Recommended Colorado High Mountain Trail Driving

[Spaceman]

Has anyone found some great high mountain trails in and around Colorado. (New Mexico??)
We are looking for recommended interesting trails. Wife likes to climb to beautiful scenic spots high up. I like somewhat challenging trails.
Max trail rating about 6 out of 10. Don't want to do the real bad stuff & damage new 08T4R.
Drove trails around Silverton/Ouray area last year (Didn't try Black Bear, maybe this yr).
Also, drove some around Buena Vista.
Experience includes some Moab & Katemcy Aggie trail.
We have several of the books but, would like some forum member recommendations.
Leaving Houston mid August.

So..... where's some more good trails??
Any other great central locations with lots of trails?
Any input appreciated.
Thanks

 

[CSL]

Can't say it's a "high mountain trail" (as far as scenic views of snow capped peaks), but we just got back from a trip over Medona pass over the san de cristos (south of Westcliff?, hwy 50 I think?) We started on the east side and went over the range to the west. It was really cool. Mainly because on the west side of the pass you come out of the mountains right into Sand Dunes National Monument. That was an amazing place...like from another world. It had really great water crossings, but otherwise easy wheeling, but I doubt the water will be very high in Aug. though.

BTW, I posted a response to your question about the CO 4runner run this summer. Should be some scenic and technical stuff on those trails.

 

[Pritchnakoff]

I found this site quite helpful it has (for a non CO resident) every trail out there with pictures, ratings, maps, etc.

http://www.traildamage.com/

They also list some NM & UT trails.

 

[CSL]

I found this site quite helpful it has (for a non CO resident) every trail out there with pictures, ratings, maps, etc.

http://www.traildamage.com/

They also list some NM & UT trails.

"every trail out there..." Not even close. Maybe 1/2 a percent of the trails in colorado are on that website. (just being a smart ass! )

That website is a great source for a bunch of trails...but it's mind boggling just how many trails are actually in this state!

 

[nated05]

Can't say it's a "high mountain trail" (as far as scenic views of snow capped peaks), but we just got back from a trip over Medona pass over the san de cristos (south of Westcliff?, hwy 50 I think?) We started on the east side and went over the range to the west. It was really cool. Mainly because on the west side of the pass you come out of the mountains right into Sand Dunes National Monument. That was an amazing place...like from another world. It had really great water crossings, but otherwise easy wheeling, but I doubt the water will be very high in Aug. though.

BTW, I posted a response to your question about the CO 4runner run this summer. Should be some scenic and technical stuff on those trails.

I did that trail last summer, we had a blast. Here is another site that has quite a few trails with pics. The guy is a member here, but I havent seen him post in a while.


http://www.mycolorado.org/index.html

 

[darkeagle6]

Can't say it's a "high mountain trail" (as far as scenic views of snow capped peaks), but we just got back from a trip over Medona pass over the san de cristos (south of Westcliff?, hwy 50 I think?) We started on the east side and went over the range to the west. It was really cool. Mainly because on the west side of the pass you come out of the mountains right into Sand Dunes National Monument. That was an amazing place...like from another world. It had really great water crossings, but otherwise easy wheeling, but I doubt the water will be very high in Aug. though.

BTW, I posted a response to your question about the CO 4runner run this summer. Should be some scenic and technical stuff on those trails.

CSL is right. Medeno Pass is a great one. There are a lot of write ups about it in different offroading books and websites. The Sangre de Cristos are beautiful and you get to end (if you go east to west, which I suggest) you get to try out the Sand Dunes. There is an air-up station in the park to get you ready for the highway drive from there. It wasn't working when I went through and the Rangers let me use theirs. It's a well traveled rounte and a great way to try out dune driving for the first time.

While you're down there, there are a lot of other rountes, but one that you can use to help make a loop out of a trip is "Old Monarch Pass." It's not very tough at all but goes over the Continental Divide. Don't let anyone sucker you into a Mount Blanca run while you're down there, though. You will "fold" your rig if it isn't "rockcrawler" ready.

 

[Spaceman]

I did that trail last summer, we had a blast. Here is another site that has quite a few trails with pics. The guy is a member here, but I havent seen him post in a while.


http://www.mycolorado.org/index.html

nated05

Great Site!!!
Thanks for refering me to that site.
It has been a great help to me to check out all the trails with his pics.

