Dugway Road to Moat Mtn. trail - closed?

[BobC]

Trying to figure out if a trip over South, Middle and North Moat mountains will be possible in April. Looking at my map, I see that it says 'closed in winter' on Dugway Road, but I'm not sure if that means the whole road is closed or just a section.

Anyone have any idea if the trailhead can be reached in April? I'm talking about the southern part of the trail that reaches South Moat first.

 

[peakbagger]

The westerly end of the road is typically closed in winter. The trailhead is on the section that is open and is accessed from the west side road. Note that the trailhead has been relocated to a dedicated parking lot about 1/2 mile west of the former location.

I suspect you are aware of it but for general infomation, the water crossings on the north end of this trip tend to be difficult in spring conditions. More than a few folks have a great day hiking until the last mile or so when they have to go wading through an ice cold stream that is running well above normal.

 

[BobC]

Thanks for the info. This is for a possible April 12 hike. Good to know that the trailhead lot is reachable. Might end up just doing this another time after reading the recent trail conditions report on this site for an aborted trip to North Moat.

 

[DougPaul]

You can also hike from Dugway Rd to N Moat and back. No stream crossings, IIRC.

Doug

 

[rocket21]

You can also hike from Dugway Rd to N Moat and back. No stream crossings, IIRC.

Doug

There is one unbridged stream crossing if I recall, but it's not too bad (I think it's part of the reroute if I recall).

If you really want to do a traverse, perhaps you could spot a car near Cathedral Ledge. You'd still get the nice walk from South to Middle Moat.

 

[MichaelJ]

Dugway Road is listed on the forest road status web page, so you can keep up with it there.

 

[rocket21]

The road up to the South Moat trailhead is basically a residential road, paved and plowed. From there or just beyond there to the Kanc is seasonal.

 

[chinooktrail]

Don't look for a sign that says Dugway Road though, they changed it to Passaconaway about 10 years ago.

 

[DougPaul]

There is one unbridged stream crossing if I recall, but it's not too bad (I think it's part of the reroute if I recall).

Ah yes, now that you remind me. I don't recall whether it was bridged or not. Wasn't worth remembering, I guess... (I last did it in summer.)

Doug

 

[rocket21]

Ah yes, now that you remind me. I don't recall whether it was bridged or not. Wasn't worth remembering, I guess... (I last did it in summer.)

Doug

If I recall there are two crossings, I know for sure (unless there was a tsunami) that one has a bridge across it.

 

[DougPaul]

If I recall there are two crossings, I know for sure (unless there was a tsunami) that one has a bridge across it.

That could account for my confused memories. IIRC, one of the crossings was just before the junction with the old trail to the older trailhead.

Doug

 

[BobC]

Thanks for all the info. I almost feel like I'm obligated to do this hike now!

MichaelJ - greatest avatar ever.

 

[rocket21]

Thanks for all the info. I almost feel like I'm obligated to do this hike now!

Almost? You are committed!

 

[DougPaul]

Thanks for all the info. I almost feel like I'm obligated to do this hike now!

Not only are you committed, we expect to see a trip report detailing all of the stream crossings...

Doug

 

[rocket21]

I hiked this one this afternoon - parking area is plowed, first water crossing is fine, second one has the wooden bridge over it. If you want to do this one this spring, do it soon or else you'll be waiting until May!