July 30-August 2, 1998

Photos and article by: Bob Norton, NM 4-Wheelers

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IRON CHEST

Healing hot springs were first used by the Ute Indians in the Chalk Creek Canyon. A stage station and hotel stood near the Mount Princeton Hot Springs in the early 1860's. About 1875, valuable ore was discovered and so the miner’s came. At least 50 mines were in operation near St. Elmo in 1883. The Mary Murphy produced an estimated $ 60 million in silver and gold before closing in 1924. Iron Chest is one of many 4WD roads that lead to old mines in the area.

This road is rated hard. The obstacles, the scenery and the remains of the Iron Chest Mine at the end makes this a very desirable trail to drive. North of Salida, take paved Chaffee County Road 162 west from U.S. 285. In about 13 miles you come to a "Y" at St. Elmo. Take the left towards Hancock. In .4 miles, the road to Iron Chest Mine begins.

Just after the start of Iron Chest, a long rocky chute

Trail leader Scott Brunwasser, hitching a ride due to a broken Jeep, warns that this trail can be difficult for some in our group. And, just around the first bend is the start of a rocky section. Squeeze past large rocks and then start up a "rock garden". This section is very difficult for stock height vehicles. Clearance is a problem over the big rocks in the chute.

Clearance is a real problem for stock height 4x4's

Many vehicles would require well placed rock(s) to clear spring shackles, differentials, driveshafts, etc. at least once along this stretch of trail. Two in our group with non-lifted Jeeps required the tow strap on several occasions, one even with lockers.

The trail was fairly dry the day of our run, yet the rocks could still be a bit slippery. Wet is bad. Fellow NM 4-Wheeler Bob Telepak, the week before, was caught on the trail in a downpour and in spite of a very well equipped CJ-5, needed the winch to get past one particularly stubborn, slippery rock.

Tempting big rocks at the side of the trail!

The trail is lined with larger rocks that added to the interest of those of us yearning to "explore" articulation and climbing capabilities of our vehicles!

The road then gets easier for a bit. Continuing the climb up the mountain, a particularly nasty, eroded, off-camber rock outcropping is encountered. Having lockers is very desirable here. A slip, tipping to the right edge, would be very testy! Tow straps saw some use here to avoid quick trips to the canyon bottom.

Further along, a narrow spot is encountered at the remains of a mine shaft at the road edge. Even the Cherokee felt too wide here! Thinking now how this spot would be if it were muddy....shudder.

The trail ends at Iron Chest Mine above tree line

Somewhat off-camber portions of the trail lie ahead on loose talus slopes. We continue to follow the main road, turning left at a major fork. From here, the road continues to climb, ending above tree line at the remains of the Iron Chest Mine. Open mine shaft hazards are present. One water filled shaft adjacent to the old boarding house appears to be bottomless!

This rock outcropping can lead to trouble both climbing and descending...off-camber and close to the edge

Obstacles may be hazardous on the way back down the mountain. Squeeze past the mine shaft at the road edge. Then, "fall off" the off-camber rock outcropping (this feels really, really bad....the left front in the hole). And finally, back down through the "rock garden". Gravity helps little to overcome clearance limitations!

Clearly, some vehicles acquired new scars and rock rash on the Iron Chest Road this day. Yet, there was no breakage and all enjoyed the run very much.

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