Help me prep for my trip to Colorado!

[SKP-4R]

I would only get a Hi-Lift if you have sliders. Otherwise there's no location to place the jack if you have a flat.

 

[Jeremy556]

I would only get a Hi-Lift if you have sliders. Otherwise there's no location to place the jack if you have a flat.

The wheel adapter is handy to lift an aftermarket wheel and put stuff under it. Really, though, stock 4runner will probably not have any problems.

Front and rear steel bumpers work as jacking points as well.

 

[FrontRange4Runner]

If you're going to be around Durango, be sure to take advantage of all the local restaurants. Tons of local food and beer up there and most of it is quite good. If your are coming into town from the east, the first thing you will see is an Applebees, just keep on moving lol.

 

[sooperedd]

hahaha. I won't lie that it's something I considered earlier. In all honesty my mom has suffered severe migraines and chronic neck pain from an injury about 10 years ago. The green stuff is about the only thing she hasn't tried for the pain. We may just be making a stop at the local shop.....



I'll add it to the list!

Just remember it is still illegal on federal property > in all National Forests, and the most a person can carry is an ounce.

 

[alexb]

Agreed. I have lived in Colorado my whole life and my box stock 4Runners have always taken me anywhere I want to go.

The whole oxygen thing - I guess its a low elevation thing. I hike and go up mountains all the time without breaking a sweat.

Odd's are wherever you go this time of year there will be other people around. We have one rule on the mountain - we help each other out. If you have an issue you will not be stranded for long.

It's the Rocky Mountain way. Hydration is vital. Colorado is a high desert climate and you can get into into trouble there before you even realize it. Drink water. Lots of water.

And watch out for ATV's. they will be all over the place, are fast and sometime driven by people that have never driven one before.

Other than that have fun and as is usual I will greet you to Colorado with breakfast or lunch depending on when/where you are coming in from.

We roll that way here.

Appreciate the input, thanks!

You should take along some type of self recovery gear if you are going to be out alone. Most likely, you will see other friendly folks out on the trails, but when weather comes in it is easy to end up alone in many areas (it happened to me last year). The weather got bad and all the jeeps scattered, I kept going up. Did not have any issues... though.

You don't need a powered winch. There are several manual options including a high lift winching kit.

The main thing you will definitely need is a way to air back up quickly. Don't skimp on the compressor or you will find yourself trying to get by without airing down (which leads to many issues).

You will also probably want a waterproof bag for the roof if you plan to carry anything that can't get wet up there. You will encounter rain.

I have some of the Viair portable compressors in mind. I will also look into the manual winching options. We will mainly just be carrying luggage on the roof for the drive from OK to CO, then unloading at the cabin we are renting. I'll keep the rain in mind though.

I hear that Ibuprofen helps with altitude sickness. Many of the trails in the area are 9-10K at the bottom and go up to over 13K.

If you do have any problem, you'll not have to wait long for someone to come along, anywhere from 10 seconds to 90 minutes, tops. The traffic can be aggravating, to say the least.

"OK, I'll back 2.5 miles down this shelf road, even though I have the right of way, so your group of 39475638946582376458276582374583745683745683746583475683745683746583746583746587346583746583745682736418736481276340982735492856398374569387456012364502837568276 side by sides can take the next 3.5 hours getting by. :rant:

I really hate those damn things, well, most of their operators anyway.

The altitude only seems to hit me on the drive in, then by the next day I'm good to go. The GF however says it gets to her pretty good. I'll be sure to stock up on water and Advil.

I hear ya about the ATVs. I think anywhere you go wheeling they act like that lol.

I would only get a Hi-Lift if you have sliders. Otherwise there's no location to place the jack if you have a flat.

The wheel adapter is handy to lift an aftermarket wheel and put stuff under it. Really, though, stock 4runner will probably not have any problems.

Front and rear steel bumpers work as jacking points as well.

I do have sliders so I can use those as a jacking point. Either a high lift or larger bottle jack would be nice. I'm leaning towards high lift since I can mount it on the roof rack out of the way.


Appreciate the advice so far:thanks:

 

[Blitzkrieg]

Marijuana.

