Most scenic trails on Moab and Telluride

98WhiteT4R

98WhiteT4R

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Most scenic trails in Moab and Telluride

I'm heading to Telluride then Moab next month and want to know the most scenic trails. Nothing crazy as I am taking the gf and it will be her first time off-roading. I've been to moab twice but only mountain biked both times, never been to Telluride. I have the Charles Wells books but would like some input from the Toyota community! Vehicle info is in my sig
 
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Have not down any in Moab but as for Telluride;
Imogene Pass
Black Bear Pass
Ophir Pass (easy but very scenic on west side)
Alpine Loop
 
I'd do Hell's Revenge in Moab for sure. The only truly difficult spots are completely optional. You could warm up on Fin's and Things but it's nowhere near as scenic as Hell's (I assume you've biked the Slickrock Trail which traverses a lot of the same territory as Hell's). If you're going to be staying in Telluride then what you decide to do would depend on how much you want to tackle in one day starting from there. Imogene Pass will take you over to Ouray. From there you have a number of options. You could take Black Bear Pass back. You could take Ophir Pass back. Or you could head towards Engineer Pass then take the cutoff to Animas Forks (in lieu of going over Engineer to Lake City and then back via Cinnamon Pass) and then take California Pass to Hurricane Pass. Then you could take Corkscrew Pass to the highway and then head to either Black Bear or Ophir to get back to Telluride. Trying to do the complete Alpine Loop starting from Telluride would be a major undertaking unless you took the highway around to Ouray and then when you got back to Animas Forks via Cinnamon you'd have to decide if you wanted to head to Silverton and then back via Ophir or whether you wanted to head back via California and Corkscrew or via the Engineer cutoff I mentioned earlier (both of which would get you back to the highway, but from there you'd have to decide how you wanted to get back to Telluride). Lots of options.
 
Jimmy_D said:
I'd do Hell's Revenge in Moab for sure. The only truly difficult spots are completely optional. You could warm up on Fin's and Things but it's nowhere near as scenic as Hell's (I assume you've biked the Slickrock Trail which traverses a lot of the same territory as Hell's). If you're going to be staying in Telluride then what you decide to do would depend on how much you want to tackle in one day starting from there. Imogene Pass will take you over to Ouray. From there you have a number of options. You could take Black Bear Pass back. You could take Ophir Pass back. Or you could head towards Engineer Pass then take the cutoff to Animas Forks (in lieu of going over Engineer to Lake City and then back via Cinnamon Pass) and then take California Pass to Hurricane Pass. Then you could take Corkscrew Pass to the highway and then head to either Black Bear or Ophir to get back to Telluride. Trying to do the complete Alpine Loop starting from Telluride would be a major undertaking unless you took the highway around to Ouray and then when you got back to Animas Forks via Cinnamon you'd have to decide if you wanted to head to Silverton and then back via Ophir or whether you wanted to head back via California and Corkscrew or via the Engineer cutoff I mentioned earlier (both of which would get you back to the highway, but from there you'd have to decide how you wanted to get back to Telluride). Lots of options.
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:cheers: thanks dude, I'll be in Telluride for 2-3 days. I really don't care how long the trails take if they are worth it. Which ones are the must do's?

Also, I was looking at hells revenge but it seems to get different ratings every where I look, what would you rate it as?
 
Hell's looks a great deal more daunting than it actually is because you often see pictures and videos of the optional obstacles. There are certainly a number of spots that will get your attention but they're not really difficult. I've taken newbies with limited to no off road experience on much more difficult trails in Moab without any problems. There are a number of spots that may scare the you-know-what out of your girlfriend so I'd definitely try to break her in on something really easy prior to hitting Hell's. Poison Spider is another good one but it is considerably more difficult than Hell's (so long as you skip the difficult obstacles on Hell's). I don't have any experience with the easier trails in and around Moab so I'd advise consulting the Wells book for advice on those. As far as the 'must do' trails around Telluride, they're all pretty spectacular. None are difficult at all except for Poughkeepsie Gulch, and there's far too much area to explore to even consider that one unless you're looking for a challenge (and it's not really that much of a challenge). Ophir is the quickest between Telluride and Silverton/Ouray (except for the highway through Ridgeway) and the easiest. Imogene is worth doing and California and Corkscrew are very scenic as well (especially California). Black Bear is definitely the most spectacular and quite thrilling (especially if you have a fear of heights). You will have to do some 2-3 point turns but there's nothing particularly challenging about it. I don't know that I'd do the entire Alpine Loop unless you want to see Lake City since it makes for such a long day. The scenery is so spectacular in the San Juan's that you won't be disappointed, no matter which routes you decide on.
 
