Overlanding the Alpine Loop and more from 0818
I’m finally getting around to sharing some images from the top of 6 of the 7 high alpine passes > 12,000 feet that a buddy of mine and I crossed during our amazingly awesome overlanding adventure trip. We didn’t stop at the top of Red Mountain Pass as it was paved, so no picture to share. ��. I’ll try to add some scenic pics in a 2nd post, but what an amazing overlanding adventure we had!
We spent 4 days, 8AM on a Thursday to 8PM on the following Sunday, and went on 2 mountain bike rides, summited Handies Peak (14,058’), drove over 100 miles on off-road terrain, had tons O’ fun, and set up and broke down camp 3 times.
Day 1 - Drove from Denver and stopped at Hartman Rocks near Gunnison to MTB. Continued on to Lake City where we aired down to begin the overlanding adventure. We drove over Engineer Pass and set up Camp 1 at the top of Mineral Creek.
Engineer Pass - 12,800’
Day 2 - Drove from Camp 1 and over California Pass, Hurricaine Pass and then over Red Mountain Pass en route to Blackbear Pass where shit got real! Lol. We aired up in Telluride and drove up to Alta Lakes to set up Camp 2.
California Pass - 12,960’
Hurricane Pass - 12,730’
Blackbear Pass - 12,840’
Day 3 - Drove from Camp 2 back into Telluride and went MTB. We aired down the trucks when we finished and drove over Imogene Pass (2nd highest drivable Pass in CO at 13,114’) into Ouray and then up Mineral Creek and then up and over Cinnamon Pass to Camp 3 at the base of Handies Peak.
Imogene Pass - 13,114’
Cinnamon Pass - 12,640’
Day 4 - Summited Handies Peak and then we broke down camp and started the drive back home. We aired up just outside of Lake City and stopped for an early dinner at Amicas in Salida for some Pizza and a beer). We then turned our attention to the final slog home.
I’ve sarcastically named my 04T4R the sleeper because so many folks in Jeeps, many of which were probably rentals, who couldn’t believe I was talking my T4R on trails like these: particularly running over Black Bear Pass. My T4R only has a 3” lift, RCI sliders and no additional after market armor. The sleeper came home with minimal damage only noticed by a few scratches on the underside of her front bumper which occurred navigating the tightest of the switchbacks on Blackbear Pass. ����
