The road referred to in the above text was once open to 4WD vehicles prior to the Indian Peaks area becoming a wilderness. Vern Garner and I (Aaron Johnson) had just bought new jeeps and on our first weekend out, we tested them on Mosquito Pass and the Coney Flats road, upon recommendation of a fellow four wheeler. Although the wilderness act had been passed, protocol was not yet in practice, probably due to public pressure to keep the road open as long as possible. At the time, I was not aware of the Wilderness Act. Little did I know this avid four wheeler would become a passionate hiker and climber!
The Coney Flats road was indeed a challenge for four wheelers, and a stream crossing we encountered there still rivals anything else I've seen in the state. I'm sure you'll agree the uploaded picture supports this statement.
We were able to drive up to the lakes near the east end of the east ridge of Sawtooth Mountain, and were probably among the last to do so. The area is now wilderness and can only be travelled by foot or horseback, which is definitely a very good thing.
As of late 2015 it's possible to approach Sawtooth from the east via either Coney Flats Road or Middle St. Vrain Road-- each are valid Forest Service motor vehicle usage trails. Each can be driven via licensed, high-clearance 4x4 vehicles when the trail gates are seasonally opened. These are moderately difficult 4x4 trails, and while a capable vehicle and driver are required, the trails can be successfully navigated to shorten the approach to Sawtooth from the east by several miles. Even so the round trip hike is likely to be 10-12 miles depending on the route chosen.
Coney Flats and Middle St. Vrain trails form a loop connecting the Camp Dick campground to the north and private Beaver Creek Reservoir to the south. At the far western end of each trail where they connect is a semi-large parking area with a bridge that crosses Middle St Vrain Creek. This connects to a trail system that can be used to approach Sawtooth from the northeast via Buchanan Pass trail, or other less-used trails that cut uphill through the forest to access the east ridge of Sawtooth. Note that the terrain cutting through the forest and leading up to the alpine meadows on the eastern slopes of Sawtooth is heavily populated by black bears and elk.
Aaron Johnson - Oct 23, 2002 7:07 pm - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentThe road referred to in the above text was once open to 4WD vehicles prior to the Indian Peaks area becoming a wilderness. Vern Garner and I (Aaron Johnson) had just bought new jeeps and on our first weekend out, we tested them on Mosquito Pass and the Coney Flats road, upon recommendation of a fellow four wheeler. Although the wilderness act had been passed, protocol was not yet in practice, probably due to public pressure to keep the road open as long as possible. At the time, I was not aware of the Wilderness Act. Little did I know this avid four wheeler would become a passionate hiker and climber!
The Coney Flats road was indeed a challenge for four wheelers, and a stream crossing we encountered there still rivals anything else I've seen in the state. I'm sure you'll agree the uploaded picture supports this statement.
We were able to drive up to the lakes near the east end of the east ridge of Sawtooth Mountain, and were probably among the last to do so. The area is now wilderness and can only be travelled by foot or horseback, which is definitely a very good thing.
silverplume - Sep 7, 2015 2:37 pm - Hasn't voted
Sawtooth trail accessAs of late 2015 it's possible to approach Sawtooth from the east via either Coney Flats Road or Middle St. Vrain Road-- each are valid Forest Service motor vehicle usage trails. Each can be driven via licensed, high-clearance 4x4 vehicles when the trail gates are seasonally opened. These are moderately difficult 4x4 trails, and while a capable vehicle and driver are required, the trails can be successfully navigated to shorten the approach to Sawtooth from the east by several miles. Even so the round trip hike is likely to be 10-12 miles depending on the route chosen.
Coney Flats and Middle St. Vrain trails form a loop connecting the Camp Dick campground to the north and private Beaver Creek Reservoir to the south. At the far western end of each trail where they connect is a semi-large parking area with a bridge that crosses Middle St Vrain Creek. This connects to a trail system that can be used to approach Sawtooth from the northeast via Buchanan Pass trail, or other less-used trails that cut uphill through the forest to access the east ridge of Sawtooth. Note that the terrain cutting through the forest and leading up to the alpine meadows on the eastern slopes of Sawtooth is heavily populated by black bears and elk.