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Jimmy_D said:
Hell's looks a great deal more daunting than it actually is because you often see pictures and videos of the optional obstacles. There are certainly a number of spots that will get your attention but they're not really difficult. I've taken newbies with limited to no off road experience on much more difficult trails in Moab without any problems. There are a number of spots that may scare the you-know-what out of your girlfriend so I'd definitely try to break her in on something really easy prior to hitting Hell's. Poison Spider is another good one but it is considerably more difficult than Hell's (so long as you skip the difficult obstacles on Hell's). I don't have any experience with the easier trails in and around Moab so I'd advise consulting the Wells book for advice on those. As far as the 'must do' trails around Telluride, they're all pretty spectacular. None are difficult at all except for Poughkeepsie Gulch, and there's far too much area to explore to even consider that one unless you're looking for a challenge (and it's not really that much of a challenge). Ophir is the quickest between Telluride and Silverton/Ouray (except for the highway through Ridgeway) and the easiest. Imogene is worth doing and California and Corkscrew are very scenic as well (especially California). Black Bear is definitely the most spectacular and quite thrilling (especially if you have a fear of heights). You will have to do some 2-3 point turns but there's nothing particularly challenging about it. I don't know that I'd do the entire Alpine Loop unless you want to see Lake City since it makes for such a long day. The scenery is so spectacular in the San Juan's that you won't be disappointed, no matter which routes you decide on.
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I really appreciate all the input Jim, your the man.
 
The Alpine Loop will give you a good day of easy wheeling with a lot of interesting sights to see. It is a long trail so plan on a full day and take your time. Several mines and ghost towns to visit.

Imogene is my next recommendation. Another easy trail with a lot of scenery.

This year will be my first time doing Black Bear so I cant recommend from experience but it may be a bit much for your GF. If you do Black Bear at least ease her into it by doing a few other trails first.

Take her to visit Ouray while you are there.
 
So, when you say scenic, are you looking for the best views, or are you using "scenic" as a euphemism for "easy 4wd trail"?

For actual scenic stuff, I really like Arches, the Confluence, Dead Horse Point, practically anything along the White Rim, and any of several neat little lookout points up in the La Sals. If you're looking for mellow dirt with higher scenic value, check out Gemini Bridges, Chicken Corners, the Schafer road, and Tower Arch/Eye of the Whale in Arches.
 
Desert Fox said:
The Alpine Loop will give you a good day of easy wheeling with a lot of interesting sights to see. It is a long trail so plan on a full day and take your time. Several mines and ghost towns to visit.

Imogene is my next recommendation. Another easy trail with a lot of scenery.

This year will be my first time doing Black Bear so I cant recommend from experience but it may be a bit much for your GF. If you do Black Bear at least ease her into it by doing a few other trails first.

Take her to visit Ouray while you are there.
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Thanks man!
 
KidVermicious said:
So, when you say scenic, are you looking for the best views, or are you using "scenic" as a euphemism for "easy 4wd trail"?



For actual scenic stuff, I really like Arches, the Confluence, Dead Horse Point, practically anything along the White Rim, and any of several neat little lookout points up in the La Sals. If you're looking for mellow dirt with higher scenic value, check out Gemini Bridges, Chicken Corners, the Schafer road, and Tower Arch/Eye of the Whale in Arches.
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That's a good point! I guess I meant easy trails with best views
 
98WhiteT4R said:
That's a good point! I guess I meant easy trails with best views
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It's hard to find a trail in Moab that doesn't have great scenic value at some point. Pretty much everything is awesome, though some things are awesomer than others.

The Charles Wells book is pretty consistent in terms of difficulty rating. The truck in your sig is good for some pretty hard trails in the hands of the right driver, so it's really up to you how much you wanna slice off. If you don't know the area and don't know what you're up for, start with Gemini Bridges or Chicken Corners. Both are Moab standards with high "wow" factor, and both are basically dirt roads that might require high clearance in a couple spots. Very mellow stuff. If the lady is ok with those, step up to Fins and Things, another Moab standard that starts to get into real wheeling. It's still technically easy stuff, but has a couple climbs and descents that will induce a fair bit of pucker if you're not used to such things. It's also well trafficked and not at all remote, so if you get in over your head you won't need to wait long for somebody to come spot you out. Between those three trails, you should be able to form a good picture of what else in the Wells book is right up your alley and what is too much for you to take on alone.

Standard Moab disclaimers apply - pack lots of water and snacks (1 gallon of water per person per day is not too much!), bring your tools and some common spares (I've used my tools to help others on the trail more than I've needed them myself, but you never know), have some blankets and other emergency gear in case you have to spend the night with the truck. If it rains hard, all bets are off.
 
KidVermicious said:
It's hard to find a trail in Moab that doesn't have great scenic value at some point. Pretty much everything is awesome, though some things are awesomer than others.

The Charles Wells book is pretty consistent in terms of difficulty rating. The truck in your sig is good for some pretty hard trails in the hands of the right driver, so it's really up to you how much you wanna slice off. If you don't know the area and don't know what you're up for, start with Gemini Bridges or Chicken Corners. Both are Moab standards with high "wow" factor, and both are basically dirt roads that might require high clearance in a couple spots. Very mellow stuff. If the lady is ok with those, step up to Fins and Things, another Moab standard that starts to get into real wheeling. It's still technically easy stuff, but has a couple climbs and descents that will induce a fair bit of pucker if you're not used to such things. It's also well trafficked and not at all remote, so if you get in over your head you won't need to wait long for somebody to come spot you out. Between those three trails, you should be able to form a good picture of what else in the Wells book is right up your alley and what is too much for you to take on alone.

