Hi all,
So, I have not been wheeling in a while and wanted to get a run in on the Rubicon so I am doing my homework to find out what is allowed/not allowed anymore. I heard that Spider lake was closed for use. Then I heard it was only closed to camping by it, but then I read that you can camp there, but you have to hike in. So as to confuse my little brain even more, I started following all the forest service links on closures. The first is below which was a total closure via Forest Order 03-05-06, but was superceded by Forest Order 03-05-07 below that.

So if you can help me clear up my 2 main concerns at this point. Can I use Spider Lake for recreation or camping by today's rules? I can't find any text in any of the locations I have read that says I can't hike up, pitch a tent, then set off rowing.

I have always brought my canoe up to Spider Lake and loved the midnight passage around the islands under the stars. Furthermore, there is nothing like setting your tent/hammock next to the lake and waking up with the water twinkling in the morning sunlight. So can I do either of these activities anymore? I don't want to lug my canoe up to the lake and find out I am not allowed in.

Any info would be great. I just want to do the right thing.
Thanks
-Sam


Forest Order: 03-05-06(R) Termination of the Area and Road Closure: Spider Lake Area - Pacific Ranger District - Order terminated. This order is superceded by the Forest-wide Order that prohibits use of wheeled motorized vehicles off of roads.
Link to the text of it:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/eldorado/documents/forestorder/enf_fo-03-05-06r.pdf


Forest Order: 03-05-07 Motorized Use Restrictions - Forestwide - To protect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Eldorado National Forest from August 25, 2005, through December 31, 2007:

Possessing or using a wheeled motor vehicle off National Forest System roads or trails, as shown on the attached map. 36 CFR 261.56.
Using a wheeled motor vehicle on National Forest System roads, except for the National Forest System roads shown as open on the attached map. 36 CFR 261.54(a).
Using a wheeled motor vehicle on National Forest System trails, except for the National Forest System trails shown as open on the attached map. 36 CFR 261.55(b).
For purposes of this Order, a wheelchair is not considered to be a wheeled motor vehicle.

The Motor Vehicle Restrictions map is available for download on the maps webpage, or distributed free-of-charge from all Eldorado National Forest offices.
Link to the text of it:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/eldorado/documents/forestorder/enf_fo-03-04-03r.pdf

OK, here's the scoop:

The Rubicon is a 50' easement through the forest. This means that all vehicles must stay within 25' of the center of the trail (including it's LEGAL variants).

You can camp on the public property portion of spider, you just cannot drive or park near your camp. Please do not camp on the private property on the East or South side of the lake. Most likely you wouldn't want to haul you camping gear that far anyway, but be mindful and respectful of the private property area around Spider.

I'm not aware of any problems with canoing or non-motorized boating in Spider. It's definitely a beautiful lake and I love your idea of a midnight paddle!

BTW, just a note for everyone that we all need to help protect our access to areas like Spider lake be being involved with land use issues and route designation.

There is an area around Spider that is marked by little stakes asking for NO use. Walking and otherwise. There is straw spread out from last year that may be visible. This would be around camp areas that were rehabbed last year.

I do not know the extent nor do I know of an order making it a "felony haha". Personally I am unhappy with the FS tactic in this project. FOTR was not asked nor were they informed of what was going on. I would bet because they knew we would protest.

Regardless, I suggest not inflaming the situation by respecting the signs and hope something can be worked in the next couple years to get a spur provided for parking closer to camping areas.

Scott

Thanks Scott, for the info on that, it's a shame it was done quietly and without FOTR involvement as you state. I don't remember seeing that in August, do you know when that was done and in what areas?

Clearly we need to respect it, even if we don't like it. As we go through route designation, this is one spur area that we definitely want to fight for!

Holy crap, is the the Sam? used to have the Slinky?

Anyway like they said, the only thing you can not do, from what I understand, is you can not drive more then 25' off the trail.
So you park by the trail, and walk over, setup camp, and Canoe.

welndmn - Yes sirreee.... this is the one and only SlinkySam. I still have Slinky, but I have a new(er) tube buggy as well. I am going to be selling Slinky sometime. Like I said, I have been out of it for a while. Been busy doing wedding photography with the wife, so my summers are pretty much shot for any weekend activities.

So this is my chance for wheeling again this coming weekend (my only one available until October I believe). So I want to head up to the Rubicon to get in some beautiful scenery, some lake time (if the trail is clear that far), and some great hiking.


Scotte - There is nothing more amazing than a blind paddle around Spider or Buck Island for that fact using only star light to guide you. If you get the chance, do it.


Thanks everyone for the responses. Like I said, I just want to do the right thing out there, so I am doing my homework.

-Sam

SAM... Ya old SRC dawg. :D Long time no see. I haven't been up there in a couple years myself so I can't help you with your question but hey, It's good to know you're still kickin... :smokin:

Couple of us are planning a weekday trip up there in July. Prolly Wed/Thurs/Fri... Anybody wanna tag along, PM me for exact dates... :D:D

Isn't Slinky THIS rig?

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j222/kurtuleas/john8jpg-1.jpg

:smokin: :smokin: :smokin:

Send me a PM when you are thinking of selling.

SAM... Ya old SRC dawg. :D Long time no see. I haven't been up there in a couple years myself so I can't help you with your question but hey, It's good to know you're still kickin... :smokin:

Couple of us are planning a weekday trip up there in June. Prolly Wed/Thurs/Fri... Anybody wanna tag along, PM me for exact dates... :D:D

Glen-let me know when you go. I was going to take my kids up for a mid week trip in June.

Glen-let me know when you go. I was going to take my kids up for a mid week trip in June.