It's a fallacy made up by people who have never been here that we are a bunch of dope smoking hippies. LOL

You know what we are demographically? Above average income, above average intelligence and we are smart enough to see the failure in marijuana laws.

So instead of letting the drug cartels get rich we legalized it and taxed it. Some people are going to smoke pot whether its legal or not. ;-)

We are just smart enough to realize the prior laws are a failure.

No, I don't smoke pot. Do I care if somebody else does? Not really.

 

[sooperedd]

Doesn't matter what gear you take with you; hi-lifts, snatch blocks, winches, straps, etc.

NEVER wheel alone.

 

[stamonkey]

No one mentioned sun screen, you'll need it. I'll also reiterate the lighting risk, be smart, there is a decent chance for storms pretty much every afternoon. Bring water, lots of it.

 

[Jhalko]

Your list of stuff sounds good, I mean even its an excuse to buy more stuff even if you don't need it in this trip! Definitely do the rear diff mod.

You will likely be driving right by the sand dunes, I would make the stop, those darn things have eluded me on multiple trips for various reasons.

Everyone pounds on the "drink water" idea but that just makes me have to pee a ton. The only couple times I've gotten altitude headaches were while drinking water like crazy but not eating enough calories, so just something to keep in mind. Lightning danger in and sun exposure should be the most danger you face.

As stated given your lifted trail you should have no problems on most trails, a solid compressor seems like a good investment.

 

[alfonzo]

Consider a trip down Vail Pass on a bike. We always stop at Vail, but they will also pick you up at Avon (Beaver Creek) We use an outfitter by Beaver Liquor.

Mountain biking down the ski runs is fun. CO is flush with orthopedic surgeons.

Consider dinner at ski Tip Lodge.

Consider Red Rock. When is the Jazz Fest?

Plenty of water and NO beer help me manage altitude sickness. Once my dog suffered for a week. To encourage her to drink, we make hot dog au ju.

Good luck

 

[oljedi11950]

Just a heads up on the "plant" they've discovered many uses with it besides smoking so if you're by a shop investigate , creams, capsules , as was the case before the "Great Paranoia" . Enjoy the trip great state !!

 

[ToyotaDoodz]

. . . I don't plan on doing any extreme wheeling but would give the truck a good workout and be completely safe at the same time. I'm not completely new to wheeling but CO is whole new territory for me and I want to be as prepared as possible. So with that in mind I'll begin. General wheeling tips are great as well. . . .

You're already set up pretty good for the trip. Being able to air down to about 25 psi (with 4 people) at the trail beginning will make the ride and traction better for you and your passengers. It will be new for them as well and their happiness can make or break your trip. (grin)

Imogene is fun, but it's very rocky and requires picking a good line and going slow. The rocks can be scary looking to first time riders. If your heart is set on Imogene, and you can start at 7am, drive into Ouray, take your time going up Imogene and eat lunch in Telluride. Come back on Imogene and do Yankee Boy, eat dinner in Ouray, or come back over Ophir pass and stop in Silverton headed back. I much prefer Ouray to Silverton and there more stuff and better $ places to eat for your riders.

If your heart is not set on Imogene and since you're coming from the south, take the trail through Silverton to Animas Forks up to Engineer pass to Lake City and then back past American Basin (wild flower heaven) and Cinnamon Pass back to Animas Forks. It's much easier than Imogene but takes all day. It's just as pretty for the passengers but not as technical. This is called the Alpine Loop. Depending on your time there are great side trails coming back to Silverton.

In the Ouray area in summer, you get dirty in the morning and sort of cleaned off by the thunder storms in the afternoon. It's guaranteed. There are lots of people on these trails in summer to help if you get into trouble. Air back up at the end of the trail before hitting 550.

The train ride is an all day thing. You see the valleys. Off road the next day to see the tops.

You have time to order the Charles Wells book. Do yourself a favor and get it. Read it before you go. You WILL be going back, I promise. 20+ years of consecutive trips taking here.

4x4 and SUV Books : Guide to Colorado Backroads & 4WD Trails (3rd Edition) Cover Price: $34.95

I have all three editions for CO, AZ, and UT. (grin) It will tell you what a driver needs to know.

