December, 2003
Wolf Creek Pass: An Update from a Task Force Member
Snowsports enthusiasts have long enjoyed the snow on and around Wolf Creek Pass. However, as snowmobile technology has improved over the years, snowmobile use has increased and is now causing concerns about safety, user conflicts, and the effects of motorized use on nonmotorized activities. Beginning in late 2001, when a Task Force formed to make the Pass a safer and more pleasant destination, Task Force members from Durango to Alamosa have been regularly meeting at Wolf Creek Ski Area.
For the winter of 2002-2003, the Task Force agreed upon and put in place a voluntary restriction on the north side of Wolf Creek Pass. The restriction limits snowmobile traffic to the Lobo Overlook Road, which runs approximately 1-2 miles from Highway 160 to a high point and turnaround. This arrangement reserves the gentle open bowls and glades below the summit for nonmotorized use, thus protecting a traditionally popular skiing area. Snowmobilers have been encouraged to recreate primarily on the south side of the highway, where parking is more accessible, and suitable terrain is more plentiful. Also last season, Task Force members conducted a formal survey of winter Pass users and analyzed the resulting data. The survey results, which reveal user recreation experiences and their perspectives on restricted use, is valuable.
This winter season, the Task Force will continue to monitor the Pass project. Changes for 2003-2004 will include the following:- The Wolf Creek Trailblazers snowmobile club will groom Wolf Creek Road, a Forest Service road on the south side of the Pass, about a mile west of the summit. The grooming should help disperse snowmobile traffic and reduce pressure at the summit of the Pass. Skiers will still be able to access Wolf Creek Road, and some may find the grooming to be advantageous for cross country touring.
- The parking area on the north side of the Pass at Lobo Overlook Road will be voluntarily restricted to non-motorized users. Should snowmobile traffic wish to access the Lobo Road, CDOT will designate a highway crossing point and install appropriately signage.
- Comment boxes will be placed at both summit parking areas. Informational signage will encourage users to record their comments and place them in a secure collection box. As part of its mission to monitor activities and to make recommendations to the Forest Service, the Task Force will review collected comments and provide reports from periodic site visits.
The abiding principle of the Task Force has been cooperation aimed at achieving an acceptable solution. Since the restrictions we put in place are so far voluntary, we feel it is best to get the buy-in of all user groups for whatever outcome we reach, so that the solution will be respected and accepted, by peer pressure as much as anything. To this end, backcountry skier representatives on the Task Force will to listen to input from all users. If you use the Pass this winter, please let us know your opinion.
This process could not have taken place without the tireless assistance of the Colorado Snowmobile Association and the Backcountry Snowsports Alliance, which together provided the lion's share of financial resources and time commitments. The U.S. Forest Service (San Juan and Rio Grande) continues to provide technical support. Private individuals, local outdoor clubs, CDOT, Colorado State Parks, local outfitters, and Wolf Creek Ski Area constitute the balance of the committee. Wolf Creek Ski Area has generously made available its facilities for Task Force meetings year round.