July 4th Week in Colorado

[SoAZ4Runner]

Hey everyone,


I am taking an annual trip over the 4th of July (the whole week) to SW Colorado. I'm going with some family and friends for some great wheeling and camping. If anyone is going to be in the area of Silverton, Ouray, Telluride, or Durango and would like to meet up for a pass or two? Or a beer or maybe just to show off their rig we would love to meet anyone in the area. Hopefully we'll have 2 4Runners ('88 and '00) and a Tacoma ('13) maybe more if we can talk other friends into getting time off work. We camp every night it the amazing Colorado outdoors and make sure to never leave a trace (as best we can).

So again shoot me a message or comment on here! Hope to meet up with some of you guys!

:thumb3:

See ya there!
Chris

 

[BucknutBob]

Oh man, I'd LOVE to do that! Won't be happening this year (not by the 4th, anyway)--maybe in '14. That area is so cool!

 

[Flyer]

You will love it. I am going later in July though. I think I'll take the Jeep but I would have met up either way. Have fun, and take it easy. Post pictures...it is one of the most beautiful parts of the country.

 

[SoAZ4Runner]

You will love it. I am going later in July though. I think I'll take the Jeep but I would have met up either way. Have fun, and take it easy. Post pictures...it is one of the most beautiful parts of the country.

Oh I know we try to do it every year. Telluride is easily my favorite town in the U.S. followed by Silverton and Ouray!

We've got a few GoPros and other cameras going so hopefully we'll make a video. Also is we can be talked into Black Bear that will get its own video.

 

[SoAZ4Runner]

Oh man, I'd LOVE to do that! Won't be happening this year (not by the 4th, anyway)--maybe in '14. That area is so cool!

Looks like we'll have to start planning '14!

 

[SoAZRunner]

I'm in! this year and next, and the next...but I think you already knew that...

 

[Flyer]

You have to do Black Bear. Just be very careful on the two switchbacks...especially the first one. Even in my 2-door Wrangler, I had to back up several times and inch back and forth before I could turn. Other that that and the lead-up (down actually) to that first crazy switchback, it isn't bad. Walk that stair section and make sure you don't dip into the hole on the left. If the hole has become too deep, fill it up with rocks.

 

[BucknutBob]

I agree--Black Bear Pass is a MUST! I haven't had the pleasure yet, but after reading up on it and getting the Sidekick Offroad video, I have put that at the top of my to-do list when I go there. I've seen it from the bottom--I want to see it from the top now!

 

[BigredTEX]

I agree--Black Bear Pass is a MUST! I haven't had the pleasure yet, but after reading up on it and getting the Sidekick Offroad video, I have put that at the top of my to-do list when I go there. I've seen it from the bottom--I want to see it from the top now!

Some of the higher trails may not be open by the 4th. Black Bear is usually one of the last in the area to open. This web site is very useful for trail conditions:

Bushducks - Jeep Trail and Backroads Trip Reports<BR>Colorado Jeep Trails and Passes - Opening Dates

 

[SoAZ4Runner]

Some of the higher trails may not be open by the 4th. Black Bear is usually one of the last in the area to open. This web site is very useful for trail conditions:

Bushducks - Jeep Trail and Backroads Trip Reports<BR>Colorado Jeep Trails and Passes - Opening Dates

Yeah we always check in on what is open before we roll into town. Last year was such a LOW snow year everything was open. Not sure yet how this year is looking.

 

[BucknutBob]

Yeah we always check in on what is open before we roll into town. Last year was such a LOW snow year everything was open. Not sure yet how this year is looking.

There was a lot of late snow this year--might not work out so well. Yeah, I know some of the passes are only open a few weeks a year (if that)--makes it hard to plan, especially for those of us who can't get there very often (and have specific places we'd like to see). I hope your plans work out!

 

[SoAZ4Runner]

There was a lot of late snow this year--might not work out so well. Yeah, I know some of the passes are only open a few weeks a year (if that)--makes it hard to plan, especially for those of us who can't get there very often (and have specific places we'd like to see). I hope your plans work out!

Thanks a bunch, yeah we like to keep it pretty flexible. We're spending a day in Telluride doing some downhill biking at the resort. A few evenings at the hot springs in Ouray. Then the best part of the whole trip is Kendall Mtn above Silverton for the fireworks show. It's wild to look down on fireworks!

