I invited the owner of one of the Jazz It Up shops, he's got a sweet 84 p/u, and is on Colorado 4x4, but not here yet. He said that Lefthand canyon is carnage canyon, and that it is very tough. I am also planning to invite the guy and his brother from school. Darren also contacted me and is interested but has to make sure he can go that day. So we might have between 7-15 people by the time we have this settled.

Anyone know for sure if they are two different trails? Also, anyone run lefthand canyon before, are stock trucks going to be able to do the trail? I think it would be cool if some of the more experienced drivers could teach a few essentials up at the playground, like approaching cambers correctly and stuff like that.

I still don't know for sure if I can go, I am going to continue to convince my mom, I may have to bring a few of my friends with their domestics in order to make it alright with her, but they are all good people

Also, who is near boulder and would be able to scout the trail, check snow levels closer to the day? As far as a place to meet, I would say something right off the highway, so that everyone can find it easily.

CUbuffrunner, definately come out if you can, the more the merrier, and I definately want to see your bumper in person.

 

The traditionally named Lefthand trail is definitely a separate trail from Carnage, which is a spur off of it. The former is definitely suitable for stock rigs with many huge optional moguls for some flex shots and what not. That whole area is a maze of networked roads. I've only been there once as I don't usually like to drive the populated ones, but further to the north after the playground area, there is a somewhat decent rock garden, but still suitable for stockers.

I've done Castle Gulch a few times, which is just a few miles past the turnoff for this one. I think Dozer and myself are planning to do a bit more exploring up there this weekend or next. I would expect more snow for the run 2.5 weeks from now, but we'll see. Prior to today's storm, the area has been dry as a bone. Who knows what it's doing now.

 

I have been going up to LeftHand for 6 years now. Carnage Canyon is only one of the trails at LeftHand OHV. I have went up there with many stock vehicles. Now that much of it is closed stock or slightly modified vehicles can run a few trails, depending on the snow, if there is no snow a stock vehicle could spend an hour or so up there if there is snow it could make you a little nervous. There are a few places that have steep slopes up to the trail and a little slip could cause problems.

The fiance and here parents are going to the CU Basketball game so if you guys are going to be up there around this time I will meet you up there.

 

The area used to be a maze. The link below shows some of the work that was done this summer.

Trail Closure

 

i was up there this past weekend and whatever the trail is called that starts off directly from lefthand canyon road is pretty icy right now. like i said before, i went up there with a friend in a huge cherokee and he got it stuck for a little while. now we only took one branch and so i don't know what the other part is like but it seems to me that most stock vehicles would not be able to get up what we did this past weekend. but thats just from what i noticed of the one branch.

 

You probably went strait which is Carnage Canyon. I haven't been up there in a month or so and the other trail now has a gate on it. I hope that it isn't closed for the winter.

 

hey guys
this sounds like its going to be fun and from what ive read were wheeling on sat the 7th and then that night going for dinner? if so i might not be able to make dinner since i have to get back up the hill at a reasonable time. also my brother has a taco that he might join us with and if my dad can make it he has a lc he might bring as well, this hsould be a good turnout and im looking forward to it!
late
andy

 

yah you're right, i did go straight up which i now have learned is not actually part of the main trail. as of this weekend the main trail was open though so hopefully it will be even in feb.

 

Has anybody ever went up Gillespie Gulch? It is only a few miles from LeftHand. It could be an alternate if LH is closed.

 

If you drive thru Central City and keep going on the main road there are som easy trails that would probably be fun in the snow. There are no real slops and its not like at the top of a mountain. We may want to check that out instead. It got a little rocky and started raining when I was there by myself so I would love to try that out again. I got pretty far in my stock 4runner, you guys wanty to check that out instead?

 

Talked to my mom, and invited her along to calm her nerves, and I think she is going to allow me to go and will tag along as well.

Is lefthand canyon on shelf roads? That might not be good on the nerves if it is snowy/icey.

I am up for some trips through the forests around there, they shouldn't be closed off due to snow (not as likely to be compared to mountain roads anyhow).


If someone could make a list of trails in the boulder Area, that are 5's or less (I believe 5 is what stock runners/trucks can perform, correct?), we could make plans for certain trails, and choose others as back ups.

 

i've driven switzerland trail and i turned off on gillespie gulch but didn't make it far before deciding it was in my best interest to turn around. and this was in the fall when snow was not a problem. granted i was by myself and my 4runner's basically stock, but in most books its rated as a difficult trail as it is very steep with large, loose rocks. lockers are recommended for attempting this one.

 

ok got a new plan since most of us are new at this and I dont want to drive any icy shelf roads I think we should just meet in Idaho springs at the Mcdonalds or somthing then we can take this easy trail from Idaho Springs to Central City where we will head west thru the town and go to some trails around there. I found quit a few up there and the only snow concern would be getting stuck and not sliding into trees and or sliding down a mountain. I also found a trail that is harder that we could try to do after the easy trails that should chalange most of us. I wanna do lefthand canyon but im worried about the snow and the people who havent done much or any 4wheeling. I confident about my ability but my tires are a little worn and suck on ice. Let me know if you guys want to try this instead.

 

Independence rates anywhere from a 7 to 10 on Colorado's scale depending on which exit you use. I have never run it for the simple reason that I have no winch, possibly the most critical piece of equipment for that trail. Patriot rates a ten on the scale but is considerably harder than other tens. I've been on that trail (as a spotter/observer) for more than 14 hours. A long time for less than one mile. Since there is no place to pass on most of the trail, if you get behind someone who breaks something, your stuck there until repairs are made. On a weekend, someone is always broken down in front of you if not you yourself.

 

I'm game for this as well. Anything to to meet you guys and do my first trail! I think terra level trails are a much better idea for snow season, with all the newbies here that want to try out fourwheeling. I know I'd feel more comfortable doing a trail off of shelf roads, atleast until the snow clears.

 

Alright, I am confirmed! My mom is gonna tag along saying that letting me go is my birthday gift!

 

I think I'll probably make it too, Gillespie is not one to be done with ice on it, there are some really steep hills, Idahoe Springs sounds good, what is the name of the trail we would be running?, There are a few trails up north here if the IS trail is closed, Brad.

 

im probably game, especially since it is right down the hill from me. are we going to meet at the trail head? if so im going to need to know which trail it is as well, there are quite a few
late
andy

 

Snowing = Skiing

So...It will be based on what is happening here, if were in a drought i am up for some trails...

otherwise, gotta rip it when the snow is good.

thanks for thinking of me.
Dave

 

I thionk the trail that goes from Idaho Springs to Central City is called Oh My God Road but its easy just some good trail drivin and I searched for the trail in Central City but couldnt find it. But itys good begginer stuff!