RRC Archives

Well, Tunnel Ridge Road has reopened so we decided to go on back to Jailhouse Rock. It has been a few years so after awhile of driving around I realized that it wasn't my memory that has faded but the road has completely changed.

First of all there are really nic parking pulloffs all over the place.

Second of all the road now ends at the Auxier Ridge pulloff. I couldn't find the old road for awhile and was freaking out because the drive to the end of the road felt so short. Then I saw the big gate blocking the rest of the road with a sign "Trail to Double Arches". So, that adds about 3/4 miles onto the hike for Jailhouse Rock.

I believe those pull offs are for the future designated campsites out there. That should go into place next spring or summer. They changed the road for the better, as it will let that area 'recover' a little bit from all the over use.

There's a back way to jailhouse-

Drive out on th road next to the highway (I forget the name), so that you are on the south side of the highway. THen, when you see a rouad that lets you back over the highway, take it. at the first (or second) possible left turn, take it. This will take you through some really hilly roads. take a sharp right, and follow the road past the house with the 'no tresspassing sighn.

Keep following until you are near the road's termination and whack up the hill.

I think those were the worst directions anyone has EVER given! "Yea, ya just go down this road for a spell and then take a left....or maybe a right out where that barn burned down, comin' on 20 years ago.......and then go down a dirt road with trees on BOTH sides......and then just keep drivin' until the sun is in the NorthWestern side of the Eastern horizon."

Perhaps it's time to make a Tyrolean traverse over the Red from below?

I think that is called "canoeing"

Sorry, I'll get out my topo and give some better directions.

But a fixed tyrolean does sound like a good idea.