Ruby Lakes / Fern Creek Trail #815 Now Open For Multiple Use

Since the 1920s one of the most popular trails in the Creede area has been the beautiful and somewhat arduous trail to Ruby Lakes which is designated by the Forest Service as the Fern Creek Trail #815. Used by generations of sightseers, hunters, fishermen, horsemen, and in the last two decades OHV riders, the trail became degraded by weather, frequent use, and time. Numerous accidents have occurred on its tight switchbacks and the need for maintenance was obvious. Under the leadership of Jerre Guthals, President of the Creede OHV Club, an application was made for a Colorado State Parks OHV Trail Grant. These grants are funded from the annual $25.00 OHV registration fee which is required for use of off highway vehicles on public land. After a competitive review, a grant of $87,260 was awarded for reworking the switchbacks, leveling the trail where possible, installing new drainage to prevent erosion, rerouting dangerous areas, blasting many large rocks and removing dead trees which impeded travel on the trail. This work was performed by Arrowhead Trails Inc., a firm which is among the most experienced in the nation in building natural surface, multiuse, sustainable trails in challenging environments. In addition, matching services and labor of $22,000 were contributed by local residents and government entities. In early spring 2010, new Trailhead and Stay-The-Trail signage will be installed along with a 50" mandatory trailhead gate which will limit OHV's greater than 50" in width while providing equestrian access. Also a 140' buck rail fence will be constructed at the trailhead to prevent all users from cutting across areas not designated for use. Several signs indicating the Texas Creek Trail junction (a trail which is not motorized), the end of the motorized section of Fern Creek Trail 815 at the upper lake and other signs providing information important to users will be placed along the trail.

Improvements upon this most useful and distinctive local trail were made possible by the cooperative efforts of the USDA Forest Service Divide Ranger District, Colorado State Parks, Mineral County Board of Commissioners, Mineral County Road and Bridge Department, Arrowhead Trails Inc., COHVCO and the members of the Creede OHV Club. Both residents and non-residents will enjoy this motorized trail which provides safe access to the High Country for fishing, hunting, hiking, wildlife and wildflower viewing, photography and many other activities.

Please enjoy this trail, pack your trash out, ride responsibly, be careful with fires and STAY ON THE TRAIL.

For information or to join the Creede OHV Club or Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle Coalition call Jerre Guthals at 719-658-0412.