Help me prep for my trip to Colorado!

[ToyotaDoodz]

Thanks for the info! As far as GPS, it's crossed my mind but I'm nut sure what I would need for it. One person mentioned most of the trails are on the 4Runner navi system. How does cell phone GPS work up in the mountains? I figure service will be minimal but if I download offline versions of maps to my cell phone or tablet would that work well enough?

I have the in dash nav unit on the TEP, but my primary unit is a 7" Garmin NUVI 2757. I download the route logs to a laptop for every trip and keep them. I can go back to all our trips for years back and see exactly where we've gone.

I can confirm that the in dash nav map on my 2014 matches what the Garmin has and the Ouray area trails are there. I compared them side by side on the last Ouray trip. They use the same DB but the Toyota's will be out of date. The Garmin has up to date POI's where the Toyota never really did.

Both units did pretty good on GPS signal for what you need. At times you might drop to 3 satellites so you loose 3D fix, but it returns as you move along. Nothing that's going to get you into trouble.

If your device has a SiRF star III or higher GPS chip, it will perform better since it's more sensitive.

And to mirror @Jhalko, I always have a trail/area map in the Charles Well's book in my glove box.

 

[trd4runner007]

He won't need beer, Colorado is the Micro brew capital of the world. We're also the the capital for another, just legalized substance too.:first:

Not Quite...

 

[Archicam]

Keep in mind camping is difficult, due to everything so high and steep. And the Silverton Valley is crowded. We like Black Bear, drive up from the Silverton side from the pass to just before it gets steep and go left across the stream, lots of great camping and not far to get to each day. Should not be too hard with a pop up with reasonable clearance.

Thanks! We will check that out. We are trying not to spend too much on this trip, otherwise we would probably find a nice cabin too.

 

[CO_Fletch]

Thanks for the info! As far as GPS, it's crossed my mind but I'm nut sure what I would need for it. One person mentioned most of the trails are on the 4Runner navi system. How does cell phone GPS work up in the mountains? I figure service will be minimal but if I download offline versions of maps to my cell phone or tablet would that work well enough?

I use an app called Viewranger GPS. Great app that works well without cell service. Best part is that it is free. I download the free open source map detail for my destination area before heading out that includes all the roads and topo detail and also download the trail details from the site or by uploading the GPX file from Trail Damage. You can store all your trails for reference. I've never had problems maintaining a gps signal in the mountains and I use a WiFi only nexus 7. It does take some time to download an offline map (sometimes as long as an hour), so plan ahead.

Have fun!

 

[FordyceCreek]

Interesting that those trails are in there. Generally you need 24K based topos for off-roading. Cell phones work in Downtown Silverton some times. So dont look for that..

 

[High_Country]

Oh my…what a wonderful trip you’re about to embark on. You have received LOTS of good advice and data on the area already. I’ll probably be referring to this thread myself in the future.
I have been going up to southern Colorado on family vacations my whole life and for the last 10 years or so have been trying to explore the 4x4 scene and back country trails. Just last August I did a great trip in the Alpine Loop area (Lake City, Silverton, Ouray). I want to add one more trail to your list:
Corkscrew Gulch
The trailhead is south of Ouray, north of Silverton, it’s not a real technical trail, and the views are absolutely stunning. It can be done fairly quick…but I suggest going slow and taking pictures. The trail gives you great access to other trails in the area. It shows up on Google Maps. Just look for “Corkscrew Gulch Trail, Ridgway, Co”.
Be careful driving the Million Dollar Highway between Silverton and Ouray. It’s a very nice paved asphalt highway – but there are sections that leave NO room for error. Put the phone down. Put the chips down. Both hands on the wheel. In some areas there is literally NO space between the edge of the pavement shoulder stripe and the cliff – certain death.
There’s good a good 4 wheel drive concessionaire in Ouray that sells the books, will give you up-to-date trail data, etc. Nice people.
I would also consider Stony Pass (goes from Silverton to Creede). You get to see the headwaters of the mighty Rio Grande River and I highly recommend the town of Creede. It’s smaller than the others, is an old mining town, and has some awesome old mining ruins near it. You have to go to Kips Grill in Creede – great food, great atmosphere. Lots of good fishing in the Creede area too.
For GPS on your cell phone I highly recommend the MotionX GPS app - it was like $1.99 or something. You can pre-cache maps before you're out of cell phone range and then when you don't have service, the GPS Chipset still works with the maps you've downloaded. I used it last year in this area - worked great.
Oh...one last thing - take note of your bank account, your total net worth, all that because once you get up there I guarantee you will start brainstorming about how you can cash out, move to colorado, and make a go of it. ; )

 

[hamburglar210]

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.

