Spring Creek aka Family Fun????
4WD Trail

by The Flatlander for

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Summary: Spring Creek, also known as the Family Fun 4WD trail, is a difficult (8 rated on the Colorado Assn. of 4WD Clubs scale of 1-10) and scenic trail that climbs the mountains just south of I-70 not far west of Denver. The winter snows release this trail to 4-wheelers earlier than many other higher trails.

Location: Leave I-70 at the Donieville Exit (#234) about 25 miles west of Denver. Detailed Directions can be found in the Colorado Association of 4 Wheel Drive Club's "The 4X4 Trail Book" #1.

Scenery: The views off the steep switchback trail are breathtaking and magnificent. There are many ways back down all of which offer their own unique scenery. This shot shows I-70 working its way West along Clear Creek

The Trail: The trail starts it's steep and rough ascent shortly after leaving the Interstate. Many switch backs are tight enough that some will not make them in one turn. Bruce did very well with his 33s on his newly lifted '64 FJ40 with open axles. The rain on the more difficult portion near the top made him start thinking about putting lockers in those pumpkins though.

It's the final half mile of boulders that gives the trail it's 8 rating. To make matters worse it was raining when we started up that that section. CRACKER in his locked & loaded classic Bronco faired better than most of us. His winch came in handy for getting some of the rest of us through the worst spots. As usual the picture just cannot capture how steep this rocky section is.

Cruiser in his FJ25 was wishing he had his new lift on instead of his sagging springs and 31s. But his driving skill and rear ARB got him through, though he did mentioned something latter about a dent in his 1/4" steel oil pan.

The big slick boulders sometimes required a little momentum to negotiate. Hmmm, maybe I used just a little too much momentum on these. I've got to get some dual shocks up front to control those front coil springs!

The line that gets you through this very difficult spot is VERY close to the tree on the driver's left. It's very easy to get hung up on your rear diff here too unless your line is well chosen. The rain soaked obstacle had CRACKER's winch whirring to get some of us through. I wonder who's idea of "Family Fun" this trail is?

Soon after completing the steep, rough and rocky half mile of boulders you come to a "T" intersection. Going right will take you down the Saxon Mountain switchbacks into Georgetown. Going left puts you on the Lamartine Mine Road with several forks that take you down to either to I-70 or the Mount Evans Road (Hwy 103) near Idaho Springs. It's a long drive back down either way so plan for it and then take your time and enjoy the scenery along the way.

4X4NOW Editor's note: Spring Creek is in The [Colorado] 4X4 Trail Book Number 1

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