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

[ikanclim]

So it looks like HIH6 may need to be renamed "Hungover In The Hills 1" with all the brew talk. Since I am heading out there from the East Coast, anyone have any beer requests from my side? I live in Greenville, SC and work in Asheville, NC. We have great local breweries and distilleries (bourbon and 'shine).

 

[krice118]

I agree. We can't get it in NOLA. Usually try to buy a few cases when we go to South Carolina or Atlanta. It is just a good beer, but is sadly not allowed in these parts due to distributor agreements with Abita...which is annoying.

They sell Yuengling in MS now! I think they put a brewery down here or maybe just a distributor

 

[Ramathorn15]

I got so burned out on Yuengling in college! We used to drive 20 minutes over the border to a crappy little distributor in PA to get kegs of it every weekend until they finally started selling it in WV

 

[maxse01]

So it looks like HIH6 may need to be renamed "Hungover In The Hills 1" with all the brew talk. Since I am heading out there from the East Coast, anyone have any beer requests from my side? I live in Greenville, SC and work in Asheville, NC. We have great local breweries and distilleries (bourbon and 'shine).

I'll pay good money for some Sweetwater IPA and 420.

 

[paflytyer]

At the risk of sounding too "preachy", please respect others in camp. This is still a family event. There is absolutely no drinking on the trail (for drivers or passengers) and please be prepared to drive after a night around the campfire. These aren't strolls in the park. A mistake on these trails could not only be your last, but you could potentially take the entire group with you. Many of the shelf roads are so tight that we'll be on multiple levels together. Driving off the edge would cause a domino effect. Even a passenger still reeling from the night before could kick a rock or loosen material at the edge of a trail that could cause a mini-rock slide. A falling rock could do serious damage.

Please ensure that you're staying in camp before you start enjoying libations. We have worked extremely hard at making this event what it is. There are no guardrails or streetlights along highway 550 from Silverton to Ouray. It's a quick ride to the bottom with a very abrupt stop.

I know I don't need to say any of this. But, there's a lot of beer chatter. We do not want to be known as hungover in the hills. It's a dangerous path. People are killed every year by accidentally driving off the roads in the area. We will have a beer table during the potluck. It's become a cool tradition to add your favorite local ale to the table and let people try it. We love the excitement from everyone and believe me, there will be plenty of camp shenanigans, but it's important to remember that we are representing responsible camping, offroading and camaraderie.

Please be mindful of language around children and even in town. Please be responsible and respectful. We've made a great name for ourselves in Silverton, Ouray and Telluride while other events have not. As I mentioned earlier and someone else even reposted it, we're going to be spending most of our time above 9,000 feet. Alcohol will have a pronounced effect on your body and if you're coming from lower than 5,000 feet, you're going to feel a significant change in your body. Please don't overdo it.

 

[tucker74]

So it looks like HIH6 may need to be renamed "Hungover In The Hills 1" with all the brew talk. Since I am heading out there from the East Coast, anyone have any beer requests from my side? I live in Greenville, SC and work in Asheville, NC. We have great local breweries and distilleries (bourbon and 'shine).

Cigar City and SweetWater if you can get it ... or anything else on par we should try Was planning on some Austin Beer Works, Jester King and Real Ale unless anyone has requests. You can't stumble off a curb w/o running into a brewery around here

Tucker

 

[varythings]

Well said @paflytyer .
I've been to other group events and rallies that I will no longer attend because they are becoming Sturgis'esque.

 

[tucker74]

Enough beer comments from me Where can I get more info on the trail runs, want to start planning the real fun!

Tucker

 

[Get outside]

FunTreks Guidebooks, GPS Data, & Maps
Good place to start.

 

[paflytyer]

Here is a quick list that I used last year to explain some of the trails. It's just copied/pasted, so some info will change this year as we finalize routes and add new trails. This will be a good starter for those new to the area though.


