Dear Action Line: On the northeast corner of Dominguez Drive next to Durango Motor Co. is a vacant lot owned by the Colorado Department of Transportation. Years ago, CDOT designated the lot as a trailhead parking area. I drove there recently to park, but a sign stated it was CDOT property and “No Trespassing.” The two original signs are still in place which state “Big Canyon Trail Park Here.” So, which is it: Trailhead parking allowed or not? – Fuzzy Parker
Dear Fuzzy: It’s kind of like adjacent signs that say, “Park Here,” and “Watch for Falling Rocks.” You takes your chances.
Mother of Action Line once read aloud to Tiny Action Line a book called “Mr. Pine’s Mixed-up Signs.” It was an awesome book, full of fun and confusion, and, perhaps the ultimate important lesson for suburban kids: Don’t misplace things, especially your glasses!
It may seem that the signs are saying something like, “Park here at your own peril,” but really, it’s fine to leave your vehicle here while you go hike or ride for a while. Just don’t camp or stay overnight, or throw a kegger.
CDOT admitted that its attempt to clarify a murky situation with a “No Trespassing” sign did not quite hit the mark.
“A new sign has been ordered,” said CDOT spokeswoman Lisa Schwantes. She provided the backstory, courtesy of CDOT Right of Way Agent Brian Spain.
Spain said that CDOT acquired that parcel of land, with the trailhead parking, when the frontage road was built. (Which Action Line guesses was two to three decades ago.) The parcel has proved to be a challenge for CDOT crews to police, with cars, trucks and trailers frequently remaining there for long periods. Crews have also cleaned up homeless camps. The quick fix, Spain said, was installing the “No Trespassing” sign to prohibit long-term parking.
“We realize that the knee-jerk reaction was not thought through completely, and the signs contradicted each other – Welcome to Big Canyon, but hey, don’t trespass! What?!”
Spain concluded: “Yup, even CDOT makes mistakes. Wink, wink.”
So, Schwantes said, the sign that reads: “Property of Colorado Department of Transportation. No trespassing,” will be removed. The new sign will say: “No camping or overnight parking.” It is expected to arrive by the end of July, and the CDOT sign crew will install it ASAP. The brown signs that read: “Big Canyon Trail. Park here,” will remain in place.
The story of Mr. Pine has pretty much nothing to do with this scenario. It’s just a stream of consciousness sort of thing. The well-meaning Mr. Pine screwed up the signs in Little Town because he couldn’t see straight.
But what’s important is this: If you’re a parent, a grandparent, or even a small child, if you haven’t already, you should read “Mr. Pine’s Mixed-up Signs.” You’ll be glad you did.
Last week, Action Line wrote about the recent disappearance of Denver channels on DirecTV. A reader informs us that Dish TV still carries Denver’s ABC, CBS and Fox affiliates. …
Action Line received a question about when the U.S. Highway 550/160 Grandview Interchange will finally open. Action Line will leave the updates to The Durango Herald newsroom, which reported July 3 that the opening has been “placed on hold until further notice,” according to CDOT. Meanwhile, a new video by local resident Mick Souder gives a good look at the progress, using overhead drone footage: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWrJUjTDVWk. It may answer some of your questions about the new configuration and recent changes made. …
Several weeks ago, Action Line wrote an item about the concrete pad along Ned’s Hill in Overend Mountain Park. Apparently, it’s a popular place, and some locals call it the “helicopter pad.” Well, that’s a tricky landing, but maybe possible in a pinch?
Email questions and suggestions to actionline@durangoherald.com or mail them to Action Line, The Durango Herald, 1275 Main Ave., Durango, CO 81301. The author of “Mr. Pine’s Mixed-up Signs,” World War II vet Leonard Kessler, died in 2022 at age 101.
