6th Annual 100s in the Hills - Silverton, CO July 29-31 2016 (2 Viewers)

[Scotch]

Really looking forward to this.

Trying to think through some logistics from TN... What's the Friday schedule like? Or really, when should we try to arrive to Ouray?

Many thanks

 

[ntsaint]

^ We come in from Louisiana, and always time it to be there mid afternoon Thursday. In time to get setup and visit with everyone before dark.

 

[RND1]

Has anyone attended this event from the East Coast with a Cruiser full of kids? While I mostly am relegated to living vicariously through the rest of you who live in the Rockies, somehow the more I read these posts, the more I think we could do this! Still not sure how feasible it is driving a family of 5 from our home in the Boston burbs all the way to Ouray, CO? Google maps puts it at 34 hours / 2,265 miles. If we could manage 12 hours a day, it would take us 3 days just to get there.

With a 13 year old boy, and girls 10 and 8, I think a trip like this would open their minds beyond their world of Apple devices. But I'm also a realist and know that a 4 hour trip to visit family is usually all we can take lol.

Secondly, my LC is well maintained, but stock. I'm more into camping than wheeling and would want to go for the scenery and camaraderie versus rock crawling. Would probably have to put one kid in back so would only have 1/2 the trunk space and a Thule roof box.

Thoughts?

 

[2000 LC]

Has anyone attended this event from the East Coast with a Cruiser full of kids? While I mostly am relegated to living vicariously through the rest of you who live in the Rockies, somehow the more I read these posts, the more I think we could do this! Still not sure how feasible it is driving a family of 5 from our home in the Boston burbs all the way to Ouray, CO? Google maps puts it at 34 hours / 2,265 miles. If we could manage 12 hours a day, it would take us 3 days just to get there.

With a 13 year old boy, and girls 10 and 8, I think a trip like this would open their minds beyond their world of Apple devices. But I'm also a realist and know that a 4 hour trip to visit family is usually all we can take lol.

Secondly, my LC is well maintained, but stock. I'm more into camping than wheeling and would want to go for the scenery and camaraderie versus rock crawling. Would probably have to put one kid in back so would only have 1/2 the trunk space and a Thule roof box.

Thoughts?

I don't have experience with the kids part however my girlfriend and I did drive from PA last summer.

All I can say is it's doable but you will have to be creative, and once you get there it would all be worth it. I think others can chime in more concerning how to keep the kids entertained. I believe there's at least a couple attendees from the east coast every year.

No need to worry about the LC being stock. The directors will make sure you're on trails which match your vehicle ability and comfort level.

If you can make it work it's a great experience. As someone who is also stuck in the east coast suburbs most of the time it is a very very welcome change. If you have any questions about the route we took or attractions on the way let me know.

 

[smakee]

Has anyone attended this event from the East Coast with a Cruiser full of kids? While I mostly am relegated to living vicariously through the rest of you who live in the Rockies, somehow the more I read these posts, the more I think we could do this! Still not sure how feasible it is driving a family of 5 from our home in the Boston burbs all the way to Ouray, CO? Google maps puts it at 34 hours / 2,265 miles. If we could manage 12 hours a day, it would take us 3 days just to get there.

With a 13 year old boy, and girls 10 and 8, I think a trip like this would open their minds beyond their world of Apple devices. But I'm also a realist and know that a 4 hour trip to visit family is usually all we can take lol.

Secondly, my LC is well maintained, but stock. I'm more into camping than wheeling and would want to go for the scenery and camaraderie versus rock crawling. Would probably have to put one kid in back so would only have 1/2 the trunk space and a Thule roof box.

Thoughts?

We do long road trips with our 6 and 4 year old boys all the time. We try to take our time and limit driving to 8 hours max in a day and less if possible. If you start early you can arrive at your next stop early enough to explore a little or you can stop along the way if there's something interesting.

We moved from Charlotte to Denver over four days in summer 2013 and drove across the country in a Lexus GX470 with Thule box loaded, a 4 and 3 year old at the time and an 80 lb dog. We stopped in Nashville and stayed with some friends, drove to St Louis saw the arch and ate some Pappy's BBQ, next stop in Kansas City and caught a Royals/Astros game, then made the final push to Denver. We've also done Denver to Phoenix to San Diego to Vegas to home, and Seattle to Spokane to Bozeman to Big Sky to Yellowstone to Jackson Hole to home under the same guiding principle. Each leg we identified was no more than 8 hours total in the car in one day and the kids remember the stops not the car ride.

My advice would be take the time to break it up if at all possible. There's a ton of cool stuff to see in between you and Ouray, CO.

 

[maxse01]

I'm not much of a camper, so I'll be staying in Ouray. Anyone book a motel/hotel yet?

 

[bamabrock]

Looks like I'm getting back in the fold and hopefully will have another 100 before registration opens! i had a blast at the 3rd HIH!

 

[paflytyer]

Do you know if the USFS is able to enforce such rules? A few years ago I was coming up Imogene after Black Bear and ended up stuck in a switchback waiting for traffic (even though I had the right-of-way). I was stuck for 32 minutes waiting for a guided group of about 35 vehicles from Utah to pass. Talk about a drag!

