Not sure how this happened but, ouch 2017 flop

[wfo9]

These are closest for me as well. Safe for a solo adventure, someone getting their legs, or do these need an experienced guide as well?

*I mean, I can figure out the trail ratings and such, like going skiing, but otherwise.

I suggest joining this group https://www.facebook.com/ToyotaTrailRiders/ they are in that area. Just tell them you want an invite to the next newbie friendly outing.

Both place can be ran solo and you can also just find someone willing to help guide you while there.. but you can also get into trouble quickly at all these places. The ratings are not very accurate from my experience. It's best to have at least one experienced person along.

I would still encourage going alone if you just want to get out and take it very easy. There are plenty of super easy trails where you can just turn around if you encounter an obstacle. Just way more fun to go with a group and push yourself a bit.

 

[wfo9]

Seems like a front camera would be a godsend in helping navigate these vehicles through things like this. Even on the mild trails I have explored I find myself repeatedly getting out and inspecting on foot because I can't see a damn thing past that hood.

I've got cameras. Helps a tad.. very little actually. You can't see any depth on a screen. I would say it is almost a complete waste of money, but there is some utility. (mostly from the one on my passenger mirror). just very little IMHO. There could be better technology.. but straight up cameras with no video stitching is marginal....

 

[Mass 4runner]

I've got cameras. Helps a tad.. very little actually. You can't see any depth on a screen. I would say it is almost a complete waste of money, but there is some utility. (mostly from the one on my passenger mirror). just very little IMHO. There could be better technology.. but straight up cameras with no video stitching is marginal....

Interesting. Saves me wasting some money on a future project...

 

[LawnDart]

Interesting. Saves me wasting some money on a future project...

Front cameras are a nice supplement, just not a replacement.

I really like how on the Raptors the front camera engages in 4Lo, but as has been said, you can't really read the contours of the trail in front of you in two dimensions.

Again, it's a software issue not a hardware one (skill vs gear).

 

[JSparky]

Cool video... makes me wonder how many guys are controlling a drone / thinking about their GoPro rigging while they tackle a tough obstacle. I know these things "fly themselves", but it would only take an instant to draw your attention away.

But I do love these videos...

Sent from my SM-G950W using Tapatalk

I'm pretty sure drone's are prohibited in Canyonlands as well. I've seen a lot of drone videos taken there pop up recently and wonder how the park service is going to manage that. Although, what they call the White Rim trail looks more like the approach to Canyonlands on Potash road to me. Either way I agree, it certainly seems like it could be effecting people's priorities.

 

[Trixx]

So I have to ask - I'm planning to head to Ouray in a couple days and do some of the trails. My 4runner is pretty basic - lift, sliders, tires.

This picture amongs that other recent death story are a bit uneasy.

What trails around Ouray would you recommend for someone less experienced riding solo? We are 6500 miles into our trip and while I've done some off road in jeeps in the past, I haven't in this 4runner and it's been some years. This trip is more about the site seeing than the hardcore off-roading due to the size of our trip and wanting to avoid damage so we can continue on.

So... suggestions?

 

[mcox522]

So I have to ask - I'm planning to head to Ouray in a couple days and do some of the trails. My 4runner is pretty basic - lift, sliders, tires.

This picture amongs that other recent death story are a bit uneasy.

What trails around Ouray would you recommend for someone less experienced riding solo? We are 6500 miles into our trip and while I've done some off road in jeeps in the past, I haven't in this 4runner and it's been some years. This trip is more about the site seeing than the hardcore off-roading due to the size of our trip and wanting to avoid damage so we can continue on.

So... suggestions?

Honestly....enjoy the scenery, you won't be disappointed even if you stay on paved roads. There's no need to push it and have something happen off-road, especially if you haven't taken the 4R it yet and gotten used to it. I lived in CO for 23 years and that is the most beautiful part off the state in my opinion, and I never even went off-road there.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3000 using Tapatalk

 

[wfo9]

So I have to ask - I'm planning to head to Ouray in a couple days and do some of the trails. My 4runner is pretty basic - lift, sliders, tires.

This picture amongs that other recent death story are a bit uneasy.