Caffeine helps a bit too so maybe snag an emergency redbull

 

[qpublic13]

Not to hijack the thread, I am also heading to Rocky Mountain National Park from St. Louis. I will have the family in tow and are camping around that same week. Have any recommendations for cool routes in a bone stock 2011 Limited? Thanks for any comments!

 

[fattire]

I just got back from Durango. Literally. I'm supposed to be unpacking but am on the forum instead .

I'd suggest doing something "active" the day after you get there. No one is going to want to sit in the car again another day. Several have mentioned rafting and I highly recommend it. We did just a half-day trip and it was perfect. Even our youngest at just 5 was thrilled out of her mind.

You also need to go eat at Ken and Sues in Durango. It's a little nicer restaurant and the food is ridiculous. Get a reservation. I promise you won't be disappointed.

For wheeling, many others have given input. Here's mine FWIW:

Definitely do the first part of Black Bear (from the Silverton side up to the top of the pass, then back the way you came). It's very easy and the views are just incredible. I would also recommend Imogene Pass. There's a huge old mining town on the Telluride side that's really neat to see. I personally felt Imogene was tougher than everything on Black Bear. Black Bear just has a very high penalty for a mistake. Definitely don't scare your passengers .

(For anyone else interested...Someone mentioned washouts on BB. That's not the case as of this past Thursday. The Telluride side was just fine. It was dry when we went and any kind of rain would make it extremely scary.)

The Wells book linked earlier is gold. Very accurate and gave Mrs. Fattire something to do as we made our way (good for pointing out stuff to the kids).

Enjoy your trip!!

EDIT: You can go over BB pass towards Telluride to the point where it becomes one-way. This is the tougher section that begins with the stairway then down into the infamous switch backs. The trail to the one way point is really nice as well; again, spectacular views, lots of marmots and such. Don't be afraid to have a little look into that side of the trail. Do note that the one way sign had been knocked down but was still there. Just be sure to look out for it and turn around when you see it.

 

[WiscoTundra]

Maybe I'll see you there, I'll be arriving on the ninth and then trail riding for 3 days til I head to Moab... Non stop planning Corkskrew, California, Engineer, Cinnamon, red Mountain, Orphir, Imogene and Last Dollar... Then to Moab!!! Hoping for a night drive on Red Mountain as well...

 

[wfo9]

I just got back from Durango. Literally. I'm supposed to be unpacking but am on the forum instead .

I'd suggest doing something "active" the day after you get there. No one is going to want to sit in the car again another day. Several have mentioned rafting and I highly recommend it. We did just a half-day trip and it was perfect. Even our youngest at just 5 was thrilled out of her mind.

You also need to go eat at Ken and Sues in Durango. It's a little nicer restaurant and the food is ridiculous. Get a reservation. I promise you won't be disappointed.

For wheeling, many others have given input. Here's mine FWIW:

Definitely do the first part of Black Bear (from the Silverton side up to the top of the pass, then back the way you came). It's very easy and the views are just incredible. I would also recommend Imogene Pass. There's a huge old mining town on the Telluride side that's really neat to see. I personally felt Imogene was tougher than everything on Black Bear. Black Bear just has a very high penalty for a mistake. Definitely don't scare your passengers .

(For anyone else interested...Someone mentioned washouts on BB. That's not the case as of this past Thursday. The Telluride side was just fine. It was dry when we went and any kind of rain would make it extremely scary.)

The Wells book linked earlier is gold. Very accurate and gave Mrs. Fattire something to do as we made our way (good for pointing out stuff to the kids).

Enjoy your trip!!

