parking one way or the other. But when I pull in with a camper and trailer, park it like the sign says (for the day), and you have a problem with it because it is too big in your opinion, walk the other way, because you are not going to get anywhere with me.

The money thing was just a fraction of what I posted earlier, why no comments on the rest of the post?

I am just another us citizen trying to use OUR national forest. I like coming to Wyoming because most of the people there are very nice and accommodating. But it is becoming real clear that a few locals there think that the national forest is there own playing grounds and don’t want “FLATLANDERS” riding out there.

I truly hope that the parking situation settles down, or works it way out. It is a great place to ride, and I enjoy the coming out.

 

[rockdog2112]

Quit Making Excuses

It doesn't matter what state you’re from. Who cares. The rules pertain to everyone. Saying that Wyoming riders think that the Snowys are "our own personal domain" is just another convenient way of skirting the issue. It's just as ridiculous as using the cash spent, and or distance traveled to justify being rude or irresponsible. Quit making excuses. If you don’t like the rules and don’t have the courtesy to follow them, then stay wherever you live and sled there- no matter what state you’re from. FYI- Since someone made this an issue of state, I do think of the Medicine Bow and the Snowy Range as my backyard and I believe I have earned that right after 46 years of living and contributing to this state and vicinity. I would hope that everyone take the same pride in their state as I do mine. It may be a national forest, but one great piece of it is in Wyoming. Have the decency to respect the laws here just as I would in your state.
To all those who don’t get it, I would ask you to be a part of the solution and stop making excuses for why you can’t…but I understand- It is not convenient for you. Here is an idea. Start another thread justifying why the laws don’t pertain to you or anyone else that can’t follow them. You don’t have much of a leg to stand on in this one and I’m sure the opposition will keep coming with every feeble excuse. DAY TIME PARKING ONLY. Some people have to make simple situations difficult. Join the rat race with the rest of us who don’t take 5 spots for 3 days and have to find one every morning we come to sled. I usually don’t have my 5th wheel with me to “stay and wait in” until the inconsiderate moron who has blocked me in shows up. I shouldn’t have to. I leave mine at home. Why? Because it is DAY TIME PARKING ONLY. If you won’t hold yourself accountable then I’ll ask the authorities to do so by means of phone calls, emails, and in person, every time I see them and I won't worry that we will "lose the parking lot" because we ask them to do their jobs. That will be caused by those who can't follow the rules. This is one Wyoming rider’s two cents worth and I’m pissed off that someone would make me type this much over something so obvious.

Once again-Forest Service 307-745-2300
There is a comment form in the "contact us" section

Albany County Sheriff 307 721 2526 Danny Ponds is the Sheriff, ask for him

 

[bish]

I could really care less about the overnight parking one way or the other. But when I pull in with a camper and trailer, park it like the sign says (for the day), and you have a problem with it because it is too big in your opinion, walk the other way, because you are not going to get anywhere with me.

You would not have had to type that much if you would read. As you can see the overnight thing is not an issue with me, it is the fact that some people have an issue with the size of rig I have or if I am a flatlander of not. I am not breaking the law, and I did not say that I should be able to.

 

[rockdog2112]

Wow. If you all would put as much energy into asking for a bigger lot, as you do into complaining about it, you would have it by now. When you are wining to the forest service about what you get or need, ask for little fences for each parking stall, so you know what space is yours and what space is the next guys. I could really care less about the overnight parking one way or the other. But when I pull in with a camper and trailer, park it like the sign says (for the day), and you have a problem with it because it is too big in your opinion, walk the other way, because you are not going to get anywhere with me.

The money thing was just a fraction of what I posted earlier, why no comments on the rest of the post?

I am just another us citizen trying to use OUR national forest. I like coming to Wyoming because most of the people there are very nice and accommodating. But it is becoming real clear that a few locals there think that the national forest is there own playing grounds and don’t want “FLATLANDERS” riding out there.

I truly hope that the parking situation settles down, or works it way out. It is a great place to ride, and I enjoy the coming out.

