Cleanup work after Maroon Creek Road mudslide costing PitCo $35K

Maroon Creek Road remained closed to vehicles and bikes Tuesday as Pitkin County crews cleared debris from Monday’s mudslide in the Maroon Bells Scenic Area, a $35,000 endeavor as of the time of publishing.

The money is coming out of the Pitkin County Road and Bridge fund, Pitkin County Public Works Director Scott Mattice told The Aspen Times.

According to a press release, the mudslide occurred at the end of the road in the day-use parking area.

“Heavy rain and additional debris flows have occurred in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, including the Four-Pass Loop,” the release states.

David Boyd, Public Affairs officer for the White River National Forest, confirmed that about 35 vehicles were stuck at the day use lot around 8:30 a.m. for about two hours before Pitkin County was able to clear an exit path. Four vehicles of wilderness permit holders were stuck in about 12 inches of mud at the overnight lot Monday night.

While one was dug out Monday night at 10 p.m., the other three were still in the lot as of Tuesday morning, according to Boyd. 

“As for hikers, no one was stuck up there,” he added.  “RFTA provided shuttle service all day for anyone needing to come out of the area.”

Tuesday’s closure was in order to ensure public safety because of the heavy equipment traffic occurring as crews remove mud and debris.

Mattice said roughly 1,200 tons of material came down on to the road.

“We have had several smaller debris flows in my 16 years at the County, this being by far the largest,” he said.

Most of the smaller debris flows have historically only caused partial day impacts.

While trails remain open, rangers are reminding all visitors to the backcountry that they are responsible for their own safety. According to Boyd, there were two debris flows across the West Maroon Trail that receded by mid-morning Monday, with minor trail damage at the locations of these debris flows. The trail was still passable to hikers by Monday afternoon. 

“We may receive additional information from visitors and our rangers in the coming days and weeks,” Boyd noted of potential trail condition impacts.

The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority shuttle from Aspen Highlands to the Maroon Bells Scenic Area operated on a normal schedule beginning at 7 a.m. Tuesday, and parties who had parking reservations were given free shuttle access for up to two people in order to still visit the area — any additional people were required to pay the $20 day-of, per-person shuttle fee. Those with private vehicle reservations were also offered the option of a refund, Boyd confirmed.

The road will be closed to bicyclists Wednesday due to the slick wet mud that is still covering the road, Boyd said. It was unknown at the time of publishing whether or not the road will also be closed to vehicles Wednesday as well.

Mattice said crews are doing everything they can to open it to all users as soon as possible.

“No guarantees with more weather forecasted, but high hopes for tomorrow,” Mattice said Tuesday. “We certainly understand folks can’t wait to get up there, especially during leaf season, and appreciate staying clear and letting the team work as efficiently as possible.”

Rainfall is expected to continue throughout the week.