SW Col long distance trail knowledge needed....

[Live to Ski]

Hi All,

Looking for advice on long distance expo style trail (similar to White Rim 60 - 100 miles...light difficulty...stock rigs) in south west Colorado.

Timing is late April 2016. However, can push later due to your input on snow.

Basically, did the white rim last year, looking to do a view loaded trip next year (every 2 years is about all I can handle for 10+ day trips). Coming up from SoCal, but may have European friends fly into Durango with possible rig rental for them (got that covered due to my recent attending Snowverand Expo).

Thanks in advance!

 

[SAS]

If you've not done so already, post on the Book Cliff Cruisers site. They are in western Colorado and may provide good feedback.

 

[Bret]

The snow could be gone or could be buried, you may not know for sure until a couple days prior. There are a lot of off-road passes in the area of Silverton, Animas, Ouray, etc. that have some gorgeous views and photo ops. Most should be doable in a stock rig. The only one that may not be comfortable is Black Bear, even that one only really has one spot that could cause problems. (But the problem could be huge). Just depends on where you want to go.

 

[Live to Ski]

Hi Guys and thanks for the feedback.

I just became aware that one of our crew is interested in ghost towns. Thus I am refining my research to offroad 100 mile loops that encompass ghost towns (or old mines, etc).

Any refined feedback is most welcome.

SAS I'll check book cliff per your suggestion.

Thanks in advance!

 

[EricG]

I've been playing around with this as well. For a start I'm looking at Stony Pass from HWY149 near Creede over to Silverton - about 60 miles, side trip to Kite lake, From there, head down 550 a bit and cut across Bolam Pass / Scotch Creek to HWY 145 (about 25 miles). Then up 145 to Telluride and Imogene across to Ouray - another 12 miles or so. Lots of other trails in that area of course, but I thought this could be a cool multi-day loop. Not all off-road of course.

 

[Bret]

In that area you almost can't go wrong. We did a pass weekend last year from Creede (Stony) to Animas, to Silverton, to Telluride, Ouray, and back and forth etc. We are planning another for this year since we missed a couple last trip. Most everything is doable in a stockish rig. Time it right and a few not so stock trucks may be in the area to lend a hand.

I have lots-o-pics of that trip if needed.

Let me find a link to a few.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/went-out-for-a-quick-easy-outing-in-the-40.804901/page-2

Start at post 37.

 

[karas]

When are you planning on doing your trip this year Brett?

 

[Bret]

Probably August, I have to clear the schedule with the boss. If there is interest all are invited. May have a Landy come along too.

I'll post up as to not hi-jack here. Especially if these folks don't want their party crashed

 

[Pops]

I'm thinking Snow is going to be a problem in late April.Late June would be safer. All bets off if a strong El Nino year brings big snow to SW Colorado.
You might consider a Plan B if the Colorado Passes are not open. Kokopelli run in eastern Utah would be snow free that time of year.