Community Forums

stanleyz · 06-22-2017, 12:34 PM

Trip planning for July trip through CO. with maybe a week or 10 day stop over. We've been several times and done all the easy stuff. I've taken up photography as my 5th or 6th hobby and though I would get more rural this time in the Rockies. I'm reading a lot about the trails and roads for 4X4s so what I'm wondering is how many are suitable for my 4X6 dually truck. Are they all for ATVs or "built" jeeps? Are they marked as to what they are suitable for or is there a map or web site to help me sort them out. I have no reservations yet but thinking the west side somewhere around Ouray or Lake city for a home base and explore from there. Open for suggestions and info. Thank you.

JohnBoyToo · 06-22-2017, 12:39 PM

We wondered the same things when we went last year - not about a dually, but trail rating...
They really do a good job of rating them because they are so much FUN !!!

Here tis

HarleySG · 06-22-2017, 12:46 PM

Since you're staying in Ouray, I'd call these guys. They can point you in the right direction. Some trails will not accommodate a Dually. Ouray has a Jeep rental outfit in town. That's what i'd do.

4x4 & OHV

Have fun!!!

Busskipper · 06-23-2017, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stanleyz

Trip planning for July trip through CO. with maybe a week or 10 day stop over. We've been several times and done all the easy stuff. I've taken up photography as my 5th or 6th hobby and though I would get more rural this time in the Rockies. I'm reading a lot about the trails and roads for 4X4s so what I'm wondering is how many are suitable for my 4X6 dually truck. Are they all for ATVs or "built" jeeps? Are they marked as to what they are suitable for or is there a map or web site to help me sort them out. I have no reservations yet but thinking the west side somewhere around Ouray or Lake city for a home base and explore from there. Open for suggestions and info. Thank you.

Your Dully will make it on the easy stuff but before you head out check with the Locals - they know the trails.

Here is a good resource for you on Travel Photo's -

Stan Parker's Photo Galleries at pbase.com -

Stan is great and is the best organized out there (JMHO)

Jon has some very professional shots also - just follow his travels -

Jon Vermilye's Travel, Photography & RV Website

One more source of Info is 4runnerguy -

https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/f...8.cfm#29285228

Follow his threads and just learn where all the wild and beautiful places are.

Hope this helps,

Best of Luck, and remember to share your Photo's,

zman-az · 06-23-2017, 10:01 AM

This book will give you a pretty good idea of what trails you can do.

https://www.funtreks.com/guide-to-co...ls-3rd-edition

https://www.funtreks.com/waterproof-...city-telluride

You will most likely be able to find this book in one of the tourist traps in the area as it is very popular.

Greg950 · 06-24-2017, 10:12 AM

I have been going to Ouray, Lake City and the Creede area for the last 15 years. I would not attempt any of the 4 WD Trails in this area of Colorado with a dually. It is to wide and probably to long to make the switch backs.

I have a Jeep Wrangler and there are switch backs that are tight for me where I have to back up, pull forward, back up, pulled forward multiple times. Also there are some trails where the trail is extremely narrow to the point where two Wranglers cannot even pass each other. There have been multiple times where I've have had to back up a couple hundred feet to allow another wrangler to pass.

Once you start many of these trails you are committed with no turning back for 1/4 mile, 1/2 mile even a mile. Turns arounds are far and few. You do not want to get stuck on one of these trails. On many of these trails you are also going to need 4Lo to creep down a hill and need a locking rear axle.

If it was me, I would rent a Jeep or ATV so I could enjoy the scenery and trail and not have to worry about getting stuck on a trail where I could not get out of the situation.

Just my two cents

Greg

twogypsies · 06-24-2017, 10:47 PM

I'll second GREG950's above post. Your truck is too wide for the Ouray/Silverton trails. Rent a Jeep instead.

kyfarmboy · 06-25-2017, 07:06 AM

I have a dually and I use to trailer my side by side to Colorado . Wouldn't take anything bigger than a jeep on the trails. Taylor Park is a great area and you can rent an ATV

becks · 06-25-2017, 09:26 AM

Colorado is asking that you buy a permit now also.

stanleyz · 06-25-2017, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by becks

Colorado is asking that you buy a permit now also.

A permit, for the trails? Is there nothing the politicians won't tax? I thought a lot of those trails were on federal land.

Oh well, based on the responses above I guess I better stay on the roads or rent a Jeep. Or, I could try hiking. I just want to see the sights and get some pictures. Anyway, thank y'all for the responses.

manderson2228 · 06-25-2017, 08:12 PM

Vehicle is just to big in my opinion. Especially depending where you are going. Black Bear pass and Imogene pass you are just too wide and too big.

Prontix · 06-25-2017, 09:58 PM

Greg's 2 cents is all you need. Heed the warning. I live in Lake City and can tell you that you don't want to try it on a wide vehicle. We use to take an army truck full of kids up to American Basin from Lake City. That's not too bad but it is narrow. The switchbacks from Animas Forks to Engineer pass are much too tight. Even with a Chevy Suburban or standard pickup you have to work the turns. They're too long. Fun on a dirtbike though. That's how I like to do it.

stanleyz · 06-26-2017, 06:26 PM

OK, y'all. I gots it, I will not clog up the "trails" with my big azzed dually.

JerryP · 06-28-2017, 12:12 AM

I've been on several trails around Silverton and Ouray. I would not want to take on dually on most of these trails. But I have seen several sight seeing operations take dually trucks on some of trails. The back of the trucks are open beds with bench seats. They haul several people at once for scenic tours. You might ask one of these tour companies which roads they recommend.

Regards, Jerry