Sunday April 21st - Bunce School Road / Ironclads

[a1gemmel]

I'm itching to get out and get some late season snow - Bunce School Road seems like a good candidate right now. Reports I've seen say it still has partial snow cover but largely passible by stockish rigs.
Let's get out there and play, the more the merrier!

Meet:
Bunce Trailhead at 10:30AM, Sunday April 21st
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ezkGbu9jwhPdB1yP7
40.172753, -105.469316

Route:
Bunce School Road
https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/colorado/trails/240-bunce-school-road
Ironclads
https://www.trailsoffroad.com/trails/340-ironclads
Cave Creek (to exit)
https://www.trailsoffroad.com/US/col...628-cave-creek

Radio:
https://www.trailsoffroad.com/trails/340-ironclads
GMRS/FRS Channel 4

Calendar Link:
https://www.frontrange4x4.com/forums...&day=2024-4-21

[Jeffcon]

Still saving up to get my bumper that will hold my winch that is sitting in my garage but I'm in for this. Will be coming back from a winter camping trip in RMNP that morning so this is the perfect stopover on the way back to the homestead.

And yes, finally get to use my newer GMRS radio too.

I'm coming with a 3 inch lift, 33s, rear locker, rock sliders, and a moderate amount of experience. If it's alright, might have a buddy tag along if they're feeling it. Also in a 4runner with moderate lift and slightly larger than stock tires.

[Jim]

Cave Creek - I learned something new! I always called it the Bunce "east exit/entrance".

[Max]

It's a bummer Trails Offroad is a subscription to see certain trail guides now. Reminds me of Trail Damage. When's the last time someone went to that site??

I forget what it looks like on the satellite view, but this may be a better place to meet if there's more than a few trucks. https://maps.app.goo.gl/7Quq5qjbUyFY3E5y9

[Jeffcon]

I mapped this out (roughly) in Gaia, should be able to see some good detail with no sub needed at this link:
https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=14....e-10aff961d29e

Looking at the MVUMs there were some different branches, so unsure if I got it 100% correct, but reviewing satellite imagery this seemed kind of what was discussed/planned? Apologies if I got it wrong

[Jim]

From that link I'd describe it as "Bunce, In at the north entrance / firehouse, run Ironclads, and exit via the east". This leaves out most of Bunce School Road which heads south to Camp Dick. I believe the south gate is still locked/closed so running to the south end would be an in-n-out.

This route is somewhat common. Once people come out of Ironclads, a decision happens at the intersection - to head south and run more of Bunce or head out.

Heading out, a decision to try other nearby trails:
Rock Creek
Miller Rock
Dry St. Vrain

[a1gemmel]

My thought was roughly to take Bunce south as far as we can take it, given conditions. Then double back to the entrance of Ironclads, where the group can split based on desire to continue or to bail out on Cave Creek. Ironclads gets more difficult than Bunce, though I don't know what the current conditions are like.

[Tom]

Jim previously posted:

[Max]

Anyone have a subscription to TrailsOffroad to see if anyone posted trail conditions recently? Both those trails are behind a paywall.

[Jim]

No recent trail conditions. Most recent post is from 11/17/23 saying trail gates are closed.

In part, weather this week might make a difference - will there be fresh snow?

[Tom]

I did a webcam look and it appears very little near snow from the storm.

[Ol Blue]

Someone posted an update for Bunce School Road on OnX Offroad on 4/5. They said it was Open and made the comment below:

"Solid trail right now! Patchy snow and mud towards the fire house and continues to become snowier as you continue. Fairly deep puddle towards the beginning. Did not get to the T-33 trail head but made it fairly close. Overall, a fun early season trail that can be done in most 4x4s."

They were in what looked like a stockish LX 470 with maybe 31s or 32s.

[Max]

I wonder how much fresh snow it's getting in the next few days.

[a1gemmel]

All of it, I hope!

[Jim]

Parts arrived today! Now to get them installed Fri & Sat (should be doable - but not guaranteed).

If all goes well, I'll be there with both sets of chains and the kinetic recovery rope.

[Max]

I changed mine to Yes for tomorrow. Jim, how's the wrenching going?

[Jim]

I picked up all of the bearings and seals last night.

Driver's side is disassembled and I'm going to start putting it together shortly. Passenger side, I had apart a couple weeks ago so I don't expect any gotcha's. As of now, my plan is to change to a yes later today. I have one person wanting to join for a ride-along (extra incentive for me to be a yes).

Mike - I know you were interested in stopping by to watch/help/learn - but I'm just not ready for an audience just now - certainly for another project day I'll keep you in mind.

[Jeffcon]

Jim previously posted:

[a1gemmel]

Both old Toyotas took some last minute fettling today - a bit of exhaust welding for the pickup, fixing the driver's door latch and a new battery for the 4runner. I'm all set with the usual recovery gear loadout, chains and a chainsaw. Looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow.