China wall Gatekeeper

VOLUNTEER GROUP: Colorado 4-Wheelers, COrE

DATE: 6/1/24

LOCATION: COLORADO, Pike National Forest - South Park District

VOLUNTEER HOURS: 100

DONATED EQUIPMENT USED: HAND TOOLS, 4×4 VEHICLES, MINI-EXCAVATOR

ESTIMATED PROJECT VOLUNTEER VALUE: $7,000

China Wall is a short, looping trail system that offers motorized users an option for difficult terrain that challenges any 4×4 vehicle. There are two separate entrances to the seasonally managed loop, and one entrance is along an easy stretch of dirt road. In past seasons, this allowed vehicles not equipped to run the full trail access to some difficult sections. Several recoveries and vehicle breakdowns resulted from this issue in the past.

Colorado 4-Wheelers, based in Colorado Springs, is the trail-adopting club, and they suggested building a gatekeeper obstacle at the easy trail entrance to discourage access for those with less-equipped vehicles. A gatekeeper obstacle typically reflects the trail's average difficulty, so if a user successfully navigates the gatekeeper without issue, there is a good chance they can complete the trail. Colorado 4-Wheelers successfully pitched the idea to the South Park District, and the gatekeeper was installed using volunteer labor and equipment the club rented to complete the project.

Colorado 4-Wheelers continues ongoing maintenance and work along the China Wall trail system to allow motorized users to enjoy the scenery, remoteness, and available vehicle challenges.