Off-road suggestions: Palo Duro/Caprock area

[TexasShadow]

Anyone ridden off-road in that area? We're planning a DS ride/camping expedition (http://www.twtex.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21767)there Nov 22-25, Turkey Day weekend.
Soliciting route/road/ride suggestions.
Anyone wishing to join in, you're welcome to.

[Valker]

I have. How OFF the road do you want? Like anyplace in Texas, riverbeds belong to the state and are therefore rideable (remember rivers in the panhandle are about 6 feet wide and 6 inches deep...unless they are in flood. Then they might be 1000 feet wide and 60 feet deep.) There is a great road-doable on a street bike, but my KLR liked it a lot better. This one is by Claude (south of hwy 287) which goes through a settlement called "Palo Duro". This is the old JA ranch headquarters. Very scenic.This is between highway 207 and Palo Duro Canyon State Park on Google Maps.
Look at this link: http://www.chromeheads.org/discus/messages/202348/329137.html?1179422458
Very nice riding area just south of Dumas at the Canadian River. Riverbed and trails for many miles.

[gocatgo]

Thanks, Eric! :rider: Sounds like DR and Sherpa country to me...

[fastmonstr]

Like anyplace in Texas, riverbeds belong to the state and are therefore rideable
Not true anymore. They passed at State Bill a few years and you can no longer take an OHV down any riverbed. The only exception is if the river does not start and end in the State of Texas. This why you can still explore the Canadian River.

I have been to Lake Meridith (http://www.nps.gov/lamr/planyourvisit/off-road-vehicles.htm) and explored the trails there. Nothing real exciting there, just a place for quads and 4x4's to play around in.

I have family there and visit every Holiday season. If you find anything worth riding, let me know and I'll check it out in December.

[TexasShadow]

This one is by Claude (south of hwy 287) which goes through a settlement called "Palo Duro". This is the old JA ranch headquarters. Very scenic.This is between highway 207 and Palo Duro Canyon State Park on Google Maps.
Look at this link: http://www.chromeheads.org/discus/messages/202348/329137.html?1179422458
Very nice riding area just south of Dumas at the Canadian River. Riverbed and trails for many miles.Sweet!! Love it! Now I have to find me that dinosaur...... ;-)
Got me some mappin' to do soon.

Thanks, Eric! :rider: Sounds like DR and Sherpa country to me...Well, Sherpie it is :mrgreen:
I think we have a XL going, too.

[spidennis]

Check out the enduro guys over at TON
http://www.texasoffroad.net/forum_php/postlist.php?Cat=&Board=clubs_pea
While the racing season is pretty much over for everybody (soon), it's just perfect riding weather and I'm sure you can hookup with some of the knowledgable ones on the forum there. have fun, give us a ride report!

[Trailryder42]

The thing about the Canadian river area tho is that it's mostly deep sand, and most dualsport bikes are a challenge in that stuff.

If you want better trails on hardpack with some rocks thrown in, camping, fishing and hiking, Lake MacKenzie just north of Silverton on 207 is the place.

There is no offroading in Palo Duro canyon(The Park)and only the 1 road that loops in and out. No offroading in Caprock Canyons park either.

[Valker]

The thing about the Canadian river area tho is that it's mostly deep sand, and most dualsport bikes are a challenge in that stuff.

I once took a CB450 Honda (low pipes, street tires) back to Chicken Creek on the trails there and back to the bridge in the riverbed....I don't suggest that.:eek2:

[TexasShadow]

There is no offroading in Palo Duro canyon(The Park)and only the 1 road that loops in and out. No offroading in Caprock Canyons park either.Knew that, but there are many unpaved roads around the canyons. We're going scouting :mrgreen:

We might be around Silverton near sunrise. I'll take a quick look-see around Lake McKenzie on the way to the park.

