Grizzly Lake Trail Colorado - Gatekeeper Rock Obstacle & Helping Stranded Drivers (St. Elmo)

Описание: Grizzly Lake is a short but memorable 4x4 trail near St. Elmo, Colorado, famous for its "gatekeeper" rock obstacle at the trailhead. This 2.63-mile out-and-back trail is easy once you clear the initial challenge, but the gatekeeper stops many drivers before they even start. Join us as we tackle the gatekeeper, help other drivers navigate the obstacle, and assist with a flat tire on this scenic Colorado trail.

GRIZZLY LAKE TRAIL OVERVIEW:
Location: Near St. Elmo, Colorado (Chaffee County)
Difficulty: Easy trail with Hard gatekeeper start (rated 3/10 overall, 6/10 gatekeeper)
Length: 2.63 miles out and back
Highest Elevation: 11,215 feet
Vehicle Requirements: High-clearance 4x4 required for gatekeeper
Best Season: July through September (snow-dependent)

GATEKEEPER OBSTACLE EXPLAINED:
The gatekeeper is a large rock obstacle immediately at the trailhead that requires climbing over substantial rocks with precise wheel placement. This obstacle stops many drivers from attempting the trail - if you can't clear the gatekeeper, you can't access Grizzly Lake. The obstacle requires:
High ground clearance
Careful line selection
Often benefits from spotting
Rock sliders recommended to prevent body damage
Lockers helpful but not required with good line choice

Once past the gatekeeper, the remaining trail is relatively easy with mild rocky sections and scenic alpine terrain leading to Grizzly Lake.

TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS & FEATURES:
Famous gatekeeper rock obstacle at trailhead
Scenic alpine lake destination
Historic St. Elmo Ghost Town nearby
Short trail length (2.63 miles) makes it accessible
Beautiful mountain scenery
Wildflowers in July and August
Opportunity to help and learn from other off-roaders

VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS:
High-clearance 4x4 required for gatekeeper
33" tires minimum recommended
Rock sliders or rocker protection highly recommended
Skid plates protect undercarriage on gatekeeper
Lockers helpful but not required
Stock Jeep Wranglers capable with careful driving
Spotter recommended for first-time gatekeeper attempts

HELPING OTHER DRIVERS:
During this trip, we helped multiple drivers navigate the gatekeeper obstacle with spotting and line guidance. We also assisted a driver with a flat tire on the trail. This is what the off-road community is about - experienced drivers helping others learn and overcome challenges. If you're new to technical obstacles, don't hesitate to ask for spotting help.

TRAIL CONDITIONS & TIMING:
Grizzly Lake is typically accessible July through September depending on snowpack. The gatekeeper obstacle is consistent year-round once snow clears. The trail can be busy on summer weekends with many drivers attempting the gatekeeper. Early morning visits offer less traffic and better lighting for the obstacle.

ST. ELMO AREA TRAILS:
Grizzly Lake is one of several trails accessible from St. Elmo Ghost Town. Nearby trails include Tin Cup Pass, Hancock Pass, and Tincup. St. Elmo itself is worth exploring - one of Colorado's best-preserved ghost towns with historic buildings and mining remnants.

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS:
Gatekeeper obstacle has potential for body damage - take your time
Spotters are helpful - ask for help if needed
Cell service unreliable - travel with others
Weather changes rapidly above 11,000 feet
Afternoon thunderstorms common in summer
Bring recovery gear even though trail is short
Altitude sickness possible - hydrate properly

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GEAR USED ON THIS TRAIL:

Bestop Trek Top: https://www.bestop.com/products/trekt...
Bestop Bumpers: https://bit.ly/bestopbumpers
Yukon Gears and Axles: https://www.yukongear.com/
RCV Axles: https://www.rcvperformance.com/
Baja Designs Lights: bit.ly/ttbajadesigns
Yankum Ropes & Recovery Gear: https://bit.ly/yankumgear (10% discount)

Trail Navigation:
Trails Offroad: https://www.trailsoffroad.com/all-acc... (Save 25%)

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