Johnny Park, Pierson Park, Pole Hill - 2007-10-27

• Dan: KLX331S
• Steve P: KTM 450EXC

49.6 miles - about ten of it on hardtop

Click a picture to see a larger view and description.

Still trying to get in some mountain trail riding before either Mother Nature or the Forest Service closes the trails. Steve suggested that we try something closer to home, so I figured out a loop between Lyons, CO and Estes Park, CO that included these 4x4 trails (credit given to www.traildamage.com for these links):

• Johnny Park Road
• Pierson Park Road
• Pole Hill
  

The day started and ended in the fog and cold.  Early on the Johnny Park road, I became disoriented and we missed a turn for the main road. Johnny Park is littered with many spurs and it's easy to get off of the main route. We ended up at a four way intersection where straight ahead dead ended at a hiking trail, to the left was a loop back to the same road and to the right started up a hill.  Since I wasn't aware of the earlier missed turn, I figured that the road went up the hill.

The hill was loose and steep. I lost momentum and ended up flipping my bike over -- exciting. Steve sped past and ended up loosing it ten yards or so ahead.  After backtracking all the way to the trail head, we came back to the hill. Steve suggested that we scout it first, so we did. It got even steeper. Upon summiting the hill, the trail stopped.  Judging by the condition of the road, it appears that many others have attempted this route too.

On the way back I took a turn that I wasn't sure we took before (remember it was foggy) and it turned out to the correct path!

Johnny Park is a nice road with some good obstacles. We got to see the notorious mud puddle when it was nearly dry -- I do not suggest trying this on a bike -- when full of water it's three or more feet deep and strewn with small boulders. I feel sorry for anyone who with venture into it.

The Pierson Park road was easier than the Johnny Park road, had some smooth spots and nicely banked turned.  However, it's in the shadow of Twin Sisters mountain and has been retaining the recent snow and now worse, ice. One downhill section was particularly treacherous and both Steve and I took a spill. Out came the toolkit to straighten out the hand guards on both of our bikes.

Stopped for lunch at a high point overlooking Estes Park, then descended down to the town roads over to Pole Hill.

The Pole Hill area is isolated (from other offroad areas) and tour companies in Estes Park give rides through this area with Army surplus 2-1/2 ton trucks outfitted with benches on the bed. I've been here several times before in my Jeep, but this was the first time on the bike.  Although small, this area provides a wide variety of terrain: rugged rock, enduro type trails, mud and jumps.  We met a local KTM 520 rider at the trailhead.  The area has a great overlook offering great views of Rocky Mountain National Park.

It's time to retire my old Garmin GPS12, who has served me well through many adventures. It just will not stay powered on.