What trails around Ouray would you recommend for someone less experienced riding solo? We are 6500 miles into our trip and while I've done some off road in jeeps in the past, I haven't in this 4runner and it's been some years. This trip is more about the site seeing than the hardcore off-roading due to the size of our trip and wanting to avoid damage so we can continue on.

So... suggestions?

The trails are all very easy. You could get int trouble on a few of them though. If you have no experience avoid Mineral Creek, P Gultch, and Imogene.

Some super easy ones are: Last Dollar, YANKEE BOY BASIN, Ophir... These require 0 experience from what I remember.

 

[Herculean T4R]

So I have to ask - I'm planning to head to Ouray in a couple days and do some of the trails. My 4runner is pretty basic - lift, sliders, tires.

This picture amongs that other recent death story are a bit uneasy.

What trails around Ouray would you recommend for someone less experienced riding solo? We are 6500 miles into our trip and while I've done some off road in jeeps in the past, I haven't in this 4runner and it's been some years. This trip is more about the site seeing than the hardcore off-roading due to the size of our trip and wanting to avoid damage so we can continue on.

So... suggestions?

Alpine Loop... Easy trail and scenic.

 

[Jeremy556]

So I have to ask - I'm planning to head to Ouray in a couple days and do some of the trails. My 4runner is pretty basic - lift, sliders, tires.

This picture amongs that other recent death story are a bit uneasy.

What trails around Ouray would you recommend for someone less experienced riding solo? We are 6500 miles into our trip and while I've done some off road in jeeps in the past, I haven't in this 4runner and it's been some years. This trip is more about the site seeing than the hardcore off-roading due to the size of our trip and wanting to avoid damage so we can continue on.

So... suggestions?

Alpine loop (Engineer and Cinnamon Passes between Silverton and Lake City), Ophir Pass, Clear Lake, Corkscrew, California, Kendall Mountain, Stony Pass, Red Mountain Mining Area, you can't really go wrong for the most part.

P Gulch is not for newbs (it is the only somewhat difficult trail in the area) but there is plenty of warning and signs.

Mineral Creek is probably the most treacherous road in the area. While it is not nearly as difficult as P Gulch, it is a short route between Ouray and Engineer Pass, and it is a county road that shows up on pretty much every GPS, so lots of tourists and rental cars end up on it, not knowing what they are in for.

 

[Titanpat57]

I think the tale of the tape was when they flipped it back upright onto the wheels....just such a bad choice of lines, not sure what he expected.

 

[Eryan36]

So I have to ask - I'm planning to head to Ouray in a couple days and do some of the trails. My 4runner is pretty basic - lift, sliders, tires.

This picture amongs that other recent death story are a bit uneasy.

What trails around Ouray would you recommend for someone less experienced riding solo? We are 6500 miles into our trip and while I've done some off road in jeeps in the past, I haven't in this 4runner and it's been some years. This trip is more about the site seeing than the hardcore off-roading due to the size of our trip and wanting to avoid damage so we can continue on.

So... suggestions?

I asked the same question a few weeks back before I went out that way. Specifically about Imogene Pass, but I ended up doing Black Bear first down into Telluride and then taking Imogene up to Ouray. Middle of the week, there were several other rigs out on the trail. I had a passenger who spotted in a few places, but overall BB and Imogene were very doable if you take it slow and smart. Black Bear was my first off-road trail experience, it really isn't THAT bad; I didn't even air down and I felt fine the whole time. Maybe it was beginner's luck..

 

[wfo9]

I asked the same question a few weeks back before I went out that way. Specifically about Imogene Pass, but I ended up doing Black Bear first down into Telluride and then taking Imogene up to Ouray. Middle of the week, there were several other rigs out on the trail. I had a passenger who spotted in a few places, but overall BB and Imogene were very doable if you take it slow and smart. Black Bear was my first off-road trail experience, it really isn't THAT bad; I didn't even air down and I felt fine the whole time. Maybe it was beginner's luck..

WOW, I'm reading your post and wondering if you have read this thread. I don't want to create DRAMA... but cant help but react a bit.... Almost wondering if it is a troll post.


If your post is real...
I'm glad you made it down... but "beginners luck" and back bear are not exactly cool! It is what causes what happened in this thread and gets more things shut down and puts others in harms way.

