Smith Mountain Trail

By Jerry Smith

March 16, 2017

Today I took off to explore a trail I had recently heard of.  It was of interest because they named it after me…. Smith Mountain Jeep Trail.  As it turns out it is in the northern end of the Gunnison Gorge NCA.  I may have driven by the one end a few years ago, but it didn’t look at all familiar.

Anyway, the Smith Mountain Jeep Trail is one great trail for its scenic values, but technically, it isn’t much.  A Subaru could make the loop with little problem.  There are a few small steps and some protruding rocks along the way, but nothing to be concerned about.

This is at the north end of the trail.

 I met a man in his new RZR along the way.  We talked quite a while.  He is interested in joining a group of UTV users.  I told him to work on starting one.  We need to get them organized and educated about trail etiquette.  I mentioned that and he was very receptive.  

We talked about the differences between user groups and how each uses the trails.  Never one to be bashful, I “schooled” him about the braiding problem.  I think he actually was grateful for the information.  We also spoke about area trails he should try.  It was a very friendly encounter.

The Smith Mountain Jeep Trail is overwhelmingly braided and has many places where people on UTVs have strayed from the trail.  Most of the overlook areas have tracks around every tree.

The Gunnison Gorge 

 Speaking of overlooks, some of them are just WOW!!  The Gunnison Gorge and the surrounding mountains all white with snow make for some terrific scenery.  Without the views, the trail would not be on my list of repeats.  I just wish I were younger and in good enough condition to hike some of the trails into the canyon and fish those waters.  It looks so inviting.

As it is, the Smith Mountain Jeep Trail is a loop road.  The signs indicated it to be 8-miles from the north end to the top where the single track "Ute" trail begins.  There are several hiking trails in the area, most of which will take you into the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Area.  Views of the Wilderness do have a quality that beckons one who has the energy and ability to venture into some steep country.  Unfortunately, I am no longer one of those energetic and able-bodied people.

I do support the concept of designated Wilderness, but I also believe the concept has been grossly abused by people who have turned "preserving" public lands into a cult with extremely radical desires.  They have taken a legitimate law (the Wilderness Act of 1964) and watered it down to make "preserving" more land easier.

Happy Trails on the Smith Mountain Jeep Trail

The big thing in the present day is "Lands With Wilderness Characteristics".  With this "policy", they have taken to "manufacturing" potential Wilderness by closing trails in an area to motorized use, then after a few years, the closed trails and roads vanish from the land management inventory.  Now we have another "Roadless Area" of sufficient size to qualify for another "Wilderness Inventory Study" and the area becomes a "Land With Wilderness Characteristics".

The Gunnison Gorge 

"Lands With Wilderness Characteristics" are managed for their "Wilderness values" which curtails any further "multiple uses".  No more motorized travel or even "mechanized" use --- (bicycles).  The area may have many signs of having been "Trammeled" and exploited by man, but the watered down "policies" now allow all but paved roads, parking lots, and skyscrapers.  It's lucky that New York's Central Park is not 5000 acres or they would name it some designation to keep the bikes and all the sports activities out.

The Gunnison Gorge and a tributary.

If you happen to be in the Delta to Montrose, Colorado area, I would strongly recommend taking an afternoon drive to the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area.  The magnificent views of this wild and beautiful corner of the world are well worth your time.  While you are there, please remember the "rules of the road" and respect the land.  It DOES belong to YOU!!