Rockdale (Missouri) trailhead status?

[mtnklutz]

Has anyone driven to the upper 4wd trailhead for Missouri to Clohesy Lake recently? I am planning on hiking up the West ridge route Saturday and was wondering if my stock Xterra would make the stream crossings. Any tips or advice would be appreciated - I'd rather not float downstream. Thanks.

[mtnklutz]

Bump - Anyone been up there lately?

[tmathews]

Has anyone driven to the upper 4wd trailhead for Missouri to Clohesy Lake recently? I am planning on hiking up the West ridge route Saturday and was wondering if my stock Xterra would make the stream crossings. Any tips or advice would be appreciated - I'd rather not float downstream. Thanks.

I'm heading up there Friday morning. I should have internet access by later that day as I'm heading over to Aspen for the night. I'll try to remember to reply with some information for you.

[Wesley]

Based on the update 7/13/09 and recent CFS data the river is near its historical averages and shouldn't be a problem in an Xterra. There are some tips on 14ers.com if you search that are helpful. I remember them being helpful, but I just can't recall exactly what they are. Maybe something about going left around the tree when you hit the water. Just keep an eye ahead and make sure you don't drop into one of the deep spots. If you can't tell, get out and walk it first. Enjoy.

[desert_diver]

See my trip report from a couple of years ago: http://www.14ers.com/php14ers/tripreport.php?trip=3193&parmuser=desert_diver&cpgm=tripuser

I strongly encourage you to walk the creek crossing first.

Having your truck float downriver isn't what to worry about. Worry about getting water into the engine.

I think part of the reason I got stuck on the way out of the wilderness is the profile of the creek bank - it's steeper on the way out, which may have forced the front of the engine deeper into the water.

[tmathews]

Has anyone driven to the upper 4wd trailhead for Missouri to Clohesy Lake recently? I am planning on hiking up the West ridge route Saturday and was wondering if my stock Xterra would make the stream crossings. Any tips or advice would be appreciated - I'd rather not float downstream. Thanks.

I'm not sure if you've left yet or not, but hopefully you'll get this reply. I was able to get across Clear Creek this morning without issue. It got a little deep right before driving back up onto dry land during the first crossing; my headlights dipped beneath the water for a second. The second crossing wasn't anything major. There are a lot of puddles along the road due to recent rains.

Also -- the Rockdale area is not signed. When you are driving down the road, look for the sign for the Continental Divide Scenic Trail on your left (there are also signs on your right across from it for trailer parking). The turnoff for Rockdale is, uh, about .5 mile or less on your left after the CDST sign. You will know it immediately because of the old cabins on your right once you turn off on the road.

[BAUMGARA]

I did it in the middle on July in a stock 99 4Runner with no problem. Bit of advice. As you near the end of the creek, towards the main section stay left and of course on your way back stay right. As always assess the crossing before you enter.

[tmathews]

Has anyone driven to the upper 4wd trailhead for Missouri to Clohesy Lake recently? I am planning on hiking up the West ridge route Saturday and was wondering if my stock Xterra would make the stream crossings. Any tips or advice would be appreciated - I'd rather not float downstream. Thanks.

I'm not sure if you've left yet or not, but hopefully you'll get this reply. I was able to get across Clear Creek this morning without issue. It got a little deep right before driving back up onto dry land during the first crossing; my headlights dipped beneath the water for a second. The second crossing wasn't anything major. There are a lot of puddles along the road due to recent rains.

Also -- the Rockdale area is not signed. When you are driving down the road, look for the sign for the Continental Divide Scenic Trail on your left (there are also signs on your right across from it for trailer parking). The turnoff for Rockdale is, uh, about .5 mile or less on your left after the CDST sign. You will know it immediately because of the old cabins on your right once you turn off on the road.

Also, a word of advice about the Rockdale route: Once you pass the lake and find the trail going uphill next to a stream, you will eventually lose the trail. There is not a trail once you get above treeline. There are some hints of a trail and some scattered cairns, but you're pretty much on your own. Aim for the huge west ridge to your left (northeast). You will eventually find another trail if you continue on that route. Commit the trail next to the stream to memory. I lost it on my way down and ended up bushwacking needlessly....