Metberry Gulch Bypass?

[collk22]

Greetings, CLC!

In doing some research on Wildcat Canyon / The Gulches, I came across this recent post about a bypass on Metberry gulch that appears to allow drivers to go around what seems to be the most difficult part of the trail:

Metberry Gulch Bypass?

The question in the CO4x4 thread about legality of the bypass was never resolved - I'm wondering if you guys collectively know anything about this bypass? Is it legal?

I'd like to use Metberry gulch to access the river for fishing, but I'm reluctant to drive the trail by own if I have to go down and back up the big rock I've read about/seen on youtube (reluctance is on my part as the driver - my vehicle would be fine).

On the other hand, if the bypass provides an easy way to get around hard part of the trail and is legal, I'd be more apt to go.

 

[black95]

There is a bypass that not legal, but everyone, including the forest service, seems to have given up on trying to block it off. Honestly, the bypass is not and easier than the "chicken scratch hill" patch of granite. The problem with that spot is the washout at the bottom. You need to be confident in your driving, or have a spotter that is. I see a lot of people taking the downhill much too far to the left, and once their front tire is in that washout, you can't back up, and your rear tire is two feet in the air. Haven't seen anyone roll personally, but there is an awful lot of glass in that hole nowadays. My wife took the bypass last time around, and I thought she was going over exiting that. She was in a 2012 2 door wrangler though, longer wheelbase helps. The 80 series always seem to do fine. Stay more centered on the washout. It's going to twist your frame and suspension, get your tires off the ground, but you'll be fine. Always seems much easier on the way up.

 

[SAS]

Video at the bottom of this link is our little group last March on "Chicken Scratch Hill". Sam aka "grimeless" is the spotter.

Metberry Gulch | Trails Offroad