[DaveC]

Browsing the google map and I saw this park, which is between Palo Duro and Caprock Cantons, looks like it is a dirt road, hilly and river beds. West of Brice, East of Claude

Google map of Mitchell Park (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&q=mitchell+park,tx&sll=34.646201,-101.169319&sspn=0.155344,0.275345&ie=UTF8&z=14&om=1)

[TexasShadow]

Check out the enduro guys over at TONI visited the website and just registered. Looks informative. What I'm looking for specifically are trails/gravel/dirt roads that are not in parks, but in national or state forests/parks. After riding such in Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee, I'm spoiled. I'd like to find similar roads/trails in or near Texas.

Browsing the google map and I saw this park, which is between Palo Duro and Caprock Cantons, looks like it is a dirt road, hilly and river beds. West of Brice, East of ClaudeI've heard some negative comments about Mitchell Park, but nothing really conclusive.

Anyone else know about this place?

[TexasShadow]

Soooooo........ This (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&q=Palo+Duro+Rd,+Canyon,+TX+79015&sll=32.851597,-97.59895&sspn=0.000877,0.002022&ie=UTF8&ll=34.677229,-101.203222&spn=0.02047,0.048623&t=h&z=15&om=0)looks like a contender for an off-road ride. (be sure to click on they hybrid view. The road along the river shows only in close-in view. Will have to check the Texas Roads map on this one)

There are ALL kinds of county roads alongside and crossing the river and canyons!
Another view (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&q=Palo+Duro+Rd,+Canyon,+TX+79015&sll=32.851597,-97.59895&sspn=0.000877,0.002022&ie=UTF8&t=h&om=0&ll=34.847938,-101.425223&spn=0.020427,0.048623&z=15).

[Trailryder42]

I have looked at those same roads. Just haven't made it over there yet to check them out. I'm finding alot of the county roads around here gated off with no access.

I'd sure like to check those out with you if you're doing them.

[Valker]

That Mitchell Park is in the area that I mentioned going to the Palo Duro settlement....looks like a good area. I will say that my last 15 mile sand road ride on my Valkyrie made me reconsider it for off roading...:giveup:

[TexasShadow]

That Mitchell Park is in the area that I mentioned going to the Palo Duro settlement....looks like a good area. I will say that my last 15 mile sand road ride on my Valkyrie made me reconsider it for off roading...:giveup:Heheh. I'll be on a dirty dualsport and need time in sand, so I'm ready for it. :flip: I suspect we'll be up in that area.

[Trailryder42]

Tomorrow is supposed to be the last warm day around here for awhile. thought I might check that area out. If I do I'll get some pics and post a report.

[TexasShadow]

Tomorrow is supposed to be the last warm day around here for awhile. thought I might check that area out. If I do I'll get some pics and post a report. Thanks. You're welcome to join us, too.

[Trailryder42]

I rode Co21 from hiway 207 to Brice today. Nice ride and scenery. The route I had planned to take didn't work out, as I ran into a few gates, so had to alter my route. Here's some pics: I have a track too.

This all there is to Palo Duro. You take a right here onto Co21.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/Trailryder42/IMG_0001a.jpg

Lots of cattle around. Some of this ride is thru open range. The only thing keeping the cattle where they're supposed to be is the numerous cattle gaurds you'll pass thru.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/Trailryder42/IMG_0004a-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/Trailryder42/IMG_0007a.jpg

Then you start getting into some nice scenery.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/Trailryder42/IMG_0009a-2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/Trailryder42/IMG_0010a-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/Trailryder42/IMG_0012a-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/Trailryder42/IMG_0016a-1.jpg

Looking behind me.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/Trailryder42/IMG_0018a-1.jpg

At the point where Co21 turns to Co2 there is a working ranch. Nice house. I talk to a Cowboy that looked every bit the part and made sure I was still on county road and not tresspassing. Didn't think to get a pic of him.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/Trailryder42/IMG_0019a.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/Trailryder42/IMG_0020a.jpg

Just past this point I was going to turn off and head down toward Mitchel Park to check it out. Was met with a locked gate. Had to change my route from there. Stayed on 21/Uniform Rd.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/Trailryder42/IMG_0021a.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/Trailryder42/IMG_0022a-1.jpg

You can barely see the road coming off the top of the mesa where I came from.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/Trailryder42/IMG_0023a-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/Trailryder42/IMG_0024a-1.jpg

In the distance you can see the Prairie Dog fork of the Red River. Started seeing lots of big patches of white too. Couldn't figure out what it was til I got closer.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/Trailryder42/IMG_0028a.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/Trailryder42/IMG_0030a.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/Trailryder42/IMG_0032a.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/Trailryder42/IMG_0033a-2.jpg

A panoram I took.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/Trailryder42/pano-1.jpg

The ride on pavement up 70 from Brice to Clarendon was nice too.

