Fireman's
Hill  |
| Maps: |
|
| USGS 7.5' Map: |
Boulder, Lyons |
| Statistics: |
| Difficulty: |
Number: |
Miles: |
Altitude: |
Obstacles: |
Time: |
| Moderate 7 |
FR286D |
2.0 |
7700 ft. |
Rock - 2 |
1-2 hours |
|
| County: |
Boulder |
| Adopted by: |
Trailridge
Runners 4WD Club |
P.O. Box 1716, Longmont, CO 80502 |
|
| Managed by: |
Roosevelt National Forest,
Boulder
Ranger District |
2140 Yarmouth Ave.
Boulder, CO 80301 |
303-541-2500 |
| Summary: |
Fireman Hill is a side loop off of
Lefthand Canyon Main, FR286, that leaves 5 points and climbs to the top
of a ridge above Spruce Gulch. It affords views of the front range
cities before looping back to connect with Lefthand Canyon Main at its
terminus. |
| Attractions: |
Steep
Switchbacks, Rock Steps |
Seasonal
Closure: |
Open all year. Closed by heavy snows. |
| Best Time: |
June
- Best, unless muddy
July - Best
August - Best, unless heavy rains
September - Best
October - Best, unless early snows |
Trail Heads
Accessed: |
Spruce Gulch Trail FT836 -
Motorcycle (less than 50 inches)
Cavanaugh's Trail FT838 - Motorcycle (less than 50 inches)
Saddle Trail West FT841 - Motorcycle (less than 50 inches)
|
| Camping: |
There are a few
dispersed sites near the east end at 5 Points as well as sites at the
top of the ridge above Spruce Gulch. |
| Base Camp: |
Not a good area to base camp. |
| Fall Colors: |
Poor - No Aspen
in the area. |
| Navigation: |
From Boulder take Hwy 36 north to
Altona. Head west on County Road 94 for about 4 miles. You will pass
Buckingham Park where Old Stage Road ties in with County Road 94.
Continue west on County Road 94 to the Lefthand Canyon OHV network
parking lot. Take the Lefthand Canyon Main 4WD road to 5 Points. Just
past the information kiosk head down hill and back east to start
Fireman's Hill.
|
| History: |
Fireman's Hill
was a fire road used to fight the hand full of fires that have happened
on Spruce Gulch Ridge. |
| Description: |
Note: The following description is for the Fireman Hill 4WD road before the 2013 Flood. The lower section of this road, where the description begins, has some ruts due to the flood. Presently the whole Lefthand Canyon OHV Network, including Castle Gulch, is in the process of a new Forest Service Area Plan Analysis, to begin in 2016.
From 5 Points on the Lefthand Canyon
Main road Fireman's Hill drops down into a shallow gulch before
climbing back out heading north up the side of Spruce Gulch Ridge. As
the 4WD road climbs it makes five switchbacks to gain the top of the
ridge. Fireman's Hill heads northwest now along the top of Spruce Gulch
Ridge. There are two rock ledges to climb as the 4WD road continues up
the ridge heading for some trees. Just as you enter the trees Fairview
View, FR286H, takes off to the right. At the top of the ridge there are
a few dispersed campsites where Fairview View ties back into Fireman's
Hill. From here is a short drop down to the kiosk there Lefthand Canyon
Main intersects with the end of Fireman's Hill. |
|
Data updated April 23, 2015
4WD Road driven August 21, 2009
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