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Planning to climb Handies this weekend. Can someone give me a summary of the road from Lake City to the American Basin Trail Head. I see it is about 20 miles, but how long does it take, how much is 4WD, dirt or gravel, etc.
Also, has anyone had any recent Marmot incidents like I have read about? Is everyone bringing mothballs or taking other steps to prevent damage to their vehicles?
Also, is there any snow on top of Handies yet?
Thanks,
Colorado BOB

45 min to an Hour.

Marmots... real threat, but unlikely. Take moth balls if worried, but not scatter them, use a few nylon stockings. LNT.

Snow, just about about every peak has had snow already. No real worry for that route, take microspikes if concerned.

I camped just West of the stream before the AB trailhead to Handies last October. That stream crossing is the only time you'll need 4wd in my opinion. I drove a 4Runner out there and never put it into 4wd.

There are also plenty of dispersed camping sites along the way. It took me about 45 mins to get to the AB trailhead.

I just drove to the upper trailhead of American Basin on 8/20, slept in my truck, and hiked the peak for sunrise. It took me an hour to get there from Lake City. I had a big Ford F-150, and I'm an overcautious (yes, nervous.... ) driver on narrow dirt roads. The first 12-13 miles are a breeze, then it becomes narrow and twisty. Clearance is really only needed for the last mile. There were definitely sections coming down that road where I wouldn't want to make room for an oncoming vehicle. No snow on 8/21, but I believe that's changed. Would be an easy peak to hike up in whatever snow is remaining from the recent storm. As for marmots and other critters.......Home Depot sells moth balls in a box of 4 mesh sacks. I place the sacks under the truck, then they are easy to pick up on my way out. I've never had a critter problem, knock on wood.

Thank you for the information on the road, etc. I guess we will find out about the Marmots when we get there.

From the 14er FB page....

coloradobob wrote:Also, has anyone had any recent Marmot incidents like I have read about? Is everyone bringing mothballs or taking other steps to prevent damage to their vehicles?...Thanks, Colorado BOB

Concerning recent marmot incidents at the American Basin trailhead for Handies Peak, see http://www.14ers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=50336.

I was at American Basin in late June. I used mothballs(in socks)around vehicle and a few sitting in the engine compartment. I also used wire fencing with 3/8"x36" rebar stakes for support going around my vehicle. Did not require a lot of time investment and this is no place needing a tow back to Lake City, guessing that would be a bit pricey. You know what they say about that ounce of prevention... I had no problems at AB or Grizzly Gulch.

Thank you for the additional comments regarding the Marmot problem. Most people seem to say they have never had a problem, but there are enough folks who have had a problem that I agree with you that, at a minimum, some moth balls are probably a good idea.
I know one guy posted that he wrapped a tarp around his car, others have said they have used fencing, but I think I will go the moth ball route with moth balls around the wheels and in the engine compartment.
Thanks again.

On the opposite side of American Basin is Grouse Gulch where I returned to a completely destroyed, disassembled engine. One masterful bastard marmot chewed through my radiator, wires and battery cables. I'm alive and well now to tell you that I've used a myriad of things to ward off the pests. Deer and rabbit spray, which is egg based and nasty but I'd spray it on my wheels and under the carriage. I've also lined the car with mothballs. Lately, the thing I find works best and is equally as nasty is granulated coyote or fox urine. It scares off my climbing buddies so it must work. Try it! I order online via Amazon. I also carry a small pouch of deer repellent and moth balls when out on multi-day hikes.

For car: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005V ... UTF8&psc=1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
For hike: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004T ... UTF8&psc=1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Wow, what a shock that must have been. How did you get your vehicle back to civilization?

blazintoes wrote:On the opposite side of American Basin is Grouse Gulch where I returned to a completely destroyed, disassembled engine. One masterful bastard marmot chewed through my radiator, wires and battery cables. I'm alive and well now to tell you that I've used a myriad of things to ward off the pests. Deer and rabbit spray, which is egg based and nasty but I'd spray it on my wheels and under the carriage. I've also lined the car with mothballs. Lately, the thing I find works best and is equally as nasty is granulated coyote or fox urine. It scares off my climbing buddies so it must work. Try it! I order online via Amazon. I also carry a small pouch of deer repellent and moth balls when out on multi-day hikes.

For car: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005V ... UTF8&psc=1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
For hike: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004T ... UTF8&psc=1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Just out of curiosity, when was this incident?