You might just have natural ability.. and that is great, but first offroad experience down backbear is not a generally something to encourage. Just had to say that..

You are correct in that it is not "hard" at all. But, any mistake is a disaster and it gets it shut down for others to enjoy in the future. It's an awesome experience and I hope I can continue to take family and friends on it. I can only hope that people have enough respect for it not to get it shut down.

Everyone is different and I'm sure you were fine. I was like you at one point.. thought everyone was just like me and could not understand all the hype about things being dangerous... (I've done all the major adventure sports since I was a kid) But then I started guiding newbies offroad.. and I got a totally different perspective on what I took for grated that people knew as common sense. Anyone can learn... but some peoples instincts are totally off and need some seat time to get the basics down.

Also... conditions can change quickly. A casual drive can suddenly become a crazy mess off-road with rain or snow.. and you can't control the weather or predict it well in the mountains. So if your confidence is up now... just wait til you get caught in bad weather.... it will give you a totally different perspective... mother nature always wins and needs to be respected.

I think I'm actually guilty of encouraging people to try this trail without much experience myself. Thinking differently now.

 

[Jetboy]

So I have to ask - I'm planning to head to Ouray in a couple days and do some of the trails. My 4runner is pretty basic - lift, sliders, tires.

This picture amongs that other recent death story are a bit uneasy.

What trails around Ouray would you recommend for someone less experienced riding solo? We are 6500 miles into our trip and while I've done some off road in jeeps in the past, I haven't in this 4runner and it's been some years. This trip is more about the site seeing than the hardcore off-roading due to the size of our trip and wanting to avoid damage so we can continue on.

So... suggestions?

FWIW - I though Imogene was pretty easy. I would rate it probably a 3 out of 10 in difficulty. I don't think there's anywhere that would need 4 wheel drive. I did use 4lo for gearing though. At that elevation it's kinda gutless. I drove it on my street tires on 20" wheels. I also saw a stock limited on stock size 20's on black bear pass. These trails should not be a problem for your 4runner at all if you use your head. If you're worried about some obstacle - have a spotter guide you down or just watch another vehicle go first and pay attention to how they do it. I did get out twice on Imogene to go look where there were a few different tracks over a blind hill to figure out which one was easiest. The spot where that 4runner tipped - if you watch it being pulled upright, you can see that even where it did tip it's pretty stable. I have no idea what happened, but something pretty unusual.

The only issue I thought worth mentioning was the traffic. There's a lot of it. And there's a few spots where passing is kinda tight and you're better off to find a nice wide pull out spot rather than getting too close to the edge. Try to be patient and expect many delays due to other groups. It would be great to have a limit of no more than 10 vehicles per group to break up the 20 vehicle trains - that's what we do in Moab with club events and split the times by a few hours if two groups hit the same trail so it's not clogging it up too bad. And the groups need to recognize that it's their responsibility to pull off and let other people go some of the time as well - usually they seem to think they have an express pass or something to make everyone else pull off the trail for them. Anyway - rant over. Just expect a lot of delays and be patient. Get out and enjoy the views. Go for a hike or you'll miss a lot that you can't see out the window.

Good luck.

 

[Toffees]

WOW, I'm reading your post and wondering if you have read this thread. I don't want to create DRAMA... but cant help but react a bit.... Almost wondering if it is a troll post.


If your post is real...
I'm glad you made it down... but "beginners luck" and back bear are not exactly cool! It is what causes what happened in this thread and gets more things shut down and puts others in harms way.

You might just have natural ability.. and that is great, but first offroad experience down backbear is not a generally something to encourage. Just had to say that..

You are correct in that it is not "hard" at all. But, any mistake is a disaster and it gets it shut down for others to enjoy in the future. It's an awesome experience and I hope I can continue to take family and friends on it. I can only hope that people have enough respect for it not to get it shut down.

Everyone is different and I'm sure you were fine. I was like you at one point.. thought everyone was just like me and could not understand all the hype about things being dangerous... (I've done all the major adventure sports since I was a kid) But then I started guiding newbies offroad.. and I got a totally different perspective on what I took for grated that people knew as common sense. Anyone can learn... but some peoples instincts are totally off and need some seat time to get the basics down.

