Snow’s (almost) Gone (again)

Posted: April 27, 2026 | Author: Rubicon Ronin | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: snow, step, winch |Leave a comment

Out on the trail once again. Made it out to Observation Point. Beautiful Day. Chilly weather. No one on the trail.

So, the paved road to the staging area is once again clear of all snow. Once on the trail, it is very wet. There is still plenty of snow in the shaded and elevated areas. Please Tread Lightly!

Since the Eldorado Forest trails opened April 1st, I decided to try the Richardson Lake Trail. Around the corner there was water. Around the next corner there was a bit of snow. I tried the first drift.

I thought twice but went for it. No problem. (Note the large boulder on the right.)

The next few sets of drifts really made me think, and I turned around. Safety first. The trail is off to the right in the picture below.

Being safe and having already turned around, I had no choice but to take the trail out.

It didn’t work out too well for me.

The rollers did worry me on the way out. On the way back to the Rubicon, the right rear just sank. Yes, my rear locker was engaged. By the time I noticed I needed it, it was too late to lock in the front.

Luckily, there was a HUGE boulder in front of me. The dead tree was NOT a consideration as I’ve pulled over dead trees before.

One simple winch pull and I was on my way!

Snow at the pond at the Ellis Peak/Lake Trail.

The HUGE tree we cleared a few weeks ago was still clear of the trail.

Poser shot at the obstacle I call “The Step”. Others know it as “Birthday Cake” as you can see a mountain that literally looks like a birthday cake with candles.

The drop on the last leg out to Observation is not captured at all on a camera. It’s steep. It was a little wet and I needed the rear locker to get back up it later.

The last shot is looking up the Barker Meadow OHV Trail. I did not venture out as there are probably a ton of trees still down across the trail. I had a chain saw but didn’t want to work that hard. I’ll be back with the TNF to clear it before the ‘Early CJ5’ crowd comes through in June.

I had the smallest amount of snow fall on me, but it didn’t ruin the day, it made it better. So quiet.

The snow will still be in the shade and on the side trails, for another week, maybe, if that’s what you’re looking for.

Get out there.

Be safe.

Enjoy.

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Rubicon Ronin

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