Guide to Colorado Backroads

boondoggle

boondoggle

Member
Hi there!

I didn't see a 'regional' forum so I beg pardon for anyone not interested in how folks in Colorado might use their 4Runners… :)

I just picked up my stock 2004 4Runner Sport V8 a little over a week ago and while at the Toyota Dealership getting an oil change (Quaker State Synthetic, really?) I came across this book:

Guide to Colorado Backroads & 4WD Trails (3rd Edition) - FunTreks Guidebooks for Jeep Trails, 4 Wheel Drive Trails, and back country roads

Having always wondered where one might be able to go off road (legally) in CO I went ahead and spent the $30 on it.

Have any other fellow Coloradans used this book before? I know the 4Runner could handle the 'easy' trails no problem. I'm just curious how it might do with the Moderates - in stock form.

Been flipping through it during a few down moments and work today and it looks really well put together. Shows dispersed campgrounds along the way, some fishing spots etc. Having access to the Moderate trails (without doing too much damage to my daily driver or having to spend $1000s to get it ready) would open up a lot more options.

Thanks and cheers!

P.S. It looks like the publisher also makes versions for Arizona and California so if any of you folks have taken your 4R on the moderates in either of those states, please feel free to speak up. How'd it do?
 
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I have that book, and I'm pretty sure most of us in Colorado that wheel have a copy. I keep mine at work to flip thru when I'm bored. A stock 4th gen is definitely capable of doing most of the moderate trails in the book. I write the name of the trails I've run inside the front cover.
3ffd7074-d997-ec9f.jpg
 
Boondoggle,

These books are great, I actually contacted them this past year to push for an Oregon/Pacific Northwest version - even volunteered myself for "sponsored" trail writing; LOL!

Anyway, I used the CO book for a trip I did in the Rockies, a couple years back, I would say most trails in this book can easily by conquered by your stock UR - even the most challenging with some careful spotting. My dad went with me for nearly two weeks in a bone stock F-250 with running boards and (other than a flat tire) had no issues with the trails. I am pretty sure this book/series isn't designed for hard core off-roading but will get into some nice technical terrain that most well equipped vehicles of our caliber should be able to handle.

The trails we did included:
Mosquito Pass
Haggerman Pass
Lime Creek
Mill Creek Road
Loch Lammond
Mill Creek

Cheers and get out there!
:cheers:
 
Right on guys.

New 4Runner, warm weather…

:fishing:

Time to hit the trails. :)

Acidmeld, looks like you've been tearing it up in Area 6 down there. If you ever decide to head out, or come up towards Areas 4/5 shoot me a PM. Seems like it would be fun to have a caravan (not a dodge, a row of similar vehicles) on the trail.
 
About once a month, we on the front range go on a trail ride. Check the off road forum for that. I enjoy the big groups (10-15) for the social aspect, however the real fun starts later in the trips when smaller groups (4-6) split off for harder wheeling. Trails go a bit faster and stops are shorter with a smaller group. Personally I don't really care how big the group is as long as I'm on the trail. Unfortunately since the runner has pretty much become the wife's daily driver I'm stuck only going once a month or so. (this situation will soon be remedied)
 
Welcome
We have a run this Saturday to Metberry Gulch along with the FJ group. You are welcome to join. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/off-roading-home-monst4rs/113778-colorado-meeting-may-19th-2012-a.html

I belong the FJ Cruisers forum also so I get a lot of information from that site. Both vehicles share a lot mechanically and my wife has a FJ.

They have a dedicated Colorado section. Here is the link to the Metberry run on that site.
Metberry Gulch Wheeling + Camping 5/19-5/20 - Toyota FJ Cruiser Forum
A lot of good people on both forums. Crazy folks that will offer to help do mechanical work for beers- go figure :cheers:

Welcome aboard
 
Awesome book. I have the original printing that came out in ~1998, it was in 2 separate volumes back then. I have used it quite a bit and as was mentioned the 4runner can tackle all of the easy trails and most if not all of the moderate trails. The San Juans are by far the best place to take a stock 4x4 -- lots of manageable trails and some of the best scenery in the state. FWIW, there is also a book by the same author that covers the trails in Moab as well.
 
PhotoRunner said:
Here's what awaits you at the end of the Clear Lake trail.....
Click to expand...

I live in the wrong part of the country. Around here, you need to be a part of an invitation-only 4x4 club to get any decent legal trail maps and even then, they are super secretive about letting them get out.
 
Anyone in CO should just drop the cash and buy the Well's books. Mine are so beat up it's crazy but good reference, just don't trust them 100% as trails can vary dramatically year to year and I know more than a few who told Charles his directions to the trails are lousy. I've met the author and he joined my club for a run a while back, nice guy, nice books.
 
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