official 2009 Colorado invasion thread

[Panzer]

Time to start the planning anew....

First week of August this year due to kids/school start date issues with some schools cranking up as early as the 17th this year.
(Considering a possible PM friday the 31st departure)

Anyone that wants to come along is welcome. It is kid and family friendly. No hardcore wheeling.
Any stock Toyota 4wd will be able to make this trip. (Make sure your brakes are in good order!)

This will be expedition style camping on the go, no set hard dates other than a start and end.
(and the end is mushy, depends on everyones need to return dates)

One thing to keep in mind, I am not "all about the wheeling" I am there to relax and enjoy the trip and the scenery so the pace will be slow and the schedule loose and flexible.

NOTE: I am running a semi-built 80 but all of the trails we are doing can be run by a stock 4WD toyota.
My first year (1998) I ran a stock 93 4runner with street shoes.



Here is last years plan-
(dates adjusted for 2009)

Saturday 01AUG-Leave DFW-Plan to camp either SE CO or Nrn NM.
Sunday 02AUG- Depart NW to Cannon City, CO. Raft the Arkansas River through Royal Gorge. Afterward likely head west to new campground.
Monday 03AUG- Blue Mesa Lake and Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Activities TBA, Probably end up in Ouray area that night.
Tuesday 04AUG- Ouray/Telluride/Lake City/Silverton Trails
Wednesday 05AUG- Ouray/Telluride/Lake City/Silverton Trails
Thursday 06AUG- Ouray/Telluride/Lake City/Silverton Trails
Friday 07AUG Wheel 1/2 day and start heading SE toward TX camping at ???
Saturday 08AUG-Texas bound.
Sunday 09AUG-DFW or wherever home is.

[Panzer]

After colaborating with with my co-conspirator John Rushing from TTR we worked that up to this-
(This is what he posted over on the TTR board.)


Colorado Exploring 2009!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hey Guys, I know I talked to some of you about the Colorado Trip. I have taken Panzer's (Chris Smith) routing and tried my best to connect the major points with fire roads or somewhat of a back country trail. I have a map on Google maps that I thrown together and am still modifying. GOOGLE MAP

So far I have the following itinerary outlined with stops and features. I would like to get some input from folks who might have traveled these areas any and might now some off the beaten path things to do and from folks who might be interested in making this trip with us.

I know Panzer said he would like to keep the days short on driving if possible with lots of stops to let the kids explore and do stuff. By no means do we have to complete the entire trip, this is explore as you go, and enjoy VACATION!! (of course with a little wheeling involved )

Here goes.

Tentative dates are August 1st thru the 9th. Much earlier than this and it will make it tough, and after will start messing with the kid’s school.

We can leave out on Friday afternoon (July 31) or Saturday morning (August 1). Friday afternoon would be best so we can get some miles behind us. This is the one night I would almost entertain a hotel stay, so we don’t have to unpack everything and set up camp just to get up early to take it back down. But I digress…

As soon as possible leave out, meet in Gainesville (Hwy 82 and I-35 area) and head across Hwy 82 and up Hwy 287 toward the Palo Duro Canyon area for the night. If we leave on Friday, this one might be a late night setup depending on the travel speed and when we stop. But this will get us an excellent start without having to drive a LONG distance the first day.

We can of course make it farther if we leave out on Saturday morning, but who knows. It is a work in progress. I will edit as we see fit to “Mold” the trip to our liking as we come up with new ideas.

(If we go Friday afternoon) From the Palo Duro Canyon area travel thru Santa Fe to The Great Sand Dunes National Park, (should be a short day of driving) Play at the dunes, and then camp for the night.

IF we don’t leave on Friday afternoon, a possible alternate plan is to head out Really early Saturday morning and try to make it to GSDNP in one day (travel speed and weather permitting). But this will be one really long day of driving. It will also more than likely be dark by time we reach the Dunes.

No matter if we get there in one day or two.. Here is where the fun begins.

From GSDNP travel the 4wd road up and across Medano Pass TrailDamage.com - Medano Pass over to Hwy 69, then North to Westcliffe.

From Westcliffe take rd 225 NE thru the mountains over to Canon City and the Royal Gorge Bridge area.

