Community Forums

twogypsies · 08-20-2015, 08:54 PM

You could also stay in Silverton - our favorite. Some RV parks and lots of boondocking. Very easy access to the trails and a fun little town.

MonkeyClaw · 08-21-2015, 11:04 AM

Yeah, Silverton is one we were considering too. We really liked it there. I rode my bicycle up there and back from Durango during the fall and it was beautiful.

Philliec · 08-22-2015, 03:56 AM

As a place to stay in Ouray, we always stay at 4J+1+1 right in town. It is very conveniently located so that you can walk into town. We are heading there this week in fact.

TurboDaveTX · 08-22-2015, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonkeyClaw

Where do you stay in Ouray? We're planning on a CO trip next year. Last year we were in Durango which we loved, but would like to explore other places too. Will have the FJ Cruiser, 2 off-road motos and 2 mountain bikes with us.

We have stayed at KOA, 4J+1+1, but for the past 5 years we stayed at Ouray RV Park on the river. It is a bit more attuned to Off Roaders than the other two. We put up a large canopy, which the other two don't have room. To me Silverton is nice to visit, but not as nice to stay as Ouray. There are two or three RV parks in Silverton but not ones we would like to spend a lot of time in. It is a matter of personal preference. Either is a wonderful relief from the Texas summer heat, and off off roading is great!

scenic route · 08-22-2015, 06:58 PM

The Jeep trail from Telluride to Ouray is one of our favorites. Can't remember the trails name, but the locals in either town can direct. Truly spectacular drive.

A couple days later, we entered the Alpine Loop(top half)just below Ouray off of 550. By the time we reached Lake City, sore kidneys and the consumption of our emergency sandwiches dictated the comfort of 149 to 50 west into Montrose.

After that little trip, we learned the fine art of airing down and bought a twin cylinder 12V portable air compressor in Montrose

Philliec · 08-23-2015, 06:25 PM

The trail from Ouray to Telluride is either Black Bear or Imogene Pass. Both great.

planojeeper · 08-23-2015, 07:08 PM

I believe Black Bear pass takes you to Telluride and Imogene pass takes you back to Ouray

TurboDaveTX · 08-23-2015, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scenic route

The Jeep trail from Telluride to Ouray is one of our favorites. Can't remember the trails name, but the locals in either town can direct. Truly spectacular drive.

A couple days later, we entered the Alpine Loop(top half)just below Ouray off of 550. By the time we reached Lake City, sore kidneys and the consumption of our emergency sandwiches dictated the comfort of 149 to 50 west into Montrose.

After that little trip, we learned the fine art of airing down and bought a twin cylinder 12V portable air compressor in Montrose

There is only one trail from Ouray to Telluride, through Imogene Pass. You can also return to Ouray by Imogene pass. There are several old gold mines along this trail plus 13,000+ ft at Imogene pass and incredible scenery.

There is a second trail, Black Bear which turns west off US 550 and is about half way between Ouray and Silverton. This is a difficult rated trail and the section near Bridal Veil Falls is one way down and has a series of hair pin zig zags. So you can't return to Ouray via Black Bear from Telluride.

There is a third trail, Ophra Pass which exits west from US 550 a couple of miles south of Black Bear exit. This trail ends on a paved road on the outskirts of Telluride. Take a right on paved road.

One can take Last Dollar Road by the Telluride airport which goes through a forest and comes out (take a right at pavement) on the road to Ridgeway on US550 north of Ouray. This is a lovely and not too challenging of a drive.

TurboDaveTX · 08-23-2015, 07:55 PM

Forgot to mention, the first part of the Alpine Loop south of Ouray off US550 is called Mineral Creek. The first couple of miles is quite challenging especially for inexperienced off roaders.

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. There are a lot of huge rocks and the outside edges are a lot of small rocks that you should stay away from. The photo was taken about a mile up Mineral Creek. I was not driving! Really spectacular drive to Lake City!

TurboDaveTX · 08-23-2015, 08:04 PM

Imogene Pass

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First pic is Imogene Pass. Second is Engineers Pass on north loop of Alpine Loop.

Fourwinds28A · 08-23-2015, 09:45 PM

Sounds like a great time. Do you pull your offroad vehicle on a flat car hauler ?

Thunderfoot · 08-23-2015, 11:03 PM

Looks like Texas was in the house today in the Rockies

First pic is of the Devil's Punchbowl this afternoon; second pic is the (in)famous rock on the way down (or back up from) the bowl...

TurboDaveTX · 08-24-2015, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fourwinds28A

Sounds like a great time. Do you pull your offroad vehicle on a flat car hauler ?

The 2012 Rubicon is our third Jeep Toad. We tow four down using a Roadmaster Stowmaster tow bar since 1998. Works great!

Fourwinds28A · 08-24-2015, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TurboDaveTX

The 2012 Rubicon is our third Jeep Toad. We tow four down using a Roadmaster Stowmaster tow bar since 1998. Works great!

Thanks for the reply,
I have 35" Super Swamper Radials on my Isuzu Trooper and don't think there would be any tread left by the time I got to Colorado from North Carolina with four down.