Also... conditions can change quickly. A casual drive can suddenly become a crazy mess off-road with rain or snow.. and you can't control the weather or predict it well in the mountains. So if you confidence is up now... just wait til you get caught in bad weather.... it will give you a different perspective.

FWIW - I though Imogene was pretty easy. I would rate it probably a 3 out of 10 in difficulty. I don't think there's anywhere that would need 4 wheel drive. I did use 4lo for gearing though. At that elevation it's kinda gutless. I drove it on my street tires on 20" wheels. I also saw a stock limited on stock size 20's on black bear pass. These trails should not be a problem for your 4runner at all if you use your head. If you're worried about some obstacle - have a spotter guide you down or just watch another vehicle go first and pay attention to how they do it. I did get out twice on Imogene to go look where there were a few different tracks over a blind hill to figure out which one was easiest. The spot where that 4runner tipped - if you watch it being pulled upright, you can see that even where it did tip it's pretty stable. I have no idea what happened, but something pretty unusual.

The only issue I thought worth mentioning was the traffic. There's a lot of it. And there's a few spots where passing is kinda tight and you're better off to find a nice wide pull out spot rather than getting too close to the edge. Try to be patient and expect many delays due to other groups. It would be great to have a limit of no more than 10 vehicles per group to break up the 20 vehicle trains - that's what we do in Moab with club events and split the times by a few hours if two groups hit the same trail so it's not clogging it up too bad. And the groups need to recognize that it's their responsibility to pull off and let other people go some of the time as well - usually they seem to think they have an express pass or something to make everyone else pull off the trail for them. Anyway - rant over. Just expect a lot of delays and be patient. Get out and enjoy the views. Go for a hike or you'll miss a lot that you can't see out the window.

Good luck.

Seems like taking all of these comments in context, it's not the trail here that's difficult, but the decision-making. A stock 4R often has very little trouble with the trail; it's up to the driver to make the right choices, which may be much more difficult without the right experience or help.

*And the consequences of mistakes, of course, are much worse than getting frame-deep in mud.

 

[wfo9]

Seems like taking all of these comments in context, it's not the trail here that's difficult, but the decision-making. A stock 4R often has very little trouble with the trail; it's up to the driver to make the right choices, which may be much more difficult without the right experience or help.

*And the consequences of mistakes, of course, are much worse than getting frame-deep in mud.

No doubt any stock 4wd can do any trail around Ouray except maybe P gulch. it's mostly all shelf roads and no real obstacles. But there are a few slightly tricky spots here and there.. but the consequences of a mistake are disaster rolling down the mountain.... There have been at least 3 or 4 of those disasters this year on various mountain trails in CO. All on what appear to be easy trails with some unexpected situations (weather, lack of spotter, lack of experience....). At least 2 of them were Toyota SUVs...

Black bear is especially controversial because of all the accidents there. There has been much talk about shutting it down for good.

 

[Jetboy]

Seems like taking all of these comments in context, it's not the trail here that's difficult, but the decision-making. A stock 4R often has very little trouble with the trail; it's up to the driver to make the right choices, which may be much more difficult without the right experience or help.

*And the consequences of mistakes, of course, are much worse than getting frame-deep in mud.

I think that's a fair assessment. If you can't keep from driving off a cliff - don't go on these trails. There's folks up there in subaru foresters, stock full size pickups, and similar who don't seem to have issues.

 

[Hltoppr]

Just FYI, while not particularly difficult, I've found that Engineer Pass from the Ouray side has some pretty good rocky spots....might give a newbie pause.

-H-

 

[sleevefullofaces]

Just FYI, while not particularly difficult, I've found that Engineer Pass from the Ouray side has some pretty good rocky spots....might give a newbie pause.

-H-

I'm pretty sure you're talking about Mineral Creek. I was there a couple of weeks ago and it got my full attention. The Funtreks book rates it as difficult.

ETA https://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.aspx?trailid=HGR220-208

 

[Hltoppr]

I'm pretty sure you're talking about Mineral Creek. I was there a couple of weeks ago and it got my full attention. The Funtreks book rates it as difficult.

That's likely it...I haven't used a guidebook in years on those trails. Although I did pass a Subaru wagon coming down...which I thought was pretty impressive (or they didn't mind rocker/undercarriage damage).

-H-