The USFS and BLM could deny their permit the following year. The FS does monitor the trails and we will undoubtedly meet up with them at some point over the weekend.. They stop by and visit us at Ironton every year. They've even commented on how clean and respectful our group is.

Sometimes groups do get backed up though. When we encountered the rollover last year on Black Bear, there was probably 100+ vehicles that stacked up behind us while we assisted SAR with the rescue. Rollover on Black Bear Pass During 100s in the Hills - OutdoorX4

We have made a great name for ourselves in the community and do everything in our power to be stewards of the trail and the area. Our permits were immediately approved again this year.

30+ minutes to wait for 35 vehicles is not ok. A call to the FS and BLM may have been a good idea. That's too many in a group on a two-way trail. This is another reason why we require everyone to have a working CB. It's important to be able to relay information to the group regarding oncoming traffic and tight spots on the trail.

 

[paflytyer]

I'm not much of a camper, so I'll be staying in Ouray. Anyone book a motel/hotel yet?

If you're not bringing kids (15 and younger) with you, The Beaumont Hotel in Ouray is an amazing place to stay. The owner is a 100 series guy and will be with us on and off throughout the weekend. We'll be there during the busy season, so booking early is a good idea. Ask for Chad and let him know you're coming from PA for HIH.

 

[thegreatgazoo]

Are kids welcome? I would like to bring my entire family. My wife and I would be bringing our two kids. Ages 9mo and almost 3yr old. Too young to bring?

Be sure to pack enough kids medicine. Don't ask me how I knew it: the only stores open at 4am in Moab were gas stations, the earliest appointment available at local pediatricians was 5 days away - I suspect Ouray would be no bettter, though Montrose is not too far away.

 

[suprarx7nut]

My wife got some time off approved for this! I'll be at the ready come registration day!

Shopping for a CB setup and picking up a full size spare soon!

 

[dubitup]

@paflytyer Last year on the Poughkeepsie Gulch run that was led by @bluecruiser we got to the wall section of the trail. Just as we grouped together, we spotted a Jeep on the decent of the wall. We made room and waited. Unfortunately he blew a tire (DURATRAC!!! UGH!!!) and that's when the problem begin to arise...there were at least 25 vehicles behind him in a single group. We waited 2hrs for them to all decent. As luck would have it, the second the last Jeep came down, it started to rain. @bluecruiser attempted to climb the wall, but it was too slick. We have to use the bypass...total bummer. This made it very clear why smaller groups are best and communications is a must!

 

[maxse01]

If you're not bringing kids (15 and younger) with you, The Beaumont Hotel in Ouray is an amazing place to stay. The owner is a 100 series guy and will be with us on and off throughout the weekend. We'll be there during the busy season, so booking early is a good idea. Ask for Chad and let him know you're coming from PA for HIH.

No, just my brother in law and myself. My boys are too young for this, but maybe in a few years.

Appreciate the recommendation, I'll call now.

 

[thegreatgazoo]

......
With a 13 year old boy, and girls 10 and 8, I think a trip like this would open their minds beyond their world of Apple devices. But I'm also a realist and know that a 4 hour trip to visit family is usually all we can take lol.
......
Thoughts?

My trick is to plan lots of short kid activities along the drive. There's endless options once west of Denver no matter which route you take. Tripadvisor is your best friend. Here's some of my kid's favorites. Along I-70 west:

• Idaho Springs: take the exit to Mt Evans to drive up to the highest paved road in North America. It takes about a half day but absolutely worth it.
• Stop at the George Town visitor center: you'll find really local goods like whistles made from deer antlers, the smaller ones are louder.
• Stop at Silver Plume and ride the Georgetown Loop Railroad.
• Use the Loveland Pass to avoid the Eisenhower Tunnel.
• Stop at Dillon or Frisco, rent a boat at the Marina.
• The Breckenridge Gondola is a free ride and in the summer there's lots of kid activities along the ski tracks.
• Avoid Vail: everything is expensive there.
• Stop at the Eagle visitor center: kids will be able to find dinosaur poop fossil there - it's cheap and doesn't smell.
• Glenwood Springs:
  • The Glenwood Canyon is a beautiful drive. You may be able to spot the California Zephyr on the other side of the canyon.
  • Take Hanging Lake exit and do a short hike.
  • Take a break at the Two Rivers Park and learn some local history.
• The small town of Parachute: nothing there, but my kiddo was amazed to learn that a Nobel Prize winner was born there.
• If your kids are into dinosaurs, drive a bit further to Fruita:
  • There's a nice dinosaur museum there, and the world's smallest dinosaur was discovered there.
  • Take the exit to the Trail Through Time. In the summer, paleontologists will be still digging around the dinosaur quarry there.