It wasn't someone from Wyoming that brought up the issue of state and it does become somewhat personal when they do. We(we being law abiding sportsmen who sled in the area, no matter what state we are from) would just like people to follow the rules no matter where they are from...even Wyoming. It is just the right thing to do. No offense intended flatlanders. I apologize if I have. There are many from here who don't follow them either and it is a shame. It sets a bad example for those who come to our state. A bigger lot would be great but it shouldn't determine whether or not people are going to act accordingly. It may help but shouldn't determine it.

 

[catman 1200]

It doesn't matter what state you’re from. Who cares. The rules pertain to everyone. Saying that Wyoming riders think that the Snowys are "our own personal domain" is just another convenient way of skirting the issue. It's just as ridiculous as using the cash spent, and or distance traveled to justify being rude or irresponsible. Quit making excuses. If you don’t like the rules and don’t have the courtesy to follow them, then stay wherever you live and sled there- no matter what state you’re from. FYI- Since someone made this an issue of state, I do think of the Medicine Bow and the Snowy Range as my backyard and I believe I have earned that right after 46 years of living and contributing to this state and vicinity. I would hope that everyone take the same pride in their state as I do mine. It may be a national forest, but one great piece of it is in Wyoming. Have the decency to respect the laws here just as I would in your state.
To all those who don’t get it, I would ask you to be a part of the solution and stop making excuses for why you can’t…but I understand- It is not convenient for you. Here is an idea. Start another thread justifying why the laws don’t pertain to you or anyone else that can’t follow them. You don’t have much of a leg to stand on in this one and I’m sure the opposition will keep coming with every feeble excuse. DAY TIME PARKING ONLY. Some people have to make simple situations difficult. Join the rat race with the rest of us who don’t take 5 spots for 3 days and have to find one every morning we come to sled. I usually don’t have my 5th wheel with me to “stay and wait in” until the inconsiderate moron who has blocked me in shows up. I shouldn’t have to. I leave mine at home. Why? Because it is DAY TIME PARKING ONLY. If you won’t hold yourself accountable then I’ll ask the authorities to do so by means of phone calls, emails, and in person, every time I see them and I won't worry that we will "lose the parking lot" because we ask them to do their jobs. That will be caused by those who can't follow the rules. This is one Wyoming rider’s two cents worth and I’m pissed off that someone would make me type this much over something so obvious.

Once again-Forrest Service 307-745-2300
There is a comment form in the "contact us" section

Albany County Sheriff 307 721 2526 Danny Ponds is the Sheriff, ask for him

very well said rock dog

 

[Snow Fox]

Our group has not been out there yet this year, but have plans on being out there three times this season. We have ten people in our group and come form the Midwest. We really enjoy coming out to that area because of how accommodating Albany Lodge is and that we are right at the trail head. We have been coming out there for a few years now and have not had any complaints about us that I know of, and we hope to keep it that way. We are all out there for the same reason, and that is to enjoy the county and the snow.

Like I said we have ten guys in the group, so we travel out there in a motor coach with a trailer behind it, and yes we park in that lot for 3 to 4 nights and then are gone for 4 to 5 weeks before coming back again. With the travel expenses now days that way of travel is the only way that we can afford to come out to your great state (and I truly mean that) and enjoy the land and your company. Every time that we park the rig we try very hard to make sure that everyone can get in and out of the parking lot without a problem. We also always park according to the sign that is posted, and buy our parking pass.

Now for someone that tries so hard to be fare to everyone else and go by the rules, I feel that it is unfair that you stereotype all of the big rigs into one category and assume that we all act the same way.

I feel that it is more reasonable to target the people that do not follow the rules and either double park, block the entrance, or don’t buy there parking pass.

A big rig takes up more space was another comment that I would like to talk about. Just think if all ten of us drove a pickup and trailer up there how much more room that would take up. We are just car pooling.

The money, lets take that a step further.

$800 a day X 3 days (a short trip) = $2400
Add in the fuel that we drop in to Laramie for the rig $900 a trip
That is $1700 a trip without the little things.
Take that times a minimum of three trips a year and your total is $5100.00

I know that this does not all go to the snowmobiling sport, but it all goes to the local business owners that are sponsoring the trail association and paying the taxes that go to that area.