Oops! My bad. It's July 11-13. :emb: The guys I'm going with are highly responsible, non-drinkin, family types. You'd fit right in... :D

The guys I'm going with are highly responsible, non-drinkin, family types.

Well that doesn't sound like any fun!
I'll put it on my calander and see if I can make it. Thanks-

Well that doesn't sound like any fun!
I'll put it on my calander and see if I can make it. Thanks-

:laughing: It'll be great. I imagine there will be some adult beverages at camp. :D:D Love to have some Rubicon experienced peeps such as yourself and Sam... Comeawn!!! :grinpimp:

hmmm. no job here.. mid week sounds excellent!

Ill be off 4 days a week starting in June.
:grinpimp:

Ill be off 4 days a week starting in June.
:grinpimp:

Well, comeawn and join us then... You too JiMMy... :D:D

Oops! My bad. It's July 11-13. :emb: The guys I'm going with are highly responsible, non-drinkin, family types. You'd fit right in... :D

OH OH me two

Wow Glenn, you got your rig built enough to hit the Con now?:cool2:

I may want to tag along on a midweek trip:D

Wow Glenn, you got your rig built enough to hit the Con now?:cool2:

I may want to tag along on a midweek trip:D

BEAR... :D Haven't seen you in a coon's age either. Of course you're welcome to join us... I just got the Teralow case installed last week, along with lots of other goodies so yeah, the ole RUBICAB is getting there...

We're off to Bronco Canyon in Nevada on Saturday. It's just a day run. Anybody up for that???

BEAR... :D Haven't seen you in a coon's age either. Of course you're welcome to join us... I just got the Teralow case installed last week, along with lots of other goodies so yeah, the ole RUBICAB is getting there...

We're off to Bronco Canyon in Nevada on Saturday. It's just a day run. Anybody up for that???

Who's we're

We're off to Bronco Canyon in Nevada on Saturday. It's just a day run. Anybody up for that???



please avoid parking trailers, etc in the VC highlands area, especially near the fire station. remember, the brnco canyon area is provate property and some of the 'locals' do not like 4x4s in the area. going in via lockwood is mucho faster and avoids the highlands area. Jim Frens, owner of N'th Degree reports this issue comes up each month at the homeowners assoc. meetings with the usual characters crying for a gate or other restrictions. So please be discreet and enjoy! There is a $500 reward for the 1st rig to successfully climb unassisted the last waterall in Upper Bronco. Rad donkey broke his rockwell and 44s there, so its quite a challenge.

thanks for the cooperation.

mb

please avoid parking trailers, etc in the VC highlands area, especially near the fire station. remember, the brnco canyon area is provate property and some of the 'locals' do not like 4x4s in the area. going in via lockwood is mucho faster and avoids the highlands area. Jim Frens, owner of N'th Degree reports this issue comes up each month at the homeowners assoc. meetings with the usual characters crying for a gate or other restrictions. So please be discreet and enjoy! There is a $500 reward for the 1st rig to successfully climb unassisted the last waterall in Upper Bronco. Rad donkey broke his rockwell and 44s there, so its quite a challenge.

thanks for the cooperation.

mb

No problem. We're not towing anything. We do respect the locals and are very discreet and thoughtful. I don't think we'll be tackling the $500. dollar waterfall. It's just a day run and we have to drive back home...

Rollie... It's just a couple guy from a local club (not Pirates) :flipoff2::D:D

There is a $500 reward for the 1st rig to successfully climb unassisted the last waterall in Upper Bronco. Rad donkey broke his rockwell and 44s there, so its quite a challenge.

thanks for the cooperation.

mb

Got any pics of this waterfall??

Got any pics of this waterfall??

You just got to go see it :eek:

Rollie... It's just a couple guy from a local club (not Pirates) :flipoff2::D:D

I thought you were just going to keep ignoring me :shaking: Dont make me get my can out old guy. So what your saying is Pirates can't go this time :flipoff2:

Got any pics of this waterfall??

here a few--- pix don't even come close to justice, as they say. the first and last waterfalls and reno local joe the toe in the lower part.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/RARECJ8/100_0424.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/RARECJ8/upper20bronco20canyon20013.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/RARECJ8/100_1095.jpg

Joe says he will never go their again with his rig

Well, we managed to get there and back without any carnage. I'm not sure if it was the same place cause I didn't see any waterfall that looked like the ones posted on the previous page. Here's one of my son driving the heep. Since he hasn't been out with me in a looong time, I let him drive the whole rock section. He had a blast and the TJ worked great... :D

This was the only 'waterfall' we encountered but we also climbed out before getting to the very end...

if one drives 'upstream' in bronco canyon, the way out at the top is to the rightm then upo a narrow gully. upper bronck is where the $$ challenges are located- so rather than turn right, jeep going further up the canyon.

mb

if one drives 'upstream' in bronco canyon, the way out at the top is to the rightm then upo a narrow gully. upper bronck is where the $$ challenges are located- so rather than turn right, jeep going further up the canyon.

mb

That musta been it then cause we did the climb out and it was a narrow, rocky gully. None of our rigs woulda been capable of making the $$$ challenges. We had plenty of fun as it was. :D We came out on pavement just a couple miles from Virginia City and that road took us right through town. Reminded me of Sutter Creek, CA on a holiday weekend.

There were Bronco's there. (wild horses) Lot's of em. Like herds of deer, only bigger.. :D

here a few--- pix don't even come close to justice, as they say. the first and last waterfalls and reno local joe the toe in the lower part...

Nice pics and as we all know photos never do it justice...and that waterfall already looks pretty gnarly! :eek: