Avalanche Gulch - Access at risk

[JVon13]

Saw this on a Facebook group and thought it’s worth sharing on here. Long story short, this guy bought a group of mining claims up Avalanche Gulch back around 2020 for roughly $150,000 (I think that’s approximately what is was listed for if I remember correctly.) The claims total a long, roughly 3-4 mile stretch of the forest service rd and are surrounded by forest service on both sides. He already closed down access to at least two different trailheads because the trailhead parking area passes through maybe 30’ of his “land” once you get off the FS road. From what I gather, he’s now challenging that the easement and the road don’t match up, so wants to completely shut down the road at that point. He’s already basically shut off access to thousands of forest service acres along the 3-4 mile stretch of road, and if this is successful will shut down the road to prevent access to thousands of other acres that are currently accessible beyond where his claim runs out. I ran into the guy back in 20 or 21, and he is a complete asshole. Just wanted to put this on everyone’s radar to keep informed and see what we can do to try and prevent this from happening.

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6002236795a3752c3a5420f6/t/69b33f73a9373b65094fdc76/1773354867407/Key+Quarterly+Winter+2026+FOR+WEBSITEV2.pdf?fbclid=IwZnRzaAQ6qBJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeeCorbBMQZSIF0tc7oR4D4bQoQtt1Z3qlPyWiGmgPBcmkudADrKPMeEpPK3w_aem_L33ey48FgiiunkabVXzVdQ

 

[INMT]

Saw this on a Facebook group and thought it’s worth sharing on here. Long story short, this guy bought a group of mining claims up Avalanche Gulch back around 2020 for roughly $150,000 (I think that’s approximately what is was listed for if I remember correctly.) The claims total a long, roughly 3-4 mile stretch of the forest service rd and are surrounded by forest service on both sides. He already closed down access to at least two different trailheads because the trailhead parking area passes through maybe 30’ of his “land” once you get off the FS road. From what I gather, he’s now challenging that the easement and the road don’t match up, so wants to completely shut down the road at that point. He’s already basically shut off access to thousands of forest service acres along the 3-4 mile stretch of road, and if this is successful will shut down the road to prevent access to thousands of other acres that are currently accessible beyond where his claim runs out. I ran into the guy back in 20 or 21, and he is a complete asshole. Just wanted to put this on everyone’s radar to keep informed and see what we can do to try and prevent this from happening.

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6002236795a3752c3a5420f6/t/69b33f73a9373b65094fdc76/1773354867407/Key+Quarterly+Winter+2026+FOR+WEBSITEV2.pdf?fbclid=IwZnRzaAQ6qBJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeeCorbBMQZSIF0tc7oR4D4bQoQtt1Z3qlPyWiGmgPBcmkudADrKPMeEpPK3w_aem_L33ey48FgiiunkabVXzVdQ

Thanks for the heads up.

 

[R.K.]

Reminds me of a similar situation in the Little Belts up Yogo Creek.

 

[Rack Daniels]

@Elky Welky




I just watched something on this topic actually, until it’s shut down in court, he only has mineral rights and it’s still federally owned land. We can still access all the land therein (short of picking up any rocks) including the claim itself from my understanding, unless/until they patent it iirc.

I’ve dealt with a little of this up confederate, on both ends of the spectrum….

 

[Nunyacreek]

I’m confused - I thought this was patented (deeded) land. Is the court case about his the extent of the easement or his underlying title to the land?

 

[Rack Daniels]

I’m confused - I thought this was patented (deeded) land. Is the court case about his the extent of the easement or his underlying title to the land?

Sounds like the court case is about the easement, general attitude toward access is about his claim. I didnt investigate on the interwebs further