That's all I got in for today.

[spidennis]

got that in a gpx file?

and maybe go over to
http://www.gpsxchange.com/
and post there as well?

[Valker]

That working ranch house is the old headquarters of the JA ranch. That is what is shown on the map as "Palo Duro" settlement. Great pictures. Did you take any of the bridges? Last time I was there they were a bit 'quaint'. I found the tracks of the locals cutting through the dry riverbeds instead of crossing the bridges.:rider:

[TexasShadow]

Nice job scouting and great photos! I'll go on the map and mark which CR's have locked gates based on what you relayed in your post. So they're harvesting cotton right now?
I'm looking forward to riding some of those roads. Did you find any that went down into the canyon floor?


Did you take any of the bridges? Last time I was there they were a bit 'quaint'. I found the tracks of the locals cutting through the dry riverbeds instead of crossing the bridges.:rider:'Bridges'? Where are they? I'll mark those on the map, too.

The only bridge I recall from trip up there last year was on 207, and, man, what a gorgeous view!

I wish I had a GPS.......:argh:

[spidennis]

Let's see a google earth version of this ride!
It'll look something like this ..... cool huh?
.... and this is the free version of google earth .......

http://www.sandslave.com/2003wr250f/port/port.jpg

[Valker]

Nice job scouting and great photos! I'll go on the map and mark which CR's have locked gates based on what you relayed in your post. So they're harvesting cotton right now?
I'm looking forward to riding some of those roads. Did you find any that went down into the canyon floor?


'Bridges'? Where are they? I'll mark those on the map, too.

The only bridge I recall from trip up there last year was on 207, and, man, what a gorgeous view!

I wish I had a GPS.......:argh:
All of the roads south of 287 that are squiggly are in the canyon floor. The bridges are on the road to Palo Duro settlement.:rider:

[TexasShadow]

Let's see a google earth version of this ride!
It'll look something like this ..... cool huh?
.... and this is the free version of google earth ....... ?? so this route was next to the river?

Okay, I'm going to Google Earth on my lap top to do some investigating........

Oh, and how did you put the route on it?

[spidennis]

?? so this route was next to the river?

Okay, I'm going to Google Earth on my lap top to do some investigating........

Oh, and how did you put the route on it?

This is just an example of where I ride offroad locally at the port of brownsville, texas. I started with a gpx file and downloaded the free application here:
http://earth.google.com/
I have a garmin 2610 but don't use mapsouce as i'm on a mac and it's a pc only program so I use macgps pro instead.
Just run the google earth program, open the gpx file and it zooms in and shows your track with that section of the earth. Very easy to do ......
didn't mean to hyjack the thread, sorry .....

[Trailryder42]

I saw one bridge. Looked to be of heavy timber. I took the riverbed go around.

The closest it gets to the river that I could tell was about 3/4-1 mile.

[Valker]

Here's a few bridges:
34*50'21.36"N 100*55'09.25" W
34*49'55.24" N 100*56'39.66W
On Google Earth

[TexasShadow]

This is just an example of where I ride offroad locally at the port of brownsville, texas. No wonder!!!! I thought it was the river east of PD. D'oh!

I have a garmin 2610 but don't use mapsouce as i'm on a mac and it's a pc only program so I use macgps pro instead.
Just run the google earth program, open the gpx file and it zooms in and shows your track with that section of the earth. Very easy to do ......
didn't mean to hyjack the thread, sorry .....I am on a MacBook Pro and have Google Earth on it. So what's the 'macgps'?
I'd like a aerial and visual view of the route he rode.

Looking at two nice squiggly roads down to the river right now...... :trust:

[Trailryder42]

What version of GoogleEarth are you using to be able to show your tracks in?