 

[Ron Helmuth]

Medano Pass not really much of a pass

CSL has it right the Medano Pass drive is a great trip and not particularly difficult when traveled from East to West.

When you are at the Sand Dunes there is not a lick of shade except to the north and west along the Medano road.

You can park near the water and experience the only "real" beach in Colorado.

Take plenty of water and sunscreen.

Here is link to Natl Park Svc website-apparently the road washed out at the top just recently but has been repaired.

http://www.nps.gov/grsa/medano-pass-road.htm

For sheer beauty I always lead out of staters to the Crested Butte area. To the north is the Gothic road and plenty of wildflowers.

To the west is the Schofield Pass area and the roads form a giant loop. This is the backside of the famed Maroon Bells.

Ouray/Telluride/Durango- all in the SW corner of the state are all hotbeds for many 4wd roads and quite a few are beginner friendly.

Have a great trip. It's all an adventure no matter where you decide to go.

 

[ellmer]

Since you were around Ouray, did you do Imogene Pass? Second highest pass in the Americas. Easy vehicle wise, but you'll pucker at a few places. Engineer pass is another neat drive. Both take you over 13,000 ft. I have not done Mosquito pass farther north yet, it is the highest road pass in the Americas.

I don't recommend Black Bear Pass in a T4R, the wheel base is too long and you'll be doing 7 point turns on the switch backs.

 

[Spaceman]

Hi Guy's

Thanks for all the great info!
Printed it all.
Still planning....................

 

[Ron Helmuth]

easier to list where not to go

stay in touch as the time draws closer and we'll try to meet up if time allows for you.

here is a good link so you can verify if a route is still snowed in or whatever:


http://bushducks.com/tripreps/passopen.htm

 

[Spaceman]

Re: easier to list where not to go

stay in touch as the time draws closer and we'll try to meet up if time allows for you.

here is a good link so you can verify if a route is still snowed in or whatever:


http://bushducks.com/tripreps/passopen.htm

Another great site.
Thanks

 

[Darren]

Glad you like the site. Thanks!

I have not done Mosquito pass farther north yet, it is the highest road pass in the Americas.

Clarification: Mosquito is the second highest pass road in Colorado, but the highest through road over a pass.

I don't recommend Black Bear Pass in a T4R, the wheel base is too long and you'll be doing 7 point turns on the switch backs.

In other words, you've never been on it. A three-point turn is all that is needed and allows plenty of room. You could drive it in a full-size pickup if you wanted to. Not ideal, but doable (it has been done).

 

[Spaceman]

Glad you like the site. Thanks!



Clarification: Mosquito is the second highest pass road in Colorado, but the highest through road over a pass.


In other words, you've never been on it. A three-point turn is all that is needed and allows plenty of room. You could drive it in a full-size pickup if you wanted to. Not ideal, but doable (it has been done). [/B]

Thanks Darren.
I'm really wanting to do it this year. Hope wife will stay in the T4R.

 

[CSL]

Medano pass narrative

When you start from the east, it is just like every other rocky mountain trail. After you get over the pass the trail goes through a dozen or so water crossings and the trail slowly starts to get more sandy. Finally the trail becomes completely sand.

I think one of the coolest parts was winding through the typcial green vegatative mountains until all of a sudden you come around a turn and like from another world giant golden mountains can be seen. Here is a photo of when the dunes first emerged into view from behind the green mountains.

Getting closer

This is the view of the creek and the beach from after climbing up the dunes. The whole creek is only about 12 to 18 inches deep. That's my wife and two year old on the shallow sand bar in the middle

Sorry to turn this into a Medano pass thread, but I am convinced that this is a great trail for anyone that appreciates the fun of 4 wheeling and the wonder and beauty of God's creations.

 

[Ron Helmuth]

good narrative

sweet shots

one of those must see places for sure.

I never really liked the Sand Dunes when I would travel to them from west side to east-but the Medano Pass road has made me appreciate the whole place so much more now.

Good narrative CSL

 

[Spaceman]

Re: Medano pass narrative

When you start from the east, it is just like every other rocky mountain trail. After you get over the pass the trail goes through a dozen or so water crossings and the trail slowly starts to get more sandy. Finally the trail becomes completely sand...............




Thanks for the pics. I agree, this looks very interesting.

But, one question.
Can we drive our cars on the dunes or will we sink & get stuck? Can only so-called dune buggys drive these without problems??
Thanks again.