The US285/50 route is also packed with kids fun:

• Near Morrison: Red Rocks Amphitheatre, find dinosaur tracks at the Dinosaur Ridge, Tiny Town & Railroad
• Stop at the Kenosha Pass, the view is awesome: a short hike on the Colorado Trail, find a road sign to South Park (yes the town really does exist)
• Take the Cottonwood Pass to Gunnision
• Lots of sites for rockhounding near Salida if your kids are into that.
• Stop on top of the Monarch Pass: ride the tram to see the continental divide.
• Gunnison: don't miss the Traders Rendezvous
• The Black Canyon National Park may not be famous but some views there in my opinion are no less breathtaking than those found at the Grand Canyon.
• Ouray: don't miss the Box Canyon.

 

[dubitup]

Yes this is a great plan!

I thought Trail Ridge Road in RMNP is the highest paved road in North America...Didn't realized both Mt. Evans and Pikes Peak where higher

My trick is to plan lots of short kid activities along the drive. There's endless options once west of Denver no matter which route you take. Tripadvisor is your best friend. Here's some of my kid's favorites. Along I-70 west:

• Idaho Springs: take the exit to Mt Evans to drive up to the highest paved road in North America. It takes about a half day but absolutely worth it.
• Stop at the George Town visitor center: you'll find really local goods like whistles made from deer antlers, the smaller ones are louder.
• Stop at Silver Plume and ride the Georgetown Loop Railroad.
• Use the Loveland Pass to avoid the Eisenhower Tunnel.
• Stop at Dillon or Frisco, rent a boat at the Marina.
• The Breckenridge Gondola is a free ride and in the summer there's lots of kid activities along the ski tracks.
• Avoid Vail: everything is expensive there.
• Stop at the Eagle visitor center: kids will be able to find dinosaur poop fossil there - it's cheap and doesn't smell.
• Glenwood Springs:
  • The Glenwood Canyon is a beautiful drive. You may be able to spot the California Zephyr on the other side of the canyon.
  • Take Hanging Lake exit and do a short hike.
  • Take a break at the Two Rivers Park and learn some local history.
• The small town of Parachute: nothing there, but my kiddo was amazed to learn that a Nobel Prize winner was born there.
• If your kids are into dinosaurs, drive a bit further to Fruita:
  • There's a nice dinosaur museum there, and the world's smallest dinosaur was discovered there.
  • Take the exit to the Trail Through Time. In the summer, paleontologists will be still digging around the dinosaur quarry there.

The US285/50 route is also packed with kids fun:

• Near Morrison: Red Rocks Amphitheatre, find dinosaur tracks at the Dinosaur Ridge, Tiny Town & Railroad
• Stop at the Kenosha Pass, the view is awesome: a short hike on the Colorado Trail, find a road sign to South Park (yes the town really does exist)
• Take the Cottonwood Pass to Gunnision
• Lots of sites for rockhounding near Salida if your kids are into that.
• Stop on top of the Monarch Pass: ride the tram to see the continental divide.
• Gunnison: don't miss the Traders Rendezvous
• The Black Canyon National Park may not be famous but some views there in my opinion are no less breathtaking than those found at the Grand Canyon.
• Ouray: don't miss the Box Canyon.

 

[thegreatgazoo]

Yes this is a great plan!

I thought Trail Ridge Road in RMNP is the highest paved road in North America...Didn't realized both Mt. Evans and Pikes Peak where higher

The Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road, Mt Evans is a dead end.

 

[marcfj60]

For those of you who are new to off-roading and concerned about how kids will deal with it, I'd like to tell you what my experience has been.

I went on my first run with my local TLCA club when the kids were 3 and almost 2, 11 years ago. They have always loved it. The only challenge when they are that young is going potty. We took the portable training potty with us and it worked great. My kids always have had plenty to do and met lots of friends at every club run and larger event we've ever attended. If you don't want to rough it, get a hotel in Ouray. It's a very short drive (~15 min) to the camping area where most runs leave from. You do need to plan for eating picnic lunches each day because you're usually stopped in the mountains next to a scenic lake, river, mountain pass, overlook, etc. around lunchtime and there is nowhere to buy a lunch.

Attached is a photo of the family on our very first High Desert Cruisers club run in the mountains near Santa Fe a few months before my daughter turned 2.

 

[marcfj60]

Now fast forward to HITH 2015:

 

[Kabanstva]

marcfj60 very beautiful pictures of your family and the trip!

 

[SS100]

To second what others have said about traveling with your kids.
Planning "fun stops" along the way is what we do also. Make Colorado a part of the trip, not the only focus. Find places where you might stop for a short hike, or to check something interesting along the way. Plan on camping along your trip to CO. Rather than thinking of "it's a 12 hour per day drive" think of if it as "it's a 4 day trip in which we will do this and that.... and once we are there, we'll just keep having fun but with other like minded people"....
My two kids have bee traveling with us since they where 2 months old. Camping in VERY remote locations and with a little planning it can/will be enjoyable for all the family. When my daughter was 4 y.o we took a 2 month long trip through South America and she enjoyed every bit as much as her mother and I did. I'm sure you will not have a problem with your kids aside from them wanting to go out again sooner than you can plan another trip! Do be patient, they will get cranky sometimes... It's normal.