Calvary 4-Wheelers



Trip Report:

Johnny Park and Pierson Park July 28, 2007


by Bill Andrews


Calvary 4-Wheelers enjoyed a leisurely drive over the Johnny Park and Pierson Park trails near Estes Park, Colorado on July 28, 2007. There were 9 rigs in the group including newcomer, Josh in his black Dakota and Ryan finally managed to get a Saturday off to join us on the trail in his now black and red YJ.

We managed to work our way through some very heavy traffic in Lyons (there was a bicycle rally and a music festival going on) and regrouped in Pinewood Springs before heading toward Big Elk Meadows and the trail head. We turned off the pavement at the first opportunity, taking the long way around to the main trail.

We hadn’t gotten very far up the trail when I started hearing a bad clunk coming form the front end of my Cherokee. With the bad luck I’ve had this Spring and Summer I feared the worst as we pulled up to check it out. Fortunately it was only a swaybar quick disconnect that was loose. After a couple attempts to reconnect it but finding I wasn’t sitting quite level enough, Charlie suggested just disconnecting the other side and I experienced a “Duh” moment. I hadn’t intended to disconnect for this easy trail so the obvious solution had eluded me.

After taking a couple of dead-end spurs, I finally found the correct right turn to take us back to the main trail. As we descended toward the main trailhead, it started raining. We drove through a major paint-gun war, past the trail head and started up the main trail coming to the first slightly tougher spot on the trail. With the rain, I was a little worried about some of the newbies and stockers but everyone made it through unassisted. The same was true on the second rougher section, only a little spotting needed to get everyone through. As we got through the second rough spot the rain let up, so we stopped for lunch.

After lunch we completed the rest of the Johnny Park trail and headed up Pierson Park. We had sprinkles off and on the rest of the day but the weather held for the most part. We enjoyed beautiful wild flowers, peaceful meadows and breathtaking views before making our decent into Estes Park for dinner. Kirsten’s Grandmother and Step-Grandfather joined us for some excellent food and fellowship before we headed home.
[Trip Pics]

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