So I ask that you do not put us all in the same “group” of people, as we truly do care about everyone else out there, the sport, the environment, and the local businesses.

From a guy that will always stop and see if you need help on the trail, or give a freezing kid a warm taco in the warming hut:

Thanks for reading.

Wow. If you all would put as much energy into asking for a bigger lot, as you do into complaining about it, you would have it by now. When you are wining to the forest service about what you get or need, ask for little fences for each parking stall, so you know what space is yours and what space is the next guys. I could really care less about the overnight parking one way or the other. But when I pull in with a camper and trailer, park it like the sign says (for the day), and you have a problem with it because it is too big in your opinion, walk the other way, because you are not going to get anywhere with me.

The money thing was just a fraction of what I posted earlier, why no comments on the rest of the post?

I am just another us citizen trying to use OUR national forest. I like coming to Wyoming because most of the people there are very nice and accommodating. But it is becoming real clear that a few locals there think that the national forest is there own playing grounds and don’t want “FLATLANDERS” riding out there.

I truly hope that the parking situation settles down, or works it way out. It is a great place to ride, and I enjoy the coming out.

You would not have had to type that much if you would read. As you can see the overnight thing is not an issue with me, it is the fact that some people have an issue with the size of rig I have or if I am a flatlander of not. I am not breaking the law, and I did not say that I should be able to.[/QUOTE]


I pointed out the contradictions of your statements by posting them in bold. In your first post you state that you come out and park in the lot for 3 or 4 NIGHTS, then come back in 3 or 4 weeks and do it again. It comes across as your using the public parking area as your own private lot while Albany Lodge accomodates you while you stay here. In your second post you state that you pull your big rig in the lot and only park for the day. Your third post you say your not breaking the law, though in your first post you admit to breaking the law.

Hmmmmm, Interesting......maybe you should read what you have already posted before posting again and then change your story.
Your credibility is taking a nose dive.

 

[rockdog2112]

You would not have had to type that much if you would read. As you can see the overnight thing is not an issue with me, it is the fact that some people have an issue with the size of rig I have or if I am a flatlander of not. I am not breaking the law, and I did not say that I should be able to.

Bish, I read your post again to see if I was clear. It looks like I can read better than you can reason. Your post is a series of excuses to justify not following the rules(it's on page one. Feel free to go back and read it yourself. You seem confused about what you wrote). If you park and stay the night, you are breaking the rules and by your own admission, you do stay the night so you are breaking the rules. I don't care if you do it once or twenty times a year- you do it. People that can't get a spot because people like you have been parked there for 3 or 4 days don't give a crap about your travel expenses or you absurd mathematical reasoning to justify what you do. You would be a lot better off just saying that you were sorry for being inconsiderate. Go on now, make a post and say it. Say you're sorry Bish. I doubt you will.

 

[Lonnie]

Rock on Rockdog, Snowfox, and Catman!! Perfectly explained.....Now let's all use the lot as it was intended, and all have fun!! You drive down the road at 90 and all is good UNTIL you see the pretty lights behind ya, same deal as parking and staying in a lot that is marked "no overnight parking", all is well until it's your rig gettin towed. Sooner or later folks, it's gonna happen and I know it ain't gonna be my rig gettin towed....You wanna talk about unfair, I live here, have a cabin to hang in by Lake Creek, and I can't park overnight in the Albany parking lot legally! Wanna buy a cabin for 250,000.00 and not be able to overnight park? Keep complaining, cause u ain't got a leg to stand on...... Wanna overnight park? Park on the side of the road from fox park, or Tic's parking lot. If you don't know where those lots are, I bet people would be friendly enough to direct you to them, I would be...
Saturday morning's gonna be fun if the wind lets up!!