I could write a book about what to do, but you will leave wishing you had more time to do more trails.

When you get there, keep in mind I did all but two of the trails in my new stock non-lifted 2014 TEP with just BFG's. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/off-roading/172567-ouray-co-late-june-2014-a.html

No problem. Go slow, look at the scenery, have fun. You'll be fine.

Remember, the rear end on this 5th gen sticks out a bit so just because your rear tires are done, the arse end isn't done yet as it drops down.

PS, all of these trails are on Garmin and your Toyota nav which also uses the same Navtec DB.

 

[alexb]

Doesn't matter what gear you take with you; hi-lifts, snatch blocks, winches, straps, etc.

NEVER wheel alone.

I won't be alone, but we will only be in 1 vehicle.

Your list of stuff sounds good, I mean even its an excuse to buy more stuff even if you don't need it in this trip! Definitely do the rear diff mod.

You will likely be driving right by the sand dunes, I would make the stop, those darn things have eluded me on multiple trips for various reasons.

Everyone pounds on the "drink water" idea but that just makes me have to pee a ton. The only couple times I've gotten altitude headaches were while drinking water like crazy but not eating enough calories, so just something to keep in mind. Lightning danger in and sun exposure should be the most danger you face.

As stated given your lifted trail you should have no problems on most trails, a solid compressor seems like a good investment.

Right now our plan is to head west from OK to Albuquerque NM then up. If that changes I'll keep the dunes in mind. I'll make sure we stock up on power bars etc. and sunscreen as well.

Consider a trip down Vail Pass on a bike. We always stop at Vail, but they will also pick you up at Avon (Beaver Creek) We use an outfitter by Beaver Liquor.

Mountain biking down the ski runs is fun. CO is flush with orthopedic surgeons.

Consider dinner at ski Tip Lodge.

Consider Red Rock. When is the Jazz Fest?

Plenty of water and NO beer help me manage altitude sickness. Once my dog suffered for a week. To encourage her to drink, we make hot dog au ju.

Good luck

I'll add those to the list. Thanks for mentioning the dog. I'll be taking my 4yo chocolate lab with me too. He usually doesn't have a problem drinking water though, it's more a problem to get him to stop!

 

[alexb]

You're already set up pretty good for the trip. Being able to air down to about 25 psi (with 4 people) at the trail beginning will make the ride and traction better for you and your passengers. It will be new for them as well and their happiness can make or break your trip. (grin)

Imogene is fun, but it's very rocky and requires picking a good line and going slow. The rocks can be scary looking to first time riders. If your heart is set on Imogene, and you can start at 7am, drive into Ouray, take your time going up Imogene and eat lunch in Telluride. Come back on Imogene and do Yankee Boy, eat dinner in Ouray, or come back over Ophir pass and stop in Silverton headed back. I much prefer Ouray to Silverton and there more stuff and better $ places to eat for your riders.

If your heart is not set on Imogene and since you're coming from the south, take the trail through Silverton to Animas Forks up to Engineer pass to Lake City and then back past American Basin (wild flower heaven) and Cinnamon Pass back to Animas Forks. It's much easier than Imogene but takes all day. It's just as pretty for the passengers but not as technical. This is called the Alpine Loop. Depending on your time there are great side trails coming back to Silverton.

In the Ouray area in summer, you get dirty in the morning and sort of cleaned off by the thunder storms in the afternoon. It's guaranteed. There are lots of people on these trails in summer to help if you get into trouble. Air back up at the end of the trail before hitting 550.

The train ride is an all day thing. You see the valleys. Off road the next day to see the tops.

You have time to order the Charles Wells book. Do yourself a favor and get it. Read it before you go. You WILL be going back, I promise. 20+ years of consecutive trips taking here.

4x4 and SUV Books : Guide to Colorado Backroads & 4WD Trails (3rd Edition) Cover Price: $34.95

I have all three editions for CO, AZ, and UT. (grin) It will tell you what a driver needs to know.

I could write a book about what to do, but you will leave wishing you had more time to do more trails.