From there head up Shelf Road
TrailDamage.com - Shelf Road Shelf Road - Gold Belt Byway

To The Bank TrailDamage.com - The Bank

From there on into Victor and the Cripple Creek area. There is wealth of info and history in this area. I will add links to this later. But here are two for American Eagle Scenic Overlook Colorado Historic Sites - Gold Mines and Colorado Driving Tours - Cripple Creek and Victor

Then head back south to Canon City along Phantom Canyon Rd TrailDamage.com - Phantom Canyon
Phantom Canyon Road

From there head toward the Hayden Pass area via Gulch Road (CR 28) to hwy 69 to 1A Rd west and north to Hwy 50 West to Hayden Creek Rd (FR 6) TrailDamage.com - Hayden Pass

From Hayden Pass area over and down LL-57 Rd to Hwy 285 North thru Poncha Pass to FR 243 to FR 200 thru Marshall Pass 4WD TRAILS: South-Central Colorado (Book) to Hwy 50 the rest of the way over to The Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness area.

From Black Canyon of the Gunnison Wilderness area south thru Owl Creek Pass TrailDamage.com - Owl Creek Pass to Ridgeway south thru Ouray to the Poughkeepsie Gulch camp area we stayed at in 2007.

From this point thru Engineers pass around the North side of the Alpine loop to Lake City

From here… Since I am sure by now we have burned thru probably two weeks worth of time, this is were we can turn and head to Creede and out on Hwy 149, or if we feel the need for more adventure, we can take FR 520 (about 45 miles South of Lake City) back over to the Rio Grande Reservoir to camp and fish.

From Rio Grande Reservoir out to Hwy 149, to Creede, and over thru South Fork passed Alamosa to Hwy 159 in Fort Garland south to Wild Rivers Recreation Area along the Rio Grande River in the Toas, NM area. http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/rec..._rec_area.html

From Wild Rivers Recreation Area back to home.

AGAIN, This is a VERY tentative schedule. This can be altered however we want to do it. That is why I want to get the discussion for this trip open now. If anyone has anything in these areas that would be cool to do, please throw it out.

Also, most of these trails will be back country trails, but will be maintained roads, so shouldn't be anything hard or too hairy. So a fairly stock 4wd should make the trip.

I know this is a long trip on paper and in reading, but it will be trimmed down a bunch I am sure. There will be a lot of change between now and then and more than likely on the trail. So stay tuned. I will update the list and plan as the ideas come in and we shape this thing up.

Anyone is invited. This should be a very family oriented camping event with lots to do and see.

Thanks ahead of time for any input.
__________________

[Panzer]

A couple of things have shifted since putting that together.

* One is possibly a 1/2 day raft trip thru Royal Gorge-I want to do this but if I am the only one then we can skip it.
* working out a loop into the black canyon of the Gunnison area before turning south toward Ouray.
* trying to get persmissions to camp at the Valle Caldera NP either going in or coming out. http://www.vallescaldera.gov/

This is Chris King's lessons learned list from the 2007 trip for those that haven't before but are thinking of going this trip.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. It will be cold, mild or hot at any point during the week.

2. It will rain during any of these periods.

3. Firewood is a premium.

4. Considering the vast areas of natural beauty, noisy public campsites can be easily avoided, but a campground as a base camp (shower, laundry, packing up) for the last night is a great idea. There are public toilets scattered along the trails.

5. Gas will cost at least 25% more where there is no free market. To budget and begin saving, count on driving 875 (uphill and downhill) miles each way, and for purposes of fuel consumption on the trail figure 100 miles at your rate of consumption for the trail. (I PUT 2500 MILES ON MY TRUCK, DOOR TO DOOR LAST YEAR)
***For me, Panzer, it was...Last year was 2300 miles total roundtrip for me.
***My rig seems to get a fairly consistent 14mpg average so this year I am budgeting $825 for fuel. 165 gallons at $5/gal.

6. A couple of months before the trip, go over your entire braking system. More than anything, good gearing and brakes are paramount. Nothing else (other than driver error) can ruin your trip quicker.

7. All terrain tires at a minimum, and have your own source of air or CO2 that works! Occasionally you will have to drive 15-30 minutes on a highway to get to the next trailhead, and twisty mountain roads are very uncomfortable with a full load at 15 psi or less.

8. Have all leaks checked and fixed, fresh fluids, and your cooling (and heating) system must be good. I was surprised how warm a vehicle could get... constantly driving steep grades, with a heavy load, in temperatures ranging from the 40's to the 80's.