 

[bish]

I can see how that would be confusing, so I will try to clarify it. Was it last year or the year before that they changed it to paying, and no overnight parking? Doesn’t mater, we saw all of the posts on here about it, and not knowing if we were going to be able to park there overnight, and how to buy the parking pass, we called the forest service. They helped us out with getting the parking pass and then we asked them about the overnight parking. They told us that as long as we were not parking there for months at a time, don’t drip your gray water, and pick up your trash, then we were ok, and that they would just turn there heads to it. So what are we to do? We took it as, be polite and no problems. So we headed out there and park like the sign said, rode a few days, and one of our guys had a break down and did not ride one of the days. When we all left that day he walked around the lot and was picking up garbage all over when a forest service guy drove in. he stopped and thank him for helping with the garbage and then asked if that was his rig over there on the side. Our guy said yes, and that we were parked there for 3 or 4 days. The forest service guy said that it was nice and to have a great day.

So even though it is posted no overnight parking, we were told by the forest service that we could, so we did not think we were in the wrong. We did not have anyone complain to us about it, but it someone was made about it, we are sorry.

The reason that I state “I don’t care if it is over night parking or not”, is that we will just have to figure something else out. Maybe a new parking area or a new area all together, I don’t want to do that because I enjoy that area, but it is what it is.

I am sorry for any confusion, as I can see how it would be. I hope that you can see where I am coming from on this. We were trying to do the right thing too, by asking ahead of time.

Thanks, Bish

 

[rockdog2112]

Rock on Rockdog, Snowfox, and Catman!! Perfectly explained.....Now let's all use the lot as it was intended, and all have fun!! You drive down the road at 90 and all is good UNTIL you see the pretty lights behind ya, same deal as parking and staying in a lot that is marked "no overnight parking", all is well until it's your rig gettin towed. Sooner or later folks, it's gonna happen and I know it ain't gonna be my rig gettin towed....You wanna talk about unfair, I live here, have a cabin to hang in by Lake Creek, and I can't park overnight in the Albany parking lot legally! Wanna buy a cabin for 250,000.00 and not be able to overnight park? Keep complaining, cause u ain't got a leg to stand on...... Wanna overnight park? Park on the side of the road from fox park, or Tic's parking lot. If you don't know where those lots are, I bet people would be friendly enough to direct you to them, I would be...
Saturday morning's gonna be fun if the wind lets up!!

Agreed. No hard feelings bish. It's a bit of a sore spot at times.

 

[Albany Mountain]

Now calm down folks, it truly is a difficult situation that effects each and every one. Some facts;

The Winter sports parking lot is managed by the Medicine Bow Forest Service. Although county records show ownership by Albany county, I believe that this is probably a misnomer or mistake on the ownership map. Albany Lodge has nothing to do with the Lot but certainly benefits from the business. It is not a campground. The forest service has forgotten how to manage campgrounds so they have gotten volunteers to do it for them with their "host" programs. Your taxdollars at work.

As the lot used to be much smaller in the "earlier" days, locals at Albany requested that the lot be expanded (about ten years ago) and try to be proactive in regards to upcoming impact resulting from increasing use. This was at a meeting at the Medicine Bow office with the Wyoming State trails staff. They were already commenting that "thank the lord we don't have the problems they have up north!" I warned them that they were coming and that some proactive action would be beneficial.

They did expand the lot to some degree. I was told that further expansion would require an EIS or Environmental Impact Statement or study to expand further. We also asked for some signage to help slow people down going through the area. As taxpayers, you are entitled to know that Albany is NOT, and I will repeat, NOT in the national forest anymore. Albany sets between the National Forest Border and the Parking lot. We pay our own taxes for our own properties. But we support snowmobiling and again asked that the Government entities that you are paying for, take some proactive views on how to handle an expansive sport. Nuff said there.

According to this thread, the impact has arrived. This isn't new news to us but it has come... And why not? A little town with no law, beautiful scenary, and a perfect setting. So everyone is now wanting to share it and tell their friends. But how is it going to be managed??

The County has little or no funds for upgrading much of anything. They are spread thin for maintaining peace and safety in a mountainous county over 4300 square miles. If you get hurt, you will be lucky if any personel is withing 40 miles. The State has their hands full with grooming. One pass with the sled and within two hours, its ripped up (50+ sleds, 50,000+ horsepower, 600 feet of 2" tracked sleds). The Forest service ends up being saddled with management responsibilites. After all it is their lot, their $5 fee, their 66' easement going through Albany. But they are really not geared up for the challenge although being warned about it 10 years back.

