Pikes Peak Region Trail Finder

Hunters, anglers and off-roaders are banding together to retain access to a part of the San Juan National Forest.

The actions of a few rogue off-roaders have threatened to close motorized access on a popular section of Middle Mountain road to everyone by going past a barrier and into the Weminuche Wilderness Area.

The end section of trail was opened to motorized use in 2009 when local enthusiasts assured the Forest Service that off-roaders would not ride into the wilderness area. Fencing and a gate were installed at the trail’s end in 2010 with the help of the Creeper Jeepers Gang, a local four-wheeler club, but the gate was torn down this summer.

Forest Service officials say they'll close the road a mile out.  Sportsmen Ride Right, Trout Unlimited, Tread Lightly!, Rocky Mountain Ramblers and Creeper Jeepers Gang are asking the forest service to keep the trail open in exchange for their members helping to build a new barrier and monitor the area.

“Responsible wheeling is one of our primary goals – and if it’s not legal, we don’t do it,” said Dave Shannon of the Creeper Jeepers. “Let’s face it, if we don’t take responsibility, we may lose our sport.”
 
Sportsmen Ride Right was organized this year as a coalition of hunters and anglers who use motorized vehicles.