Semi Primitive camping in Colorado??

[Corbet]

Lockd97 Why do you not recommend Black Bear Pass in the 100 ? Black Bear Pass is a great trail. When I was running it a few years ago we had 2 100 on the run and they did fine.

X2, my stock 80 did just fine on Black Bear. Its a popular trail and I'd be shocked if you were really ever alone coming down into Telluride. The only place you would ever get in "trouble".

And as others have said there is plenty of camping available in the San Juan's. I'd just decide where you want to go. To find a camp site look out your passenger window. If that does not look good turn head 180 degrees.

 

[TXLX470]

Last September we (100 and 80) did a trip for 10 days. houston-new mexico-durango-moab and back. Total of 3300 plus miles. We did the alpine loop, Engeneer pass and few more...can't remember names..
Didn't do black bear since we had our parents with us and didn't want to scare them..We had two campers and stayed at state parks and RV parks...are you goining alone?? I mean 1 truck?

 

[pint]

If anyone is interested in doing imogene pass (or others) with me, let me know. I will be up there august 16-22. I purchased the books mentioned in post #9, and agree that they will be very useful in planning destinations. Thanks for all of the input. Keep it coming.

Sounds fun. I might be able to jump in for a few days.

 

[TheGillz]

Last September we (100 and 80) did a trip for 10 days. houston-new mexico-durango-moab and back. Total of 3300 plus miles. We did the alpine loop, Engeneer pass and few more...can't remember names..
Didn't do black bear since we had our parents with us and didn't want to scare them..We had two campers and stayed at state parks and RV parks...are you goining alone?? I mean 1 truck?

Hey can you PM me about this loop? I am going to be coming back to boise from the gulf coast in august and had planned on going through Austin/New Mexico/Moab. How long did the "to" leg of your trip take? Where did you find maps? Basically that sounds so close to what we would like to do, I would like to pick your brain. Thanks

Clark

 

[RufusTheDufus]

I'll be in the Telluride area near the end of May or early June. My wife and I are driving our BJ42 from Maine to the 4 Corners area. We'll be spending most of our time camping around Lake Powell before heading to CO. I hope one of the passes from Telluride to Ouray are open in early June. I kinda doubt that will be the case with the amount of snow they've gotten there this year.

 

[Lockd97]

I'll be in the Telluride area near the end of May or early June. My wife and I are driving our BJ42 from Maine to the 4 Corners area. We'll be spending most of our time camping around Lake Powell before heading to CO. I hope one of the passes from Telluride to Ouray are open in early June. I kinda doubt that will be the case with the amount of snow they've gotten there this year.

I was up there three weeks ago Heli-boarding the ridge that looks over Imogene Pass and I will be suprised to see it open by then. Lots of snow!

 

[LSUfj]

So is there any camping off of these trails, like imogene, black bear etc? Or will I have to find other areas for camping? Side note, can anyone suggest a good roof top cargo carrier? I still have the stock rack, considering an AO, but at this time I also want a lift, a helton shower system, and a good GPS. Any other goodies I should get for this trip?

By the way, delorme has a mail in rebate on the Earthmate PN-20 for $299, $120 off MSRP.

 

[Atoyot1031]

I was up there three weeks ago Heli-boarding the ridge that looks over Imogene Pass and I will be suprised to see it open by then. Lots of snow!

Honestly, with the winter we've had (and are still having with ~1' on Saturday) I'll be surprised if ANY mountain pass opens this winter...

 

[RufusTheDufus]

My brother in law lives in Crested Butte. They haven't been able to see out of the windows on the first floor of their house for a couple of months now.

I've seen photos of Imogen pass in June with 25 foot tall snow banks on each side of the road. I guess they use a huge bulldozer to open the pass. I'm hoping it's open like this. I'd like to see it and get some pictures of the Cruiser in a chasm of snow.

 

[Lockd97]

My brother in law lives in Crested Butte. They haven't been able to see out of the windows on the first floor of their house for a couple of months now.

I've seen photos of Imogen pass in June with 25 foot tall snow banks on each side of the road. I guess they use a huge bulldozer to open the pass. I'm hoping it's open like this. I'd like to see it and get some pictures of the Cruiser in a chasm of snow.