9. Pack light so the camping isn't a chore- your food stores will tend to take up the most room, so try MRE's or dehydrated food- much less weight and bulk than canned food or food that requires refrigeration. An added bonus is that smaller camp stoves are easier to pack & use. Pack food for a few extra days, you never know what the weather can bring.

10. Bring your own beer- the 3.2 beer is weak, and much more expensive where there isn't a free market. The good news is: due to the altitude, you won't be drinking as much. Carry more drinking water, trust me. Increasing your water intake significantly fends off altitude sickness and will make you feel MUCH better, whatever the temperature.

Lastly, pay the extra money and get a GOOD map the first day you arrive- it will make it much more enjoyable!

My last item: Groceries- I packed 90% of mine with me from the local Wally world.
1 cooler for food. 1 Cooler for drinks and a rubbermaid with dry goods. Worked out pretty well with block ice in the food cooler. Last longer and your not in and out of that cooler as often as the drinks.

[texastoy88]

Chris, Here is a link to a BLM map off the Shelf Rd on the way up toward the Cripple creek area. And one of The Bank Area.

I will continue to post up more links as I locate them. I will also be trying to find books with trails in those areas.

Again, if anyone has been to this area and has some kind of a adventure that we might could do, please post up. We have never been in this area before and we would like suggestions of some off the beaten path stuff to do.

Edit, Here is a description for Texas Creek area West of Canon City.

[texastoy88]

Link for future reference..

Colorado OHV Trail Guide

This link has all kinds of OHV trails indexed.

Edit, Chris, I am thinking of ordering this book Backcountry Adventures: Colorado What do you think? Not really much info on the area we are traveling in the other books that I have found.

[nuclearlemon]

too bad you're leaving the 8th...that's when the 4th annual rising sun rally will be.

[JasonH]

For what it's worth, we're going to be in the Durango area the week of June 29th.

[Panzer]

Last trip the go home date was also same as the Rising Sun Rally.
Really wanted to go but couldnt make it and meet the drop dead date for being back home.
This year.....well have to see what the consensus is. This year I am really soft on the return date but others probably don't have that luxury.

[nuclearlemon]

Originally Posted by Panzer

Last trip the go home date was also same as the Rising Sun Rally.
Really wanted to go but couldnt make it and meet the drop dead date for being back home.
This year.....well have to see what the consensus is. This year I am really soft on the return date but others probably don't have that luxury.

i made it denver to katemcy in about 14 hours...long day, but not bad, don't know how far you are, though. would love to have ya out for our rally.

was glancing at your notes and wondering on the 3.2 beer note. where are you getting beer? are you buying from the grocery store or 7-11? liquor stores sell the real stuff and as of a month or so ago, no more blue law grocery/convenience stores still sell 3.2 only.

[jebber]

This sounds like an amazing trip. Wish I could join in the fun. This will be my first year not to visit Colorado in 4 years (to hike). I have never been wheel'n up there but last July while on a hiking trip I saw a lifted 80 in Buena Vista and it inspired me to come home, start looking and within a month, buy my first 80. I hope to get back next summer. Have fun!

[texastoy88]

Originally Posted by nuclearlemon

i made it denver to katemcy in about 14 hours...long day, but not bad, don't know how far you are, though. would love to have ya out for our rally.

was glancing at your notes and wondering on the 3.2 beer note. where are you getting beer? are you buying from the grocery store or 7-11? liquor stores sell the real stuff and as of a month or so ago, no more blue law grocery/convenience stores still sell 3.2 only.

I will have to do more looking into y'alls event. I think the family and I will be fairly flexible on our return date too. Just not too late. The youngins got school starting the following Monday (17th).

When we drove thru Durango in 07, (of course on a Sunday, so all the liquour stores were closed ) the only beer we could find was the weak stuff. I guess we live and learn. I plan to just fill my new flask with some GOOD stuff, and stay keep the rest in the cooler.

Originally Posted by jebber

This sounds like an amazing trip. Wish I could join in the fun. This will be my first year not to visit Colorado in 4 years (to hike). I have never been wheel'n up there but last July while on a hiking trip I saw a lifted 80 in Buena Vista and it inspired me to come home, start looking and within a month, buy my first 80. I hope to get back next summer. Have fun!

