Crags Trailhead closed, now into June 2016

[pmeadco]

Heads up for anyone wanting to head up Pikes Peak from the Crags trailhead, the USFS has closed the road at the gate past the Mennonite camp "for all entry" so that they can remove dead trees. They say they expect it to be closed for 3-4 weeks.

[rayers1001]

bummer - thanks for the intel

[Jim Davies]

They're also saying you can't even hike the road.

[pmeadco]

From the Gazette:
Danger of falling trees closes popular Colorado Springs-area campground

[moneymike]

Closing it to hikers passing through seems unnecessary, to me. It's not like trees are going to be falling 24/7.

Does anyone have info on when the crews will not be there, and if you can park at the gate? I think it's time for a little bit of civil disobedience.

[pmeadco]

I'm in no position to judge what is safe and what is not. I suspect it is far easier for the USFS to simply close the whole area.
BTW, it is now closed from CO67 up, so even Raspberry Mountain is off limits.

[Tejonmax]

Does anyone know if the road to Crags Trailhead is open?

[pmeadco]

Not yet. The USFS now says it won't be till the end of the month.

[Tejonmax]

Thanks for the info. That sure is taking a long time. Guess I will have to find another peak to climb this week.

[pmeadco]

There is always Barr Trail.

[peter303]

There is the half-crags hike from Devils playground about 3/4th way up Pikes Peak Highway. It is about 5 miles and 1200 feet, one of the easiest 14er hikes. The last 700 feet is a talus climb, which still appears to have a little snow today. You should start the road when it opens at 7:30 to minimize lightning. They charge $12 an adult to drive the road.

[mennoguy]

After the road reopens there will be a few usage changes.

The unofficial raspberry trailhead at the horseshoe is now off limits for parking, due in large part to the congestion it caused.

Parking will be in designated spots only.

Camping will only be allowed at the crags campground.