Now that would be sweet!

 

[The Wizard]

I would be interested in joining a group going over Imogen Pass. That is if you would let a D90 joining in the fun.

 

[on the rocks]

Honestly, with the winter we've had (and are still having with ~1' on Saturday) I'll be surprised if ANY mountain pass opens this winter...

Let us all pray for sun

Atoyot1031, Please hook me up with a Pearl, Taylor pass report. I figure I have 3 months to patiently wait from the sounds of it and I missed MOAB this year. Hoping to make up for it around your area this year and get a couple more rides in.

LSUfj, You can't go wrong with the Telluride area. Search and you shall find.

 

[Atoyot1031]

Let us all pray for sun

Atoyot1031, Please hook me up with a Pearl, Taylor pass report. I figure I have 3 months to patiently wait from the sounds of it and I missed MOAB this year. Hoping to make up for it around your area this year and get a couple more rides in.

LSUfj, You can't go wrong with the Telluride area. Search and you shall find.

Mike,
Sorry I missed your post, I was in Moab!

Missed Moab?!? I'll probably be heading back there soon as the and kids had such a good time.

I'll keep ya posted on snow in the high country. My thought is come late June/early July, I'm gonna start organizing shoveling parties, or at least go shovel myself, maybe throw a snowblower in the Cruiser.

Rumor is Aspen Skico is going to open a mountain (Aspen or Highlands) Memorial Day weekend. Not good news for someone jonesing for some dry high country action like myself...
Nick

 

[LC4LIFE]

We just got back from Ouray and Imogene Pass. They bulldozed the road on the 3rd and I drove it on the 4th. Camping in Angel Creek Campground right outside of Ouray was great. It felt pretty primative. It was nice and quiet and far from other campers, especially sites 12,13,14. Imogene was a great drive.

 

[pint]

I spent the weekend at the Great Sand Dunes Nat Park. They have a very sweet primitive camping area a couple miles past the "point of no return" sign on Medano Pass Road. There are 25 sites which are all secluded from one another and about 2 acres in size each! There were only 5 filled. The main campground was busting out it was so full. Those sad folks didn't have the appropriate vehicle to get them into the peace and quiet.

 

[Panzer]

Ill be in that area the week of AUG 11th. (Leaving DFW the 9th)
Cannon City-Gunnison-Montrose-Ouray-Silverton-Creede-Alamosa and back to Tex.
Blue 80 with an M101 in tow. Say hello if you see us.
Chris

 

[Grouseman]

Camping in CO

The wife and I went camping in CO last August. It has ruined my life, lol
Now all I think of is the Rockies. Gunnison and Taylor Lake were our favorite areas. It will be hard to drive the 80 from TN again because of gas prices. We drove 5000 miles in 18 days last year.

Steve

 

[Atoyot1031]

Let us all pray for sun

Atoyot1031, Please hook me up with a Pearl, Taylor pass report. I figure I have 3 months to patiently wait from the sounds of it and I missed MOAB this year. Hoping to make up for it around your area this year and get a couple more rides in.

LSUfj, You can't go wrong with the Telluride area. Search and you shall find.

OK, Taylor Pass and Schofield are open. Pearl Pass is still closed, and probably will be for sometime. You can also check Bushducks Back Country Adventure for Colorado pass information. Let me know if you're gonna be in the area. I always love hooking up with fellow Mudders...


Nick

 

[85badger]

Let us all pray for sun

Atoyot1031, Please hook me up with a Pearl, Taylor pass report. I figure I have 3 months to patiently wait from the sounds of it and I missed MOAB this year. Hoping to make up for it around your area this year and get a couple more rides in.

LSUfj, You can't go wrong with the Telluride area. Search and you shall find.

LUVMY804EVR:

Can you tell me where that camping spot is? I have a PU too and would love to find that same spot to camp. Man....what a view!!!

 

[pint]

Here are a few pics from a nice primitive spot along FS 703 leading into Gold Park Campground near Minturn, CO. FS 703 is a rough gravel road about 7 miles long after you get off US 24. There are nice fairly private spots in the woods off the road near a stream. Here you go.