2008 Colorado Trip in Aug.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

What are your estimates for gas in your 80 for this trip? Any other planned expenses besides the rafting?

Here's a reprint of my lessons learned from last year:

My Lessons Learned:

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.

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!
 
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.

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.

Other than fuel and the occasional lunch in town, I didn't really contribute to the Colorado economy that much.

Oh, and the occasional campground fee. Usually around $15.

Any other questions you can ask away or PM me for specifics if you want.
 
*** Trip Cancelled ***

Going to Yellowstone instead and Ill lead this trip in 2009 for those who are interested.
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top Bottom