[TexasShadow]

There is a HUGE network of roads south and along the river. the question, er, the quest, is if they are accessible.

[spidennis]

ah, you need to be here:
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/macmap/
a yahoo group for mac people using gps .......
I'm on a non-intel mac, so that's a bit of a problem.
You are on an intel mac, so you can run windows stuff .....
there are several ways to do that with your machine ....
gpx is the standard for gps file sharing btw,
and once you have that then there's lots you can do.
I'm still pretty new with all this ......

[spidennis]

What version of GoogleEarth are you using to be able to show your tracks in?

I'm using the free version ....
maybe I'll upgrade someday ...
but not to the $400 version!
most likely the starting with the 20 buck side .....

[Trailryder42]

I've been in that area twice now and so far everything that isn't labeled a "county road" has been gated off. Everything just labeled "road" on maps or in Mapsource has been off limits.

I think I was on CR18 here and even it petered out just past a cow camp.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/Trailryder42/County1.jpg

[TexasShadow]

I'm on a non-intel mac, so that's a bit of a problem.
You are on an intel mac, so you can run windows stuff .....
there are several ways to do that with your machine ....
I like the mac interface so much I never bothered loading Windows on the BookPro. I use my desktop PC for any Windows stuff I need to do (it gets booted up about once a month ;).

I'm a newbie on GPS's. I plan on getting a 60csx after the first of the year, and I'm taking a GPS 'class' next month. When I learned orienteering we used compasses and topo maps; we didn't have GPS back then :mrgreen:

So I guess I need to boot up the PC and learn how to load GPS tracks into Google Earth for the meantime.....

[TexasShadow]

I've been in that area twice now and so far everything that isn't labeled a "county road" has been gated off. Everything just labeled "road" on maps or in Mapsource has been off limits. What a shame. Such a big state and so little access. Reminds me of California.....

I think I was on CR18 here and even it petered out just past a cow camp. But that's part of the exploring! :) I'll note CR18 and maybe go exploring down it. Or somewhere else.

[Valker]

From the Texas Transportation Code:
§ 251.010. GATES[0] ON THIRD-CLASS AND NEIGHBORHOOD ROADS;
OFFENSES. (a) A person, including a neighborhood association, who
owns or controls real property on which a third-class road or a
neighborhood road established under Section 251.053 is located for
which the right-of-way was obtained without cost to the county may
erect a gate[0] across the road when necessary. The person shall place
a permanent hitching post and stile block on each side of the gate[0]
within 60 feet of the gate[0]. The gate[0] must be:
(1) at least 10 feet wide;
(2) free of obstructions above the gate[0];
(3) constructed so that opening and shutting the gate[0]
will not cause unnecessary delay to persons, including emergency
personnel, using the road; and
(4) constructed with a fastening to hold the gate[0] open
until a person using the gate[0] passes through it.
(b) The property owner shall keep the gate[0] and the
approaches to the gate[0] in good order.
(c) A person who erects a gate[0] across a road specified by
Subsection (a) and who wilfully or negligently fails to comply with
a requirement of this section commits an offense. An offense under
this subsection is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less
than $5 or more than $20. Each week that the person fails to comply
with this section constitutes a separate offense.
(d) A person who wilfully or negligently leaves open a gate[0]
on a road specified by Subsection (a) commits an offense. An
offense under this subsection is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine
of not less than $5 or more than $20.

[TexasShadow]

So you can go through the gate as long as you close it after you?

[Valker]

So you can go through the gate as long as you close it after you?
That has been my experience in the past, although any gate marked 'no trespassing' is obviously out as is 'private'. I learned this while riding small New Mexico roads. They have county as well as small state roads that go through gates. I was just copying the law from the Texas transportation code to show that it is, indeed, covered by laws. Gates are way cheaper than cattle guards. Some of these roads are only traveled by one or two 'outsiders' a year.
I was always polite when I did this, meaning I didn't get off the road, have a loud pipe, chase the cattle or even honk/moo at them, tear anything up, and I never had a rancher get upset. I rarely found myself at a dead end, but then I got to see the scenery from both directions.:rider:
Bikes, nicely ridden, are not very threatening since you can't carry off supplies on them....hard to rustle cattle with them too.