Don't worry about it. More than Likely we won't get all the stuff on here done. You are more than welcome to come along and help us finish it up next year.

[nuclearlemon]

Originally Posted by texastoy88

When we drove thru Durango in 07, (of course on a Sunday, so all the liquour stores were closed ) the only beer we could find was the weak stuff. I guess we live and learn. I plan to just fill my new flask with some GOOD stuff, and stay keep the rest in the cooler.
.

have no fear, the evil blue law has been vanquished...liquor stores are now open on sundays

[Panzer]

Liquor sales on Sundays........bunch of godless heathens.

[texastoy88]

Here is a map of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison Park. This place could be another place of adventure. I am thinking this area would be nice to camp for a night.

http://www.nps.gov/cure/planyourvisi...i_park_map.pdf

[2badfjs]

If you want a Charles A. Wells " colorado backroads & 4-wheel drive Trails book, i have a new 2nd edition i'd be happy to send to one of you.
shows a lot of trails south of I-70 and west of I-25.

jim

[devo]

Hey Chris Mann are you out there?

Why don't you go along so you can sag me on my motorcycle?

devo

[Drofen]

Suscribing. :-D

[texastoy88]

Originally Posted by 2badfjs

If you want a Charles A. Wells " colorado backroads & 4-wheel drive Trails book, i have a new 2nd edition i'd be happy to send to one of you.

That would be great. If you want I can PM you my info. I would be greatful. This would help plan the trip a little better. I would definately return it to you. Thanks again for the offer.

[2badfjs]

Originally Posted by texastoy88

That would be great. If you want I can PM you my info. I would be greatful. This would help plan the trip a little better. I would definately return it to you. Thanks again for the offer.

go ahead and pm me your info.

glad to help out.

[TEXASLAWMAN]

Originally Posted by texastoy88

I would definately return it to you.

Yea sureeeeee!!!

[crazycarl]

I wanted to know how dog friendly this trip is. we have great traveling dogs just wondering.

The Avocado.

[Panzer]

Very dog friendly. I take both of mine with me.
As long as everyone's dog is cool its no big deal.

[texastoy88]

Originally Posted by crazycarl

I wanted to know how dog friendly this trip is. we have great traveling dogs just wondering.

Just make sure they have hair. It gets cold at night.

Please bring dogs.. They keep my kids entertained.

[nuclearlemon]

for anyone looking to purchase the wells books, they can be had here (shameless pimp ) FunTreks Guidebooks : Zen Cart!, The Art of E-commerce

i'm guessing you'll be in the southern portion of the state, so that'd be the first book...there are two editions, second edition is updated to exclude trails that have been closed and include some that weren't in the first edition. the northern book covers areas to wheel north of i-70.

also, anyone staying for the rally on saturday, if you need a place to stay, i've got a spare bedroom room. not real big, but comfy queen bed. also have a couch, if you prefer. must like animals (2dogs, 2 cats). just pm me.

[Panzer]

The area 7 and 3 are pretty much right in the area we have been planning for this trip. Area 2 is just north of our initial planned turn point down to Ouray.
John have you got this book yet? I may have to purchase this one to add to the collection....after first checking to make sure I don't already have it on my bookshelf.

[texastoy88]

I have this book thanks to 2badfjs.

Area 3 is even a little north of the main area we will be at, but definately some trails to look at and consider.

[Panzer]

Just to whet the appetite for this trip.....
Some pics of the Medano pass route from GSDNP
Expedition Portal Forum

[texastoy88]

You know..... I was thinking about bumping this thread earlier reminding you that we only had a month and a half to do this thing.. We need to refine our route and activities a little more.

After the trip to the beach, I am thinking REALLY slow for travel. My little 22re doesn't perform well with a head wind. I would love to get out there as fast as possible, but I just don't see making more than about 60 mph most of the way.(Unless I get a real good tail wind)

[texastoy88]

Panzer, is there any chance of leaving On Friday? I know we have a couple that might be able to leave out on Friday morning but can't extend the stay like we might be able to. I would like to leave out on Friday too if possible. Just a thought.

I will be going thru the dates and activities, are we still a go with rafting at the Royal Gorge?

[TEXASLAWMAN]

I can leave as soon as I get off work thursday! But I cannot stay late have to be at work the next monday.