I would appreciate any help on the quality of the roads that lead to Harrison Flat.
South approach:
On Google Earth, there is a road that goes below the ridge that is south of Lake Ann (GPS 38.9037 -106.4934). From here, it looks like an easy 2000ft climb to the ridge (the trail is clearly visible on GE). My question is: has anyone traveled that access road? If so, can a Subaru Forester make it, or a true 4x4 is needed?
North approach:
Some online reports describe the last 2 miles of the road (from Winfield to the trailhead) as 4x4. Can a Forester make it through that section (in your opinion)?
We plan on going there the weekend of 12/13 July, if anyone wants to join us. Thanks in advance.
Posted by Brent Murphy on July 2, 2008 at 12:26 AM
I was out there 4th of July weekend last year, and hiked in via the Winfield side. If I recall, I think you can make it to the trailhead in a Forester, but you'll want to drive carefully. I saw a number of cars parked near Winfield instead of making the drive. I can't remember if I saw any passenger cars or mini-SUV/crossover vehicles at the trailhead.
Hopefully someone else will have a better memory than I do.
The south approach you are thinking of must be Texas Creek Road [755]. I doubt that it would be any easier on your car than the road up from Winfield as my maps also indicate that it is 4WD. In addition, that section of the CDT (from Lake Anne to Texas Creek) is not recommended for pack animals, so my guess is that the trail is pretty rough.
Though I haven't driven it, I would recommend the Winfield route. As to whether your Suby is capable, I think it depends alot on you, your driving skill and willingness to drive rough roads. I'm convinced that if Subarus had a low range, they'd be unstoppable. I've been surprised by some of the places I've seen subarus. But I also know, if it were my wife's Outback, we'd be stopped where the graded road ended. When in doubt we take my Rubicon.
If you want specific info about the road from Winfield [390.2B], Jesse and Kalin where up there last year.
I'm not so sure about taking your forester from the Winfield site. I was up that road two years ago, and my Jeep Rubicon took a couple hard whacks on the gas tank from some pretty sizable rocks. My recollection is that past the site, up towards the Huron trailhead, the road is basically all rocks.
We own a Forester, so I have a good idea as to what they're capable of...
Park the Forester at Winfield, or get a 4WD with low gearing. I was up that road a number of years ago in a 4Runner(10.5inch clearance) and turned around before reaching the trailhead.
I've been up the road from Winfield many times, and I think the Sube would have some clearance issues. Going when you plan to go, there'll probably be some muddy patches, too.
As for coming up from the TX Creek, side, that is absolutely insane. That road is also very rough, and ends at the wilderness boundary. You'd have to climb an un-trailed route to the crest of the Sawatch, then drop down the other side, only to have to climb back up over the range and down through the timber again. The only reasonable approach to Harrison Flat is from Winfield.
Posted by Kalin Wilson on July 6, 2008 at 12:12 AM
Just got back from vacation, so sorry if this is a little late. Not much to add anyway, I agree with Todd. You could probably make it to the trailhead from winfield in an outback if it wasn't muddy and you took it slow. There are one or two tough spots with a little stair-step and a hole but as I remember it you can pick a good line through these spots. I've seen cars at the trailhead last year.
I've also driven the Texas creek road in years past but never made it to the wilderness boundary. It gets pretty rough and I never wanted to risk my primary means of getting home. I've seen ATVs go past where I turned around but not much else. There is some beautiful country on that side of the ridge that I'd love to check out someday but I agree with Todd that it would be a trek to get over to Harrison flat and back.
Let me know if/when you decide to head to the flat. I have some GPS points for the trail and campsites I can pass to you.
I think we'll just try the standard route through Winfield this time. We'll go as far as our Forester will take us. I just hope the weather will be OK next weekend. It has been very stormy here in Northern NM.
Kalin, please feel free to send me the GPS coordinates of interesting places up in that area. Thanks a lot!
Discussion
7 repliesSouth approach:
On Google Earth, there is a road that goes below the ridge that is south of Lake Ann (GPS 38.9037 -106.4934). From here, it looks like an easy 2000ft climb to the ridge (the trail is clearly visible on GE). My question is: has anyone traveled that access road? If so, can a Subaru Forester make it, or a true 4x4 is needed?
North approach:
Some online reports describe the last 2 miles of the road (from Winfield to the trailhead) as 4x4. Can a Forester make it through that section (in your opinion)?
We plan on going there the weekend of 12/13 July, if anyone wants to join us. Thanks in advance.
Hopefully someone else will have a better memory than I do.
The south approach you are thinking of must be Texas Creek Road [755]. I doubt that it would be any easier on your car than the road up from Winfield as my maps also indicate that it is 4WD. In addition, that section of the CDT (from Lake Anne to Texas Creek) is not recommended for pack animals, so my guess is that the trail is pretty rough.
Though I haven't driven it, I would recommend the Winfield route. As to whether your Suby is capable, I think it depends alot on you, your driving skill and willingness to drive rough roads. I'm convinced that if Subarus had a low range, they'd be unstoppable. I've been surprised by some of the places I've seen subarus. But I also know, if it were my wife's Outback, we'd be stopped where the graded road ended. When in doubt we take my Rubicon.
If you want specific info about the road from Winfield [390.2B], Jesse and Kalin where up there last year.
Mel-
I'm not so sure about taking your forester from the Winfield site. I was up that road two years ago, and my Jeep Rubicon took a couple hard whacks on the gas tank from some pretty sizable rocks. My recollection is that past the site, up towards the Huron trailhead, the road is basically all rocks.
We own a Forester, so I have a good idea as to what they're capable of...
Just my opinion though...
Jason
As for coming up from the TX Creek, side, that is absolutely insane. That road is also very rough, and ends at the wilderness boundary. You'd have to climb an un-trailed route to the crest of the Sawatch, then drop down the other side, only to have to climb back up over the range and down through the timber again. The only reasonable approach to Harrison Flat is from Winfield.
I've also driven the Texas creek road in years past but never made it to the wilderness boundary. It gets pretty rough and I never wanted to risk my primary means of getting home. I've seen ATVs go past where I turned around but not much else. There is some beautiful country on that side of the ridge that I'd love to check out someday but I agree with Todd that it would be a trek to get over to Harrison flat and back.
Let me know if/when you decide to head to the flat. I have some GPS points for the trail and campsites I can pass to you.
I think we'll just try the standard route through Winfield this time. We'll go as far as our Forester will take us. I just hope the weather will be OK next weekend. It has been very stormy here in Northern NM.
Kalin, please feel free to send me the GPS coordinates of interesting places up in that area. Thanks a lot!
Thanks again.