HACKET GULCH
Pike Nat'l Forest, near Divide, CO
Wells' Colorado Book 1, Trail #59

Hacket Gulch is a long, picturesque trail that winds down hill all the way to a gorgeous stream crossing. At that point, you can take a difficult and narrow exit to finish the trail or go back the way you came in. At the time we did the trail, the main obstacle, Hacket Rock, had a bypass. Hacket Rock is ugly; a narrow chute with a couple big steps in the middle. For the most part, lockers are required to make this one. There are cross ties buried and staked in on one side of the rock to keep you on track if you don't mind donating to the already rich collection of paint these cross ties boast. Since we made our visit, the BLM has insisted that the bypass be closed. The local 4x4 club has made several attempts to close the bypass, but you know how that goes. The more work they put in, the more creatively people get around the barriers.

Danny Hankins is a good friend of mine and is the main reason I've gotten into four wheeling (That Communist!). This is Danny's rig, "Chug-Chug", a Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser with 33" BFG's and a Chevy big block. Chug-Chug is tough, but not tough enough for Danny. As of 12/2000, there are plans to greatly increase Chug-Chug's prowess from the suspension down. Take some time to appreciate the custom bumper. Danny used to work at Predator here in Colorado Springs, one of the best four wheelin' shops in the country (That Communist!).

In hindsight this rock slab is nothing, but for our first tough trail, it was a wild ride. It was almost tippy enough to get that back wheel off the ground. I thought it was pretty exciting until I got further down the trail and learned what exciting REALLY is.

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