Mountain Driving Conditions

General Advice

There are a few things to keep in mind before driving on Blackhawk Ranch roads. The road conditions on the highway or the county roads can be quite different than what you may encounter on BHR roads.

Please remember the speed limit on BHR is 20 MPH. The speed limit is set for the safety of people who drive, walk, ride utility vehicles, bicycle or ride horses on BHR roads. There is also wildlife such as deer and bear you may encounter on the roads. Plus driving fast on the ranch contributes to wash boarding on the roads.

There are no guard rails on BHR with some areas on the road having steep drop offs that are roll-over risks if you leave the road. In addition, blind turns make travelling at speeds exceeding the speed limit dangerous for yourself and others.

Blackhawk Ranch has many spots where there is no cell phone coverage. If you do become stuck or stranded without cell phone coverage, move to higher ground to find a signal.

Summer

During the summer time, you may encounter muddy and very slick roads after a rain. The mud can be just as slick or even more slippery than ice. Regardless of tread type, mud can become impacted in tire tread making steering and stopping very difficult.

Winter

Driving conditions can change rapidly. After a snow it may take some time to have the roads plowed, so we recommend you are prepared and understand the limitations of your vehicle, tires and your own driving skills. The road conditions are posted on the blackhawkranch.org web site and Facebook.

During the winter a high clearance 4 wheel or all wheel drive vehicle is recommended. If the snow is deeper than 6 to 8 inches your vehicle may not be able to travel the roads and become stuck. Depending on the clearance of your vehicle, the traversable snow depth may be much less. Even if the roads have been plowed, there may been some deep areas on the roads due to the nature of the roads or that have become wind swept creating drifts. These conditions may make the roads impassable if you do you do not have the right vehicle and/or tires.

During the winter, we recommend you carry some essential items in your vehicle.

Snow chains
Traction Boards
Sand/Cat Litter
Blanket
Water/Snacks
Snow Boots
Winter Coat
Gloves/Hat

Flashlight
Tow Rope
Ice Scraper
Shovel
First Aid Kit
Jumper Cables
Cell phone/charger
2 Way Radio
Phone numbers to towing companies, friends, etc.

Snow Plowing Operations

BHR Roads will be plowed when the depth on the roads reaches six inches. This is the same level the surrounding counties plow. Snow plowing will commence once it is deemed safe to do so only during daylight hours. During snow plowing operations, please be extra careful while driving the ranch roads as a plows may be around the next turn.

Stuck/Stranded

If you do become stuck, attempt to contact someone you know to help you. If the conditions are too severe, tow trucks or even 4 wheel drive vehicles will not to be able to reach you. You may have to hike to your destination or stay with your vehicle until help can safely arrive.