[TexasShadow]

Alright then. There's hope yet ;)
As a ranch owner myself in Oregon, I can empathize with issues of public access (my ranch was a 'hot' item for bird-watching groups; had people coming all the time to view/photograph the families of hawks, owls, a pair of nesting golden eagles, the obligatory geese, and the sheep/horses/deer/coyotes/cougar which were often not on their agenda). I didn't mind them visiting as long as they were unobtrusive and latched gates. I extend the same respect to others.

[TexasShadow]

We will be searching for and documenting roads/trails in that area on our quest for Coronado's route down into the canyon from the top of the plains.
This (http://www.twtex.com/forums/showpost.php?p=325426&postcount=207) is going to be fun.....

[ColGoodnight]

One of the guys at work used to ride off road up, down and around the caprock.

On his Norton 500.

In the 1950s!

He tells some great stories.

Tom

[TexasShadow]

i'm bumping this again because I plan on going to Palo Duro again next month. I'm undecided on bike: Sherpa or Whee-strom. If I don't do any off-road riding, I'll ride the Whee. But if I can find some nice and fun tracks or roads to ride off-road, I'll take the Sherpa.

Anyone have routes/suggestions for off-road/trails/tracks to ride in that locale?

[Trailryder42]

You might like this. It's a track I like to ride. Dirt roads from Brice to Claude. The back way into Caprock Canyons off 256 is neat.

[TexasShadow]

Anyone here been to Paloduro, the small town (if it is/was indeed a 'town') in the middle of nowhere, south of Goodnight?

(I see a mission forming next month.....)

[Valker]

I've ridden there. It is the ranch headquarters of the JA ranch. There is no town or even any other buildings other than the ranch. There are zero facilities available in that whole area outside Claude, Clarendon, Silverton, and Turkey.

[TexasShadow]

I've ridden there. It is the ranch headquarters of the JA ranch. There is no town or even any other buildings other than the ranch. There are zero facilities available in that whole area outside Claude, Clarendon, Silverton, and Turkey.I wondered if the JA Ranch house was there, but from what I found, it seems to be located south of the PD Park. Whereas Paloduro is east of the park and on a flat between two forks of the river.

I can't find a danged thing on it except for one old B&W photo showing a cattle round up at Paloduro, Texas. Not the canyon, but a specific location.
Anyway, I aim to find out.
This is a job for Sherpa.

[Valker]

Not too sure about the Sherpa though. I did all that area on my fully loaded KLR650 with my fat old rear on it and Avon Gripsters. There's no 'off roading' but the roads are rather 'quaint'.
This gives a good picture of the ranch house on Google earth. 34*48'56.89"N and 101*11'19.86W

[TexasShadow]

Bumpity-bump.
The Sherpa and I will be there next week. Looking at maps and Google Earth, there's a 'road' named 'Romeo Rd' headed northwest of Paloduro (not the park, but that little pinpoint in the middle of nowhere), breaking off of CR25, then weaving north, supposedly ending up in the ghost town of Goodnight.

The question is.......does this road really exist?? On GE it seems to putter out in places (aka dwindles down to a barely visible track), down into the canyon and crossing two (three?) rivers before ascending up the north canyon wall to Goodnight.

Anyone know of this road?

We'll be riding the loop in that area on Friday if anyone is interested in joining.

[Trailryder42]

I've been by Romeo Rd.. When riding the track I posted earlier going from Palo Duro up CR22. The road has a sign post from what I remember but I haven't been down it. In Mapsource it shows that it branches off after it turns back north. The west fork turns into CR25 on into Goodnight.

It's a nice day for a ride. I may get out and go look at it. I'll let ya know.

[Valker]

Streets and trips shows it as there. I have not ridden that one though. Goodnight is not a ghost town though. It is still there (such as it is).

[TexasShadow]

I've been by Romeo Rd.. When riding the track I posted earlier going from Palo Duro up CR22. The road has a sign post from what I remember but I haven't been down it. In Mapsource it shows that it branches off after it turns back north. The west fork turns into CR25 on into Goodnight.

