Red Mountain or Silverton trails

[Boondoctor]

Is there a parking area on the highway up by Red Mountain to unload there? or do you ride out of Silverton to get into the goods up that way? Thanks in advance-

 

[Dobber1]

You'll park up on the pass, as riding up from Silverton is not an option. Red Mountain Pass is currently closed due to an avalanche & avalanche control, so this gives you an idea of the danger right now. Just some heads up...

http://durangoherald.com/article/20150302/NEWS01/150309949/Red-Mountain-Pass-closed-

Molas might be a better option if you're set on riding a pass?

 

[CO Powder]

The parking on Red is very limited, especially if you are pulling a trailer. If they have time CDOT usually pushes the snow back pretty good on the west side of the road so you can park along the highway. The skiers will have most of the parking tied up, it will be unusually busy with this new snow we have all been waiting for.

I also noticed they closed the pass last night, haven't checked yet this morning...

Sounds like everybody and his brother is going to try Red this weekend. Unless the snow sets up really quickly, that is a very dangerous place to ride.

BTW, it is absolutely possible to get from Silverton to Red Mtn. Normally we would park up by Animas Forks but that road is surely still closed. The valley right now is a death trap, so please wait till spring to try it.

 

[Dam Dave]

I just saw the the pass is open now

 

[Boondoctor]

Trees

Thanks guys-
whaddya think for the best spot for tree riding this weekend, with the least crowds?? We like tree riding more than above tree line.. THinking Wolff Creek one day, West Mancos or Beaver (?) one day, and Molas a third day?

 

[CO Powder]

There is not a lot of tree riding on Molas, some for sure and some great spots but not a days worth for a group IMO. This weekend at Molas is drags and radar runs, probably be crowded too.

I have never ridden much further south but I suspect those areas would have great trees being a little lower than Molas and Red which are nearly at treeline to start.

 

[Dobber1]

You'll find much better "exploring" terrain at both Beaver Meadows & West Mancos IMO. Beaver Meadows parking can be challenging if you don't get there before 9, but West Mancos has the best parking of any trailhead in the area. Don't get discouraged with the snow levels at the trailheads, as both these areas start out at lower elevations. It'll get much better the higher you go.

With the lack of snow we've had up until the last two weeks, riders will be out in force this weekend. It will be the best conditions (snow/weather) we've had all season.

 

[Boondoctor]

Trees!

Thanks Dobber, that is good advice. We were going to hit Wolf Creek one day, then Beaver Meadows another day, and sounds like we should do West Mancos instead of Molas. Is the Beaver Meadows area the one between Durango and Pagosa Springs? Looks like there are a couple snowparks between there..which one gets you into the good stuff the shortest ride? Thanks!

 

[snowmoherb]

When are you heading down there Boondoctor? Me and another buddy are heading down to WC this Friday night and staying for a week...

 

[Dobber1]

Thanks Dobber, that is good advice. We were going to hit Wolf Creek one day, then Beaver Meadows another day, and sounds like we should do West Mancos instead of Molas. Is the Beaver Meadows area the one between Durango and Pagosa Springs? Looks like there are a couple snowparks between there..which one gets you into the good stuff the shortest ride? Thanks!

OK, I like your plan. Yes, Beaver Meadows Road is right around MM111 on Hwy 160. Follow it up for about 2.5 miles & you can turn around at the driveway with the big ranch gate. (See photo below. The turn-around is in the middle of the Google Map directional circle just above the little orange street view man)

I'm not too sure what you mean by 'snowparks'?

Once unloaded, you'll want to work your way up the road to Baldy Mountain. There is is some good riding to the east of Baldy. From the parking area to the top is close to 3,000' gain in elevation.

West Mancos was groomed last night, but will be ridden hard between now and Sunday. There will still be some good riding to be had there.