EDIT: You can go over BB pass towards Telluride to the point where it becomes one-way. This is the tougher section that begins with the stairway then down into the infamous switch backs. The trail to the one way point is really nice as well; again, spectacular views, lots of marmots and such. Don't be afraid to have a little look into that side of the trail. Do note that the one way sign had been knocked down but was still there. Just be sure to look out for it and turn around when you see it.

^^^^What he said. I have wheeled with fatttire a bunch and he will not steer you wrong or get you in trouble. Although we have been crapping our pants together before :baby:

Sounds like BB is a must do.

 

[MikeFrazier]

Take a trip to the Springs. It's beautiful here. Colorado springs that is, if your not familiar with the lingo lol not Steamboat springs

 

[Jhalko]

Take a trip to the Springs. It's beautiful here. Colorado springs that is, if your not familiar with the lingo lol not Steamboat springs

The 'Boat is better, but too far out of his way. Haha

 

[alexb]

Thanks for all the input so far from everyone. We've started making a pretty good list of things to do and places to see. I ordered a Hi Lift jack and some other accessories to go along with it from Amazon last night. I've also got the Rangler net on it's way. Things are starting to come together for a pretty good trip. Just over a week to go!

 

[wfo9]

Reviving this thread because of this recent news.

Sheriff Calls For Closure of Black Bear Pass After Latest Accident

If I was in CO, I would do it this summer, since it might be the last chance ever.

I wanted to go this summer, but my trip got cancelled. I figured I would make FJ summit next year... now this. Why is the entire world turning in to such a pansy ass &*&*&^&^^

Now it may be closed for good.

Not pointing fingers, but it sounds like it was a side by side that had the accident. Those thing are a menace. The jet skis of off-roading... Ban them and most of the problems will go away with them.

 

[LandCruiser]

Reviving this thread because of this recent news.

Sheriff Calls For Closure of Black Bear Pass After Latest Accident

If I was in CO, I would do it this summer, since it might be the last chance ever.

I wanted to go this summer, but my trip got cancelled. I figured I would make FJ summit next year... now this. Why is the entire world turning in to such a pansy ass &*&*&^&^^

Now it may be closed for good.

Not pointing fingers, but it sounds like it was a side by side that had the accident. Those thing are a menace. The jet skis of off-roading... Ban them and most of the problems will go away with them.

WTF?

I was planning on going there later this year.

couple from Florida rolled their vehicle off the side of the trail which left the trail closed for several hours while rescue teams were dispatched to extract the stuck couple

****ing Florida wins again.

I swear to God, Colorado is becoming too damn touchy feely and hipster these days

 

[wfo9]

And here is another account of what happened. https://outdoorx4.com/main/2015/08/04/rollover-on-black-bear-pass-during-100s-in-the-hills/


Sounds like the lazy sheriff of 35 years needs to be kicked out of office. Maybe he has been on the gravy train too long. Lord knows Telluride has some money flowing. At least they could be equipped for a simple rough terrain rescue... The entire story makes no sense to me. The area must have backcountry EMS type calls all the time. Something is not adding up.

 

[Bevo]

Wow, that is two very different accounts of what transpired after the accident. One describes how county officials saved the day in less than 90 minutes, and the other basically says the sheriff's office did nothing because they were in training class and couldn't be bothered.

Sounds like the Sheriff doesn't want to deal with accidents up on the Pass anymore, so his answer is to just shut it down.

 

[alexb]

I saw that, really unfortunate. We will probably try to attempt the first half of the pass, but with family in the car I don't want to temp the switch backs into Telluride.

I've managed to get quite a bit of stuff in the last week to prep. Including a Hi-Lift jack, rack mount, Viair compressor, Hi-Lift offroad base, Hi-Lift offroad winch kit, spare tire patch kit, tire deflators, and an extra 255 spare on order. Along with some big waterproof duffel bags for clothes and some tool bags to carry all the equipment on the roof and in the cab.

Will have one final post with pics of everything loaded up before we head off on Friday. Have a private fly fishing guide scheduled for Monday, probably hit some trails Tuesday, then spending the day on the train Wednesday. Leaves 3 other days for getting in some rafting, more trails and maybe some brewery tours. Friday can't get here soon enough!

 

[Jhalko]

OP sounds like you will have a great time, we all look forward to the pictures. Be safe.