 

[Desert Fox]

Try planning this trip during the FJ Cruiser Summit, normally in mid July.
Here is the link for this year 7th Annual FJ Summit, July 17-21 2013, Ouray, Co - Toyota FJ Cruiser Forum
Registration filled up in about 10 days.

 

[HOJeepster]

I was up in that area last week. Cinnamon Pass was open, and Engineer was open up to the top from Animas Fork. Given that, I'm sure Black Bear and the others should be open.

It did snow on us a few inches toughhwell:

 

[SoAZ4Runner]

Try planning this trip during the FJ Cruiser Summit, normally in mid July.
Here is the link for this year 7th Annual FJ Summit, July 17-21 2013, Ouray, Co - Toyota FJ Cruiser Forum
Registration filled up in about 10 days.

The reason we do July 4th is because we love spending the 4th in Silverton for the parade and fireworks. It is a great time!

 

[SoAZ4Runner]

I was up in that area last week. Cinnamon Pass was open, and Engineer was open up to the top from Animas Fork. Given that, I'm sure Black Bear and the others should be open.

It did snow on us a few inches toughhwell:

Yeah usually by the first week of July most everything is open unless inhibited by snow.

I'm surprised there isn't more interest in this. Haven't heard from anyone in Co. yet!

 

[JayRolla]

I was just up at Black Canyon of the Gunnison this memorial weekend, still a lot of snow in the telluride areas. 2 Years ago July 17th most everything was open but still was snowed out and couldnt go too far on most trails above tree line. Really sucked. I usually wait till end of season too go out. Even in August they can be snow covered.

 

[fish0281]

Yeah usually by the first week of July most everything is open unless inhibited by snow.

I'm surprised there isn't more interest in this. Haven't heard from anyone in Co. yet!

If I'm not in Minnesota that week (college buddy is getting married, still trying to see if I can swing it), I'd be down!

I was just up at Black Canyon of the Gunnison this memorial weekend, still a lot of snow in the telluride areas. 2 Years ago July 17th most everything was open but still was snowed out and couldnt go too far on most trails above tree line. Really sucked. I usually wait till end of season too go out. Even in August they can be snow covered.

I was out and about this weekend (Idaho Springs, Mt. Evans, Breck, Holy Cross area) and can attest to how wet it still is. We had a lot of late season snow, so things aren't open yet... July 4th may or may not be early. That being said, a buddy from work was just down in Telluride and was able to head up Ophere pass and it was 100% snowed in (10' wall) on the Telluride side).

Regardless, that area is one of my favorites and am happy to be there regardless!

 

[SoAZ4Runner]

If I'm not in Minnesota that week (college buddy is getting married, still trying to see if I can swing it), I'd be down!



I was out and about this weekend (Idaho Springs, Mt. Evans, Breck, Holy Cross area) and can attest to how wet it still is. We had a lot of late season snow, so things aren't open yet... July 4th may or may not be early. That being said, a buddy from work was just down in Telluride and was able to head up Ophere pass and it was 100% snowed in (10' wall) on the Telluride side).

Regardless, that area is one of my favorites and am happy to be there regardless!

Well I hope you can swing the wedding! But if not we'd love to have you come down!

Yeah worst case scenario, a few passes are closed and we have to use the highway a few times. We are just happy any chance we get to head from AZ up to the San Juans. It is by far one of the most beautiful areas I have been to.

We are advertising this trip on T4R, YotaTech, and TacoWorld and it has been surprising how few people are able to come even for a day or two.

 

[fish0281]

Well I hope you can swing the wedding! But if not we'd love to have you come down!

Yeah worst case scenario, a few passes are closed and we have to use the highway a few times. We are just happy any chance we get to head from AZ up to the San Juans. It is by far one of the most beautiful areas I have been to.

We are advertising this trip on T4R, YotaTech, and TacoWorld and it has been surprising how few people are able to come even for a day or two.

Agreed, the San Juans are magical!

Yeah, the 4th is a weird week. I've always had a hard time getting people to plan stuff around that date. This year kinda stinks that it's on a Thursday. If I can make it, I'd probably head down Wednesday after work and stay in the area until Sunday... or something to that affect.