Rolled Abandoned XJ Cherokee on Lefthand Canyon

[Max]

VIN

[Max]

It was an adventure getting to it last night. Jim and I just got back from helping recover the other wreck up where Kaleb is when we decided at around 7pm to head up to LHC to see this one.

We met up with another guy in a Jeep and passed each other a few times on the trail before we told him where we were headed, he wanted to follow along and see the Jeep too. It was getting pretty dark when we got to the site where it was. Checked it out, got the VIN in the picture above and it was fully dark when we started our Jeeps up again to head back down the trail.

I gotta say, wheeling at night is fun! I was familiar with the trail so I wasn't too worried, but you gotta stay on your game.

[glacierpaul]

Very nice Jeep Max!! Should be a little more fun than the last one . (yours not the wrecked one)

[Jim]

glacierpaul previously posted:

[Max]

Thanks guys, I like it a lot so far!

[WDoG]

Interesting. I've never done a recovery/extraction before. Would it be smarter to cut it up like someone said or bring an extra set of wheels and tires and bolt them on so it will roll?

[Hypoid]

If you cut it into pieces, you need a way to carry those pieces off the trail. Some of those pieces are heavy, bring something to lift the engine, axles, e.t.c. Cutting an XJ into pieces is sorta messy, you will need a rake and some trash bags.

Never mind how I know this...

[Jim]

WDoG previously posted:

[Colin]

I could help on a sunday if there will be a group going that has all the legal stuff figured out.

[Jim]

Colin previously posted:

[Java]

That is a great Jeep, Max!! Those AEV rims are sweet.

[AccordRanger]

I would be willing to drive up and ride the trail with someone if we get permission to move it depending on the day.

[Backcountryislife]

I'm up for some help as well. Also hear there's a durango on mclellan too... unreal how people think they can get away with leaving vehicles like this.

[Max]

I wonder if it's still up there...

Does anyone see the original thread I mentioned in the first post in here? I couldn't find it, my posts only go back so far.

[Jim]

I've been thinking of it - `specifically after seeing the abandoned vehicle in the recent Hackett/Metberry report.

What Forest Service office covers Lefthand? I could send an e-mail to them.

While the main entrance may be washed out, the back way (where I've spoken to the homeowner for permission) might not be in bad condition (though I believe a full closure is in effect - no walking in).

Pix:

[Max]

Roosevelt National Forest

Boulder Ranger District
2140 Yarmouth Avenue
Boulder, CO 80301
303-541-2500

Hey, I just saw that it's open to bicycle and foot traffic now. http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/arp/recarea/?recid=28292

[Jim]

You gonna ride your bike back to it?

[Chris]

You guys know this is a 2013 thread, right?

[Jim]

Yep - continuing on the jeep removal - the pesky flood and shutdown is the delay in the middle...

[Brucker]

Out of morbid curiosity, why? The FS illegally shut down this area and promised our community a new trail, which they never came through with. And now, after the floods, they keep reciting that they have no money to fund a repair so we can at least have access to the area once again. And the home owners in the area can't be more thrilled. But they were willing to do enough for hikers and bikers to get back into the area. So why are you trying so hard to help those who continue to screw our community over? You will never get anything out of it except stress and pain.

Sorry but Lefthand/Carnage was literally my back yard while growing up. My parents still live in the same place. What the FS did to that area was illegal pure and simple. I spend years and $1000's (probably more than I care to know...) fighting for and doing what I could for that area just to have it stolen away. Yes, I know the Boulder district has fairly 'new' leadership, but dealing with them is the same. Just look at the Moffit area for another example. Boulder won't work with Gilpin or Grand counties.