Standard Moab disclaimers apply - pack lots of water and snacks (1 gallon of water per person per day is not too much!), bring your tools and some common spares (I've used my tools to help others on the trail more than I've needed them myself, but you never know), have some blankets and other emergency gear in case you have to spend the night with the truck. If it rains hard, all bets are off.
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That's what I was looking for! Your awesome man
 
98WhiteT4R said:
I'm heading to Telluride then Moab next month and want to know the most scenic trails. Nothing crazy as I am taking the gf and it will be her first time off-roading. I've been to moab twice but only mountain biked both times, never been to Telluride. I have the Charles Wells books but would like some input from the Toyota community! Vehicle info is in my sig
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Most of the trails in the Telluride area won't be open in a month. All the high mtn passes will most likely still have snow on them, making them impassable.
 
98WhiteT4R said:
I'm heading to Telluride then Moab next month and want to know the most scenic trails. Nothing crazy as I am taking the gf and it will be her first time off-roading. I've been to moab twice but only mountain biked both times, never been to Telluride. I have the Charles Wells books but would like some input from the Toyota community! Vehicle info is in my sig
Click to expand...

Don't take a first time off-roader gf down Black Bear Pass unless you want a frosty ride back home and a short relationship. Some like it, some go ape shit. Why risk it?

Always start a first time passenger out slow and determine their real level of interest, not just what she tells you. They're a passenger and have no feeling of control.

You've already gotten a lot of good advice above.

Check my album for pics of this area.

Have fun. The Charles Wells book ratings are good.
 
ToyotaDoodz said:
Don't take a first time off-roader gf down Black Bear Pass unless you want a frosty ride back home and a short relationship. Some like it, some go ape shit. Why risk it?

Always start a first time passenger out slow and determine their real level of interest, not just what she tells you. They're a passenger and have no feeling of control.

You've already gotten a lot of good advice above.

Check my album for pics of this area.

Have fun. The Charles Wells book ratings are good.
Click to expand...


Thanks for the heads up:cheers:
 
I'm going to second the late openings of trails in the Telluride area. With all the late spring snow the area has gotten, i wouldn't count on many trails being open. best bets if none of the big ones are open would be, Scotch Creek outside Rico and Last dollar from Dallas Divide to Placerville. there is an extremely cool ski jump looking platform on Last Dollar that makes for some epic pictures. also that trail should have plenty of water crossings and some good puddle action on both sides.

I don't know when you are planning on being there but to maximize your opportunities I would go as late as possible. last year most trails opened mid to late June and it was not a heavy snowfall year.

If these trails are open i would think twice about Black Bear. most of the trail is very mellow except for the final area coming down into telluride. for our vehicles it requires a couple three point or more turns to make the switchbacks that have ZERO room for error, besides, you can get the same or better views doing Imogene.

If I was going to be in town that month my lady and I would be more than happy to play tour guide. either way, have a great trip, you really can't go wrong with the whole area.

oh make sure you hit Orvis hot springs between Ouray and Ridgway sometime after dark.

cheers!
 
Snarf said:
I'm going to second the late openings of trails in the Telluride area. With all the late spring snow the area has gotten, i wouldn't count on many trails being open. best bets if none of the big ones are open would be, Scotch Creek outside Rico and Last dollar from Dallas Divide to Placerville. there is an extremely cool ski jump looking platform on Last Dollar that makes for some epic pictures. also that trail should have plenty of water crossings and some good puddle action on both sides.

I don't know when you are planning on being there but to maximize your opportunities I would go as late as possible. last year most trails opened mid to late June and it was not a heavy snowfall year.

If these trails are open i would think twice about Black Bear. most of the trail is very mellow except for the final area coming down into telluride. for our vehicles it requires a couple three point or more turns to make the switchbacks that have ZERO room for error, besides, you can get the same or better views doing Imogene.

If I was going to be in town that month my lady and I would be more than happy to play tour guide. either way, have a great trip, you really can't go wrong with the whole area.

oh make sure you hit Orvis hot springs between Ouray and Ridgway sometime after dark.

cheers!
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Thanks for the advice! We are planning on being there June 2,3 and possibly 4. If the main trails aren't open I'll try the others you mentioned.
 
BrianSD_42 said:
Are you going to the TW Moab trip?

I'll be there. I have a list going in the 3rd Gen section.
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I'll be there the following week, I saw your trip post and almost changed my whole agenda! (Still might but I wouldn't get to Moab until Friday night) :doh:


BTW thanks for all your posts in the 3rd gen section they have been a lot of help and your rig is bada** :hail:

(And "once upon a time in the west" is a great movie)
 
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[MENTION=108085]98WhiteT4R[/MENTION]

Thanks for the compliment. We're here right now. I'm at BFE just chilling by the campfire.

Agree ....Once Upon A Time In The West is a truly magnificent film. I saw it for the first time last year at age 31. I've seen a lot of Sergio Lionnes films but never this one. It was on sale for the BluRay and I bought it. Absolutely amazing. I would give it a 9.5/10. The restoration is great, one of the best older movies I've seen on BluRay.
 
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