Red Elephant Hill

[cewtwo]

This is a front Range Trail (near Spring Creek). We were hoping that the snow would be off of the trail. For the most part, it was.

We met at the Dumont/Downieville Burger King. 13 rigs went on this trail ride. We rode Red Elephant Hill and the Mill Creek loop.


Yep! The Mighty YJ was there. Finally got the passenger side crusher corner and the fender flare on it. You can see it in the picture.

Red Elephant Hill (named after the mountain that it climbs) is steep with loose dirt and small rocks. There are 2 obstacles. One is “Tippy Tree” even though the tree is long gone, and the other is an area of rocks where the loose dirt is gone from between them. The steep elevation of the trail and the loose rocks and dirt make for a fun negotiation at times.


This is ‘Chili Pepper’ on a poser rock. He is parked. Just showing off!

Near the top of Red Elephant, the trail was blocked by a 6 foot wall of drifted snow.

One of the rigs worked at it, then another (straps were involved). Soon the breakthrough happened and rigs were driving through!


The National Forest Service has a ‘living’ display on the Mill Creek loop. Known as the Empire Hilton, it is a cabin maintained in much the style of when it was built. People that visit tend to leave a personal item. Many sign the guest book. This is the group parked outside the Hilton.



The Hilton is one cabin in a group. The other cabins are ruins but are fun to explore. You can see another of the cabins in the background of this shot.

Our group found this swing. The seat is a weathered 1/2 log cut length wise. A branch supports the swing in the canopy above.

We found our way back to the main tail. Our only case of ‘Carnage’ happened here at the second creek crossing.

If you look at the passenger side of the YJ, you can see the rocks that people were climbing. Unfortunately, one of the rigs passenger side tire fell off the rock and pinned both the front differential and the tie rod between 2 rocks. He had to be strapped off. He drove out, but will have to change his tie rod!


It was a fun trial ride. Beautiful country, wonderful back-country smells. While Denver was approaching the nineties in temperature, we were enjoying a cool mountain afternoon. What better way to spend it?