Trails: 1 Easy - 5 Moderate/Difficult


Clear Lake to Super Secret

This is an easy run very suitable for stock vehicles. We will climb above tree-line and have lunch at Clear Lake. The lake is situated in a natural amphitheater surrounded on three sides by peaks reaching over 13,000ft. We will be sitting at 12,000 feet, so this will be a good test for those of you coming from sea level. This is also a great way to introduce yourself to the shelf roads of SW Colorado. There is some exposure on the climb and you need to stay focused. Reaching Clear Lake is well worth the effort as the views along this trail are amazing. We will return to camp via the Super Secret Trail. This is an incredible county dirt road with views that will take your breath away. Rating 1-2

Ophir to Last Dollar

Ophir Pass is a relatively easy trail with the only obstacles to get over are your own nerves. It is very much a shelf road in some areas. The views are spectacular and the driving is fun and easy. This is another great introduction to the area and one that shouldn’t be missed. Last Dollar Road is home to the Telluride airport, Tom Cruise’s home (as well as many other multimillion dollar mansions) and is a fantastic ride through some of the most spectacular scenery in the state. You’ll have clear views of Mt Wilson and the inspiration for the Coors logo. This road is always considered one of the most beautiful drives in the country. Rating 1-2


Imogene to Ophir

Imogene is Colorado’s 2nd highest pass at 13,336 feet! You may be short of breath, but you will not be short of views. This is the most difficult trail on Friday’s schedule, but still doable in a totally stock 100. You’ll spend much of the day above tree-line and there are a few optional lines with obstacles that will keep you entertained. We will return to camp via Ophir Pass. This run allows you to see two of the most famous roads in the state. Rating 3


Poughkeepsie Gulch

Poughkeepsie Gulch is the most difficult trail in the area. That’s not to say this trail is super hard, but The Wall will give you everything you may be looking for. 33’s and sliders are recommended. Many times, we are forced to winch folks up the Wall because once it gets wet and muddy, it’s very difficult. It’s best if you have a solid recovery point on the front of your 100 as well. There are a few climbs and rock gardens that will keep you on your toes all day long. This is a fun trail for those of you built enough to complete it. No stock 100’s allowed on this one. Remember, this is the perfect opportunity for you to test your 100 with a group of very knowledgeable trail leaders. No one will be left behind. Rating 5

California/Corkscrew

California Gulch is a favorite every year for good reason. The views are incredible. Once again, this trail is not terribly difficult, but there is enough going on to keep you on your toes. We’ll also climb to 12,963 feet, so be prepared! Corkscrew Gulch is a beautiful and scenic trail that climbs between Red Mountains 1 and 2 along Red Mountain Pass. This trail starts at almost 10,000 feet, so be prepared for a beautiful day high in the mountains of Colorado. Rating 2-3

Black Bear to Ophir/Last Dollar

Black Bear Pass is easily the most intimidating trail in the area. Black Bear growls more than it bites. The trail itself is not difficult, but it is technical. There is no room for mistakes and trusting your spotter and trial leader is paramount. 90% of this trail is nothing more than an easy drive in one of the most photographed areas of the country. The other 10% is a very tight descent along one-way switchbacks into town. This is a trail that when finished, leaves you with a sense of accomplishment and elation. Our advice to newcomers is to always include Black Bear on your trail list. This is a bucket-list item. Don’t miss it. We will return to camp via either Ophir or Last Dollar. Rating 4 (based on Black Bear descent)

 

[ZREM]

So stoked to have made the registration, the wife and kids are excited too! We'll be headed out Thursday morning from Fort Collins. I'll keep an eye out for threads/posts around convoys that day!

I am a bit nervous for Black Bear though, haven't experienced that YET.

 

[marcfj60]

Black Bear will mess with your head and probably freak out your passengers. But don't be scared of it. I've done it in a stock 60 and 100. I've seen people in 2WD pickups do it. Our long, draggin' wagons require a couple extra passes back and forth at the sharp switchback turns. Go slow and ask for a spot whenever you are nervous. Your trail leaders will be experienced and know what to do to keep you safe.

