What a fiasco on Monte Cristo

[m_beeson]

Last saturday was packed, but today had the demo thing going on so there was no parking.

There would have been more parking on the south side, but they didn't plow it. I paid $40.00 for my pass, and they can't even do us the decency of making sure that every bit of area up there is accessable.

Now that's not where it gets good. So since there is no parking available, and we drove 40 miles to snowmobile we wanted to park on the road. The Rangers told us that If we park on the road, then we may be ticketed, or towed... REALLY...

Finally I discussed my options with one ranger, and he told me that you can park on the side of the road, if you are outside of the fog line. (the white line which designates the side of the road).

So we parked on the road, outside the fog line. (Some people in our group got stuck because they dont plow enough room outside the fog line to park).

At the end of the day nobody on the road got ticketed or harassed, but be sure of this HIGHWAY PATROL HAS THREATENED TO ENFORCE PARKING ON THE ROAD THIS YEAR WITH TICKETING, AND TOWING...

SO MAKE SURE THAT YOU PARK OUTSIDE OF THE FOGLINE IF YOU HAVE TO PARK ON THE ROAD. AND HOPE YOU DON'T GET SOME HP WITH SOMETHING TO PROVE... I WOULD SUGGEST TAKING A PICTURE OF YOUR VEHICLE BEFORE YOU GO ON A RIDE, TO PROVE THAT YOU ARE PARKED OUTSIDE THE FOG LINE. IN CASE THEY DECIDE TO GO TOW HAPPY.

I normally wouldn't be this concerned, but we were being threatened by the rangers...

 

[NewMTNsldr]

Other than the parking fiasco, how was the riding up there?

 

[air4ce1]

it was crazy in the parking areas. We arrived at 9:15 a.m. and were next to the last truck to get parking in the south lot. Riding was good. For so many people there was still plenty of areas to play in without a crowd.

 

[Kevco]

Other than the parking fiasco, how was the riding up there?

Off the hook bud! Went up fri. and stayed at a buddies cabin so other than leaving parking was a non issue. Riding was INCREDIBLE!

 

[m_beeson]

Other than the parking fiasco, how was the riding up there?

We went to the west of ant flats. Had a big group so we couldn't get up into the higher terraine, but there was about 8" - 10" of fluff on top of the base.

Good snow, but you really have to watch out for land mines in areas. You have to ride cautiously for the most part, but there are some areas that you can get out and carve in.

Plenty of hill climbing, but you still have to be aware of rocks.

 

[Rock Star]

the season parking pass here at Mirror lake/Soapstone went from $25 to $45. holy JUMP. Of course for that increase we get.... nothing. and NO more 1 day pass for $3. They will sell you a 3 day pass for $6. how kind. At least up here parking heading back down the road is ok and they plow the shoulders well just for that. I miss you boys who no longer come up here as before. LOTS of parking and killer snow. Darn good terrain too. And the steaks... yum. lol.

 

[m_beeson]

On Monte Cristo it has been $5. a day forever, so they are just getting balsy enough to ask for more money on mirror lake. It's just catching up to ya. I don't mind paying, but they could at least drop some of the attitude.

It's just kind of dissapointing to see the state parks services' attitude. It's like "we're taking over this area, and making you pay, and by the way, **** you".

 

[Highpockets]

On Monte Cristo it has been $5. a day forever, so they are just getting balsy enough to ask for more money on mirror lake. It's just catching up to ya. I don't mind paying, but they could at least drop some of the attitude.

It's just kind of dissapointing to see the state parks services' attitude. It's like "we're taking over this area, and making you pay, and by the way, **** you".

I wasnt aware the state park service had ANY other attitude.Seems like winter or summer,sleds or ATVs thats always been the attitude,and the badge and ticket book make it so.Before long we will be applying for the winter recreation "drawing" to get a $100 "permit" to ride a specific area for a couple weeks a year,predetermined by our wonderful boys up at the capitol.

 

[sledhed84]

what a joke last time i was up there i noticed they had moved the restrooms around to try and make more room for parking is ticketing people parked on the road there way of justifing the cost to move the bathrooms. that pisses me off!!!!!!!!

 

[snengineer]

Monte Cristo....how many trucks can they fit in one parking area??? thats got to be the states largest trailhead.

 

[wjl]

Ride during the week.
Problem solved.

 

[Sunridge Sledhead]

Riding is awesome up high, but that whole lot had not been plowed when we got there on Friday. I rode down to Huntsville Saturday night and when I got back the lot was still a mess.

Rock.....the season is young. We'll be up that way to ride for sure!

 

[Jmx571]

Riding is awesome up high, but that whole lot had not been plowed when we got there on Friday. I rode down to Huntsville Saturday night and when I got back the lot was still a mess.

Rock.....the season is young. We'll be up that way to ride for sure!

hopefully you will let me tag along sometime only been to monte once. i would love to ride there some more.

 

[Sunridge Sledhead]

I almost never ride Monte....but "the general Monte" fringe areas!

 

[Walter]

riding was great! was with kim, kev, jared and we got there friday parking wasnt an issue for us except for they hadnt plowed, when we would come out to get fuel it was a joke there wasnt one place you could squeeze a truck in. all in all a great weekend with better people!