Colorado Trails...

cewtwo · #1 (**permalink**) 05-24-2004, 06:44 PM

It has been a good year so far in Colorado. I have kept busy doing trails and have really increased my Winter driving skills.

So far, the "Mine Road" trails between Alice, CO and Central City, CO has been the trail that we have been able to ride repeatedly. Sometimes it has been fun, sometimes it has been a negotiation of snow drifts and other Winter surprises. If you are into Casino Buffets, there can be a great meal after a day of trail riding.

I have tried the Saxon Mountain/Lamartine run between Georgetown and Idaho Springs, CO. From the Idaho Springs side two weeks ago, I was able to get to the top of the trail. At the Georgetown side, at the top, the snowdrifts are 5 feet tall and, at this time, impassable. Let you know in another two weeks.

I tried Webster Pass (really fun trail area by Webster, CO). We got as far as the big slag pile that the river flows around. A lot of fun until that point. Watch for the mire above the mine. One of the logs at the side of the logs obstacle has several large nails/spikes exposed. We went through and the passenger side back tire went flat. We thought the nails got us, but it was a rim pinch instead. We did find out our Hi-Jack works just fine. With our air compressor and air tools changing the tire was easy.

Discount Tire is a great company and replaced the tire through Road Hazard coverage (did have to buy new coverage on the new tire, however) When you run with BFG 33" TA/KO's, that is a good thing.

Last weekend, we opted for the Mt. Baldy Trail (Colorado Springs area), Phantom Canyon and the Shelf Road (between Cripple Creek and Canon City, CO). Mt. Baldy was fairly clear until about timberline. There snow drifts stopped the party ahead of us. They were three full sized pickups trying to figure out how to turn around in tight spaces. We just whipped the Jeep around and headed back out. Both Phantom Canyon and Shelf Road were pretty easy trails (with Phantom Canyon the easier of the 2). There were great scenic vistas and some surprises along the way. We saw a great herd of Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep ewes. The last 2 trails are old railroad beds, so the road cuts and tunnels are really pretty interesting!

Anyone know of any other trails that can be travelled in Colorado?

Sully · #2 (**permalink**) 05-24-2004, 11:11 PM

One word, fairplay.....

cewtwo · #3 (**permalink**) 05-25-2004, 04:51 PM

Fairplay? Nice small town at very high elevations! Great in Summer, one of the refrigerator communities of the lower 48 states in Winter!

It is also a gateway to some wonderful sights and some really great trails...

Just make sure to take jackets, long pants, etc...

mingez · #4 (**permalink**) 05-25-2004, 05:07 PM

Up by Frisco, I can't remember the name of the trail. Call REI downtown, they can point it out to you. Ask for Chad, good buddy of mine.

Also, there is a place up by St. Mary's Glacier. Check that out. I don't know which one's are designated as Jeep trails, but I have ridden motorcycles and 4 wheelers up there. As well as hiked and fished. Great place.

The Central city area is great isn't it?

Avalanche Ranch is a good place too, if you don't mind paying.

mingez · #5 (**permalink**) 05-25-2004, 08:39 PM

Holy Moly I hit the jackpot!
Check these out, not only a list, but links to write ups with directions to each location. Pretty cool really.
Click here: http://www.4x4now.com/trlrpt.htm#Colorado

cewtwo · #6 (**permalink**) 05-26-2004, 08:49 PM

Yeah! Alice, CO is just below Saint Mary's Glacier. It is a pretty phenomal area for 4 wheelin'

Sully · #7 (**permalink**) 05-27-2004, 11:50 PM

Fairplay is where it's at!

cewtwo · #8 (**permalink**) 06-03-2004, 07:16 PM

Went to Grand Junction on the West slope this past weekend. We did the desert (head toward the airport - North on Horizon Drive to H road left to 27 1/4 road. Take it North to the other side of the airport). Once you get to the area you can go anywhere that there is an existing trail. There are miles and miles to explore in that area. Lots of inclines, cambers and other fun. As you crest the hills, go slow. The trail may not go exactly where you think it might and it is not too wide at the crest of many of the hilltops. Makes it interesting. This is a good one to do in the morning or the evening as it is the desert and can get very hot. Take water for everyone in your party when you go.

Next day we did the upper Black Canyon run to Rattlesnake Canyon. Not to tough a trail, but it has some interesting climbs and some rocky stretches. At the end are some ruins from either the Fremont or the Anistazi. You need to walk to the ruins from the trailhead.

We also did the Bangs Canyon trail that day. Bangs Canyon is always a kick to run. This time it was well-marked, clean and in great condition. There is slickrock, steps, shelves and an area with both an 'Easier' and 'Harder' path through obstacles (shelves). I highly recommend Bangs Canyon to anyone. It is in the BLM area Southwest of Grand Junction. Billings Canyon is a 9 rated trail right next to Bangs. We didn't have enough time to do it. Has anyone else done it?

On the way back to Denver, we started the Family Fun (Spring Creek) trail. After a long weekend, we were too lazy to air down, so we didn't do the entire trail. We were also interested in getting back to Denver before the traffic on I-70 got to the holiday bottleneck point.

This weekend? Family Fun and Saxon Mountain/Lamartine...