When you get there, keep in mind I did all but two of the trails in my new stock non-lifted 2014 TEP with just BFG's. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/off-roading/172567-ouray-co-late-june-2014-a.html

No problem. Go slow, look at the scenery, have fun. You'll be fine.

Remember, the rear end on this 5th gen sticks out a bit so just because your rear tires are done, the arse end isn't done yet as it drops down.

PS, all of these trails are on Garmin and your Toyota nav which also uses the same Navtec DB.

I'll be printing this post off! I may have to push for 2 full days of wheeling instead of 1 lol. Thank you for all of the advice. I'll look into the book as well. I'm going through your trip thread now!

Nice to hear from a local OKC guy! :wave:

 

[ToyotaDoodz]

I'll be printing this post off! I may have to push for 2 full days of wheeling instead of 1 lol. Thank you for all of the advice. I'll look into the book as well. I'm going through your trip thread now!

Nice to hear from a local OKC guy! :wave:

Back at you. :wave:

I saw you on May Ave one day. We were coming from Mama Roja's and you were booking it North.

Go to the Well's book site, go to the Colorado Backroads and Trails edition, click on the download sample below the book image and save the PDF. It has the map of all the trails in the Ouray/Silverton area area. This book will make your trip. I can't recommend it enough. He ships quickly.

We always stay in Ouray and range out from there and hit everything from Crested Butte back to Lake City, Silverton, and Telluride area. We start out early and beat the fools/rentals to the trail heads. Animals are out early and it's gorgeous. Being that we base in Ouray, we start with a full tank every day in Ridgway and eat a wonderful breakfast at the Cimmaron cafe right at the 4 way light in Ridgeway. They open at 7am. Only one other "reel food" place in Ouray opens that early but it's not quite as good. We can do the few miles north, gas up, eat breakfast, and be back through Ouray before everyone else is just going to eat. I know this does not help since you're staying south but you WILL be back.

The mine tour north of Ouray is good and so is the one out of Silverton. It you're doing the train, you'll spend some time in Silverton while the turn the train around but it might not be as long as you like.

Don't be tempted to open your rear lift gate window on the trails unless you want 80lbs of Colorado dirt to take home that you will never get out. I learned that on my 2001 4Runner.:faint2:

Break your riders in on easy stuff so they gain confidence in your rig and you, then slowly ramp up the difficulty. They won't mind as much. They're riding and have no control.:crybaby:

 

[meltdown]

The Animas River runs through Durango. There are a couple of rafting companies north of town. We always did the lower calmer half because our kids were young, but we really enjoyed it.

As far as the train, if you ride in the open air car and it's a busy day, they pack you in pretty tight. Think bleacher seating at a major sporting event. For me it is worth buying an extra seat or upgrading to the enclosed car.

Balcony House at Mesa Verde is worthwhile.

It's been at least five years since my last visit so things may have changed some. You will enjoy the trip for sure. Have fun.

 

[wfo9]

I'm surprised nobody mentioned black bear pass. I have not been in the Ouray area yet, but it is on my must do list. It seems to have absolutely epic views.

It might be a bit difficult this year (not sure). I've heard it will really get most peoples heart racing, although it is not actually that difficult. Just a section of narrow switchbacks where failure is not an option.

 

[Schwizzle_]

Don't drink too much water......you want to leave room to hit many of the awesome microbreweries we have all over the state

As others have mentioned, watch out for the lighting when you are outside your vehicle, especially above treeline, far too many people killed already this year.

I am partial to mountain biking so I would say find a ski resort with lift served biking, rent a mountain bike, and rip down the trail at 30-40 mph. You will have the time of your life!

 

[Jhalko]

I'm surprised nobody mentioned black bear pass. I have not been in the Ouray area yet, but it is on my must do list. It seems to have absolutely epic views.

It might be a bit difficult this year (not sure). I've heard it will really get most peoples heart racing, although it is not actually that difficult. Just a section of narrow switchbacks where failure is not an option.

Don't think it's appropriate for OP, traveling with a car full of people that don't offroad, too dangerous and they will never go again.

 

[rlumpy]

Enjoy beer in Durango. Watch Brew Dogs episode
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWDYppMfUfM
We enjoyed particularly Steamworks and Carver Brewery.