It's a nice day for a ride. I may get out and go look at it. I'll let ya know.Thanks! We'll go that way and see if it's navigable. Yet I'm not sure what the 'road' looks like before it reaches Goodnight.

Streets and trips shows it as there. I have not ridden that one though. Goodnight is not a ghost town though. It is still there (such as it is).Ghost towns don't have to be completely deserted. Goodnight had a college long ago in its day. Along with other businesses and institutions that have long faded into the past. Such is with many ghost towns; many are not completely deserted but only shades, whispers and ghosts of their former selves.

I plan on visiting the cemetery at Goodnight and the Goodnight house. Keenly interested in the history of Goodnight, the JA Ranch and the Adairs are a part of that. I'd like to find the three locations (mentioned here (http://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/prospector/siteb11.htm)) associated with Goodnight.

[Valker]

Ghost towns don't have to be completely deserted. Goodnight had a college long ago in its day. Along with other businesses and institutions that have long faded into the past. Such is with many ghost towns; many are not completely deserted but only shades, whispers and ghosts of their former selves.

I plan on visiting the cemetery at Goodnight and the Goodnight house. Keenly interested in the history of Goodnight, the JA Ranch and the Adairs are a part of that. I'd like to find the three locations (mentioned here (http://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/prospector/siteb11.htm)) associated with Goodnight.
The pictures on the page you linked are all right there at the spot marked Paloduro. That ranch house and bunkhouse are right at the corner where the road turns. Last time I was down that road, you are so close that the picture of the house could have been taken from the road.:rider:

[TexasShadow]

The pictures on the page you linked are all right there at the spot marked Paloduro. That ranch house and bunkhouse are right at the corner where the road turns. Last time I was down that road, you are so close that the picture of the house could have been taken from the road.:rider:Excellent! So the only one not there is Goodnight's house. That's just south of 287 in Goodnight (from what I read).

I also wish I could meet and talk with him. And his wife. It was at her insistence that he brought home to the ranch a few of the remaining bison left on the range and established Texas' last wild herd. The JA Ranch donated their descendants to the TX Park system in 1998.

Perhaps visiting his house, his final resting place and the canyon lands will be like meeting him.

[Trailryder42]

I rode over to Palo Duro today and took Romeo Rd. as far as I dared. I never saw any "NO Tresspassing" signs and I went thru a couple of unlocked green metal gates. Just had to unhook a chain and make sure I closed it behind me. It's pretty evident that Romeo turns into an access road for someones ranchland.

Beginning of Romeo.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/Trailryder42/Romeo1.jpg

Looking North down CR22 from Romeo Rd.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/Trailryder42/Romeo2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/Trailryder42/Romeo3.jpg

You have to go left at this fork to stay on Romeo. It's a good thing I had my GPS with me. I'd have gotten lost without it. The road starts getting vague in places, with a lot of offshoots that aren't on the map. But was turning into a really cool ride.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/Trailryder42/Romeo4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/Trailryder42/Romeo5.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/Trailryder42/Romeo6.jpg

I could have taken more pics, but if you go ride this I didn't want to spoil it for you. This is just a taste.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/Trailryder42/Romeo7.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/Trailryder42/Romeo8.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/Trailryder42/Romeo9.jpg

The first green gate you come to. Didn't get a pic of the second one.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/Trailryder42/Romeo10.jpg

When I got to the fork in Romeo as it heads on up toward Goodnight I initially took the left fork(west). The road was really getting cool now. I came to a spot where it looked like the road petered out. I came to this wooden gate, altho on the other side of it from where I am in this shot.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/Trailryder42/Romeo11.jpg

If you go another 30 yards up that road on the other side of the gate you come to another wood gate and the road after that looks like it gets pretty vague. I didn't go past it to see. I was concerned about going thru too many openings like that in a fence line and being somewhere I shouldn't be. So I turned around and backtracked to the fork at Romeo and took the right fork(east) toward Goodnight. Some more cool road. I got about as far up that fork as I did the west fork. Came to green metal gate that was locked. To continue in the right direction to Goodnight I'd have had to go thru it. But there was an other offshoot road there to the left, so I took it, tho it wasn't on the GPS, I'd watch the GPS to see if maybe it was a go around, bypassing the locked gate. It wasn't. It was taking me west toward that left(west) fork. I started to wonder if it might be taking me to the point where that wooden gate was. Sure enough. That's where I took the pic 11 from. So I went thru the gate, hung a left and went back toward Romeo proper and back to Palo Duro.