Hopefully times are changing. They are looking at a new parking area around Greenrocks, a new ORV lot above Albany, and of course the Rail Trail that they have spent at about three years in court to build a trail across our properties. Progress takes time. And they are taking their time. And who is coming to the rescue??
It better be you guys. I see this as the old 80/20 rule. 80% of you guys are the positive side of the sport.

The other 20 percent involve Newbies that really are short on experience and are learning as they go. (this could include some parking lot posers, those who throw their 3-4 year old kids on front for a quick 5 mile ride and a slow period trying to unfreeze the kid, the ones who think you are waving at them as you pass and park broadside on the trail. The ones who haven't studied the maps, avalanche warnings, storm warnings, maintenance schedules. And lets not forget about those who believe that they worked hard to get here and being out in the frontier can do what they want. This is not STATE specific OR $$$$ specific.

Things can change for the better or the worse. The Forest Service needs to be prodded to enforce the regulations that they came up with. The bad apples need to be picked from the tree so the others can flourish. Write Medicine Bow Forest service often. And unfortunately, be prepared to pay the piper. You are the users so you will get the bill. I have no problem paying the $5 fee if the guy not paying gets the boot, as it should be.

I sled and I have the luxury of living there. It is rewarding to see the 80% doing their thing and doing it well but frustrating as well to deal with the others.

I guess one more time, its your sport, your responsibility to make it happen. I can't think of anyone else who is going to.

 

[Ollie]

It always becomes a major sore spot around christmas/newyears as that is the time the crowds are the worst.

I have noticed a large increase in people coming down to Albany, especially with the parking nightmare at greenrock. I just hope they come up with larger parking lots soon.

I attended the meetings (2 years ago) where we were discussing new parking lots, where they were going and such. Unfortunetly, there was no timetable.

It would be nice if they did an overnight parking section, there just isn't a lot of room to put it in.

 

[Snow Fox]

Excellent post Albany Mountain, you make some very good, valid points. Ollie, once again you are spot on on your observations.
I agree 100% that EVERYONE who uses the parking areas needs to work together and figure out solutions to the problem. I do feel that the Forest Service needs to enforce their rules and regulations, and I believe that if that happened it would at least help with the problem until other alternatives can be explored. Our "little world" here will never be perfect, but surely it can be improved.

 

[av8r]

No overnight parking eh? So where am I supposed to leave my rig when I visit our cabin for a few day's??????

Out blocking the road I guess? Or maybe I could hire a someone to drive it back to Cheyenne and then drive it back up. Whoa now, not all of us are rich flat-landers but we love their money and some in town depend on it so I say camp away!

Naw I think I will leave it, we have done it for years and I will continue to do so. They need to enlarge the lot, until they do just make the best of it. Again we are our own worst enemies, when the Forest service gets tired of the wining they will shut the whole place down.
Get over it.

The groomers where never a problem until the state forced the private contractor out, once again the Government screws the little guy.

 

[safesnowrider]

No overnight parking eh? So where am I supposed to leave my rig when I visit our cabin for a few day's??????..

Not the public's problem- Why should the public pay for your parking??
Nuff said

 

[Ollie]

No overnight parking eh? So where am I supposed to leave my rig when I visit our cabin for a few day's??????

Out blocking the road I guess?

You bought the cabin knowing that you couldn't get to it in the winter with your "rig".

Deal with it.

How about I come up in the summer and park in your driveway for a few days while I go camping?

 

[safesnowrider]

....Albany Lodge has nothing to do with the Lot but certainly benefits from the business. Is is not a campground..... .

So how many cheeseburgers and beers do you sell to the folks camping in the lot- Do you remind folks it is not a camping area??? Remember be part of the solution and be proactive- Right

 

[safesnowrider]

You bought the cabin knowing that you couldn't get to it in the winter with your "rig".

Deal with it.

How about I come up in the summer and park in your driveway for a few days while I go camping?

Ollie well said- Excellent point!

 

[MNsnwdrift]

I realize this thread is about Albany but I have a question about Greenrock. Is it considered "overnight camping" if I leave my enclosed trailer at greenrock overnight ?