Chaffin Creek Hart Gulch
Total Miles
5.0
Elevation
1,589.08 ft
Duration
0.5 Hours
Technical Rating
Best Time
Summer, Fall
Trail Overview
Chaffin Creek Hart Gulch is another trail in the Trapper Chaffin area, and it is unclear what vehicles are allowed on it. At the beginning of the trail, a sign says the trail is open to all vehicles from June to October. OnX will also show that this trail is open to high clearance 4x4s, ATVs, and dirt bikes; however, the Bitterroot National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Map shows that this trail is only open to vehicles 50 inches in width or less. The trail starts plenty wide for a complete-size car and has room to pass vehicles. However, as you progress up the trail towards the south, the trail slowly becomes narrower and narrower. By the time you reach the trail's end, you will realize why this trail is only open to ATVs and dirt bikes. As far as the trail's condition is concerned, it starts very smoothly with a fine gravel/sandy surface. There are some mild ledges in a few spots along the way and some off-camber sections further down the trail. When the trail gets narrower, the surface becomes dirtier but still smoother. Besides a few spots of small rocks, this is a smooth riding trail. For the most part, you will be riding through trees and won't have much of an opportunity for scenic views. The end of this trail turns into nothing but a dead fallen tree and a big bush, which is where you will have to turn around and head back for either the beginning of the trail or jump off onto Burnt Ridge Trail shortly before the end of this trail.
Photos of Chaffin Creek Hart Gulch
Difficulty
This trail is mostly very smooth with a fine gravel/sand surface that later turns to dirt. Although there are some sections that have some small rocks, minor ledges and a few off camber spots, this trail is very easy. This trail starts wide but becomes very narrow towards the end. Even an ATV will most likely be rubbing trees and bushes to reach the end. There aren't any water crossings but after snowmelt/fall or rain, this trail could become muddy.
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