Unless you try going past that second wood gate, I'd say this would be an out and back/loop ride. But it's damed nice one.

Came thru some pasture land with abunch of cows and a black bull that got testy with me. Charged me a few times as I rode by, just trying to intimidate me. As you're going thru that area just watch the road in the grass, as it gets a little vague there, then you'll cross a small stream. You'll cross several washes on the way out. I thought it was a really neat ride. Hope this helped you decide what you're going to do.

Here's a map. I suggest when getting to the fork in Romeo, go right(east). When you get to the locked gate, take the only other road there, to the left. That will take you cross country to the west fork. In other words you'll be riding the loop counter clockwise.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v234/Trailryder42/RomeoMap.jpg

Derek

[TexasShadow]

Playing around in Google maps and clicking the 'Terrain' button, this is what the north end of Romeo road looks like just south of Goodnight. It winds right down the escarpment and across Spring Creek.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i20/lzvolk/NRomeotoGoodnight1.jpg

Me likey. :trust:

[TexasShadow]

Derek, I just saw your post after I posted the map. Awesome scouting job!!!!
I owe you. If you come visit us at our campground, you have a bowl of cobbler just for you. :mrgreen:

I'll pm you our contact info just in case you want to join two other KLRs (oops. That's one other KLR and an XR) on a ride. We'd sure enjoy your company.

I wouldn't mind riding Romeo Road (with a name like that out in the middle of Nowhere, how can I resist? :) even if it is a backtracking ride back to PD then up to 287 and east to Goodnight. I don't mind. Not at all.

Cool!!!!

I. Can't. Wait........

[TexasShadow]

Also, on Saturday we might ride this location (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=34.9473,+-101.5902&ie=UTF8&ll=34.947162,-101.58165&spn=0.08752,0.247192&z=13): The 'A' marks a historical marker and site of C. Goodnight's first ranch house. If you click on the satellite view, to the west are two narrow table tops running N/S (3400+ feet), one north of the other and connected by a road on the ridge. That looks inviting.

To the northeast is Goathead Rd which may approach the top of Fortress Cliff. Since it is now in the Park system, not sure if it is accessible or not but it's worth a try.

[Trailryder42]

I scouted Goathead rd. a while back. It goes to private property. Bummer. The coordinate you give in the link is Harrell Ranch Rd.. I've been by it as it's accessed off of 1258.

I have a family get together Friday but if I can swing it I may head down to the canyon to look you up.

[TexasShadow]

We'll be in Fortress Cliff campground; hiking Thursday, riding Friday and part of Saturday. You are welcome anytime. Hope to see you.

[Trailryder42]

I hope you guys didn't freeze your butt off. lol. I was thinking bout you.

[KenH]

About the conundrum of the wooden gate on Romeo Road on the way to Goodnight.

Take a round-about route to Goodnight and follow the first road east of 294 heading south. See how close to the wooden gate you can get before the spooky feelings set in, or you hit a lock. If the road isn't locked right at the highway, I wouldn't be surprised if you made it all the way to the wooden gate. The TxDOT MrSID system does not show a through road, but Google Maps does. I expect the road is private, but is it isn't locked or posted, ...? Perhaps you could knock on a door in the neighborhood and ask permission.

MrSID does show a road heading north from Romeo/RR2272, eventually becoming RR2889. According to Google Maps, Kilo Road runs east from RR2889 and intersects US287 about a mile west of Goodnight.

All of Romeo east of the intersection that goes north to Kilo is absent from the TxDot map so may be private even though it isn't locked or posted.

Happy adventures.

