Argenta Access Update
Historically, UDOT has plowed the “Blind Miner” pullout, and skiers have used the small road leading to the creek crossing to access Argenta. This season, WBA received several reports from skiers who were approached near the creek and told they were trespassing on private property.
After looking into the issue, WBA confirmed that the area is part of a patented mining claim, which functions similarly to private property. We understand that the current landowner is not affiliated with the Cardiff Canyon Owners Association (CCOA), the group WBA has worked with previously to restore public access along the Cardiff Fork Road.
WBA is working to connect with the property owner through CCOA so we can better understand the situation, discuss concerns, and hopefully find a solution that balances property rights with longstanding recreation access. We have not been able to meet with the owner thus far, however, through CCOA, we learned that the owner shared this picture showing a “NO/YES” overlay, asking backcountry users to reroute and use this other bridge lower down canyon (red waypoint and pictured below) and not use the bridge closest to the Blind Miner parking pullout (blue area and blue waypoint).
We’ll continue working toward a constructive resolution before next winter and will keep the community updated as we learn more.
Cardiff Access Collaboration
Since reaching a reciprocal access agreement with the Cardiff Canyon Owners Association (CCOA) to preserve public access along the Cardiff Road, WBA has continued meeting with CCOA to strengthen our working relationship and advocate for maintaining the unique character of Cardiff Canyon.
One idea that we’ve thought of is making it easier for skiers to understand when they are traveling across public versus private land when skinning up the Cardiff road.
To support this effort, we’re working to create a Cardiff Road ownership map in onX Backcountry, using data from CCOA’s Special Use Permit issued by the Forest Service. Our vision is to install signage at the road entrance with a QR code that links directly to an interactive map, allowing skiers and hikers to quickly see where public and private lands are located along the Cardiff Road corridor.
WBA is also developing a draft educational sign that would be posted at the start of the road explaining the reciprocal access agreement, outlining expectations for respectful recreation, and encouraging users to help preserve this important access by staying on the designated route and respecting private property. As part of this effort, we’d also like to install a WAG bag kiosk at the trailhead to help reduce human waste impacts and encourage visitors to pack out their waste, helping keep Cardiff Canyon clean for everyone.
We believe education important for protecting access. By helping visitors understand where they are and how to recreate responsibly, we can build trust with landowners and help ensure this historic access remains available for years to come.