 

[92LXAZ]

@paflytyer Would you be able to give a brief timeline for the days? In general of course...how long on the trails, how much camp/down time. I will be getting questions from my boys (14, 9) on what else to do, thinking of bringing football, baseball gloves, frisbee etc. to pass time if there is any to pass. Thanks for all of your work.

 

[Clunky]

Not that anyone asked, but I thought I'd take a minute to outline why I signed up for this fantastic event. I'm pretty new to this community, new to overlanding, not much of a camper, and not all that mechanically inclined. However, I've discovered a surprising level of enthusiasm for all of these things since becoming a 100 owner in December and getting so much incredible information on iH8mud!

What I'm hoping to get out of attending 100s in the hills:

-Developing my skill and comfort level in navigating various off road situations. I'm not an "off road enthusiast" per se. I look at off roading as a way to access hard to reach places (and hiking trails). This is a truly unique opportunity to drive a great variety of trails alongside an experienced group with the same type of vehicle.
-Learning more about the 100 series from knowledgeable owners and vendors. I'm interested in maintenance tips, build out options, and seeing everyone's toys.
-Seeing a beautiful part of the country for the first time, meeting new friends and becoming an active off-line participant in this online group.

Thanks again to the organizers, I can't wait!

 

[dubitup]

For my family......I think we got caught up in some of the hype of Black Bear, yes it is by no uncertain terms dangerous, if you make a mistake. Very unforgiving in that manner. We had great spotters and this made the descent very pleasant, some pucker factor but over all I was super stoked that my girls were not freaking out like some of the vids we watched of the descent into Telluride. @bluecruiser was just so damn good it made it a breeze. (lil ass kissing)

@92LXAZ , trails usually take most of they day. wake up eat breakfast, hydrate, roll out by 9am to trail head, air down, begin the fun, get back to camp between 4-6pm depending on what trails you took, how long you took pictures for, stopped in awe etc... then camp was hang out with friends both old and new, kids running around, playing football, walking dogs, typical kid shenanigans. by all means bring stuff to keep them busy and entertained.

-alex

 

[MooseRDS]

I'll pay good money for some Sweetwater IPA and 420.

You're in luck as they sell that locally. The Sweetwater guys have settled in Telluride and their beer is available most places in that area of Colorado. They've even teamed up with Telluride Brewing on some stuff.

 

[92LXAZ]

@92LXAZ , trails usually take most of they day. wake up eat breakfast, hydrate, roll out by 9am to trail head, air down, begin the fun, get back to camp between 4-6pm depending on what trails you took, how long you took pictures for, stopped in awe etc... then camp was hang out with friends both old and new, kids running around, playing football, walking dogs, typical kid shenanigans. by all means bring stuff to keep them busy and entertained.

-alex

Perfect, that helps. Thank you. Most of the day out and about sounds amazing!

 

[cboyd]

Not that anyone asked, but I thought I'd take a minute to outline why I signed up for this fantastic event. I'm pretty new to this community, new to overlanding, not much of a camper, and not all that mechanically inclined. However, I've discovered a surprising level of enthusiasm for all of these things since becoming a 100 owner in December and getting so much incredible information on iH8mud!

What I'm hoping to get out of attending 100s in the hills:

-Developing my skill and comfort level in navigating various off road situations. I'm not an "off road enthusiast" per se. I look at off roading as a way to access hard to reach places (and hiking trails). This is a truly unique opportunity to drive a great variety of trails alongside an experienced group with the same type of vehicle.
-Learning more about the 100 series from knowledgeable owners and vendors. I'm interested in maintenance tips, build out options, and seeing everyone's toys.
-Seeing a beautiful part of the country for the first time, meeting new friends and becoming an active off-line participant in this online group.

Thanks again to the organizers, I can't wait!

This is how pretty much everyone I know that attends this event started!

 

[krice118]

@Clunky I was in the same boat last year at HIH!

Very welcoming and helpful group!

 

[Griffin]

Awesome! Was lucky enough to do this event with my oldest son a few years back, it was the perfect father/son experience. Have fun, ya'll!