[Trailryder42]

Thanks Ken. That road you speak of, "heading north from Romeo/RR2272, eventually becoming RR2889", is CR22. I've ridden that and it's a good maintained road all the way to 287.

That road, "Take a round-about route to Goodnight and follow the first road east of 294 heading south", is CR25. I've thought of doing exactly as you suggest. Come at it from the north and see if I can make it thru to the gate I turned back at. I've been all along 287 between Goodnight and Claude, looking at CR/Ranch road accesses off 287 and most of them do seem to be gated off. Tho CR 25 shouldn't be, at least until it turns into ranch road.

Coming from the south, there are no ranch houses or structures to stop and ask info.. If/when I find out something, I'll post up. If we can get all the way thru to 287, it will make one of the best/neatest DS rides I've found so far around here.

[KenH]

Maybe the house that has permissions is in Goodnight?

[ed29]

I hope you guys didn't freeze your butt off. lol. I was thinking bout you.

It rained on the tent every night. The wind was less of an issue on the canyon floor. We only got really cold on Friday morning's ride. The dampness from the humidity teamed up with the wind and low temps to make the first part of the day difficult. We rolled with it though and thoroughly enjoyed exploring the area.

[TexasShadow]

That road, "Take a round-about route to Goodnight and follow the first road east of 294 heading south", is CR25. I've thought of doing exactly as you suggest. Come at it from the north and see if I can make it thru to the gate I turned back at. I've been all along 287 between Goodnight and Claude, looking at CR/Ranch road accesses off 287 and most of them do seem to be gated off. Tho CR 25 shouldn't be, at least until it turns into ranch road. (we were too freakin' cold to pause for long)

Coming from the south, there are no ranch houses or structures to stop and ask info.. If/when I find out something, I'll post up. If we can get all the way thru to 287, it will make one of the best/neatest DS rides I've found so far around here.We discovered that the end of the county/public road is at the gate on the ranch. We were informed of such by the rancher. It's gated: private ranch property. Next time I'm there, I'd like to stop and chat with the rancher there. I suspect he can provide a wealth of local yore and history as well as info on roads that may descend the escarpment. Who knows; he might feel benevolent and open the gates for one-time access.

Regardless, visiting Goodnight's house, the cemetery and that spot brought Goodnight to 'life', in a manner of speaking. Watching his movie (Old Texas 1916, picked up the DVD while in PD) and realizing we stood on the same road next to the house, next to the same pens and pastures, was like transporting back in time. From the photos (posting later), you will see that Goodnight's presence is still there. The tributes left near his grave marker are touching.

I was glad to see that Goodnight's house is now being restored. It was donated to Armstrong County a few years ago. We could pick out structures and even trees standing today that are in the movie he made in 1916.

[TexasShadow]

BTW, I intend to return to ride the roads I didn't, albeit in more comfortable weather. The danger of hypothermia was high, especially on little bikes with no heating accessories. Even the six layers I wore wasn't enough.

[Trailryder42]

Exactly which gate are you referring to? Did you guys ride Romeo Road in, or did you go in on CR25 from Goodnight and run into a gate at ranch property?

We discovered that the end of the county/public road is at the gate on the ranch. We were informed of such by the rancher. It's gated: private ranch property.

[ed29]

We went south on CR25 past the Goodnight house and within a half mile came to a closed gate in front of a house. We backtracked halfway to 287 for some pictures and then the rancher followed us out to ask us what we were doing there. Nice guy once he figured out that we meant no harm in my riding up to his front porch.

[KenH]

It is good to hear about positive interactions with the ranching community. I've gained access to private property just by acting friendly in town, especially since T-dub draws a lot of attention because she's so darn cute. When peole ask about her I tell them how the big tires and modest power output reduce wheelspin and the lower enviromental impact. Then I tell them not to buy a dualsport bike because public riding areas are disappearing. Occasionally they relate a story about problematic trespassers, to which I reply that that is always the way it is, a few jerks ruin it for the rest of us that are respectful of property, we have similar problems on our family property. This is about when the invitation comes along. While there, remember to leave all gates as you found them. Pick up some trash and get caught dumping it in the land owner's garbage can. It's all about apppearances.