08-Jun-2001 -- N41 W105 is just southwest of Cheyenne, Wyoming where I was visiting my daughter
and son-in-law, Dave. Since an earlier confluence seeker on 1/21/2001 had been blocked
from access by "No Trespassing" signs east and south of the confluence, Dave decided
we should try from the west for our first confluence attempt.
We studied topo maps and the aerial photos, laying out a route along many dirt back
roads and trails. We took Interstate 80 west from Cheyenne, then south on route 218 to
county road 102 and then to un-marked dirt roads where we stopped to check our maps
(photo #2). Our chosen route passed through an area immediately in front of a ranch
house so we stopped to ask permission. Getting no answer at the door, we took an
alternate route to the other side and were soon greeted by our first "No Trespassing" sign
of the day (photo #1) still more than 10 miles from the confluence.
With our planned route now history, we headed back to the county road, stopping for a
nice view of the Colorado Rocky Mountains (photo #3). We then headed further south to
a dirt road along the railroad tracks that would take us towards the confluence, only to be
greeted by our second "No Trespassing" sign of the day thanks to the Union Pacific
Railroad (photo #4), now more than 13 miles west of the confluence.
Our planned route was completely foiled and we decided to enjoy the route back while looking
for any possible access from the west or north. Every dirt road into the area was either
gated or posted with "No Trespassing" signs as we followed route 218 to a stretch on
Interstate 80 and then across route 225 north of the confluence.
With plenty of time left, we decided to double-check access from the east, visiting a
"Keep Out" sign about 10 miles northeast of the confluence (photo #5) and then the "No
Trespassing" signs that met the first attempt (photo #6). This point nearly 6 miles
northeast of the elusive confluence would be as close as we would get.
The confluence appears to be within a large area of private land. Access is no doubt
possible with more planning and advance permissions.