Road trip suggestions

[lewdog998]

Hello all. I have to take some time off in the next couple weeks and have about 9 days to play with. Looking for suggestions for trails or destinations. I will be leaving from Nashville TN, I want to go to colorado (been to Ouray a few times in the winters). Im not sure if off road trails like Imogene and what not are open this time of year. Im not set on Colorado, just somewhere that has elevation and more open spaces. Or maybe some cool slot canyons. I will be traveling solo. I have ridden and camped many places on my dualsport bike (DR650) so solo is not a big deal to me. East TN mountains are last choice because i can do those anytime.
My ride is a 20 TRDP basically stock except full skids, and sliders. (waiting on lift springs etc) Have all the usual recovery gear, track boards, straps, ropes, come along, shovel etc.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!!

 

[Oldmanb777]

If your thinking Kolorado, the high country is still pretty snowed in. It's still winter here, although today doesn't feel like it. The deserts of the South West
would be my first choice. Moab area for example. Or Big Bend area of texas could be good this time of year. What do you like to do? Are you bringing the DR?
I would guess your planning on camping mostly? The canyons of South east Colorado are great to explore this time of year. Mostly hiking there. How much driving do you want to do? Live in the car for 9 days, or set up in a base and explore the area? This years Easter Jeep Safari is over Sunday, and many youtube videos are already online. South West Arkansas might be nice this time of year. I have never gotten to explore that.

 

[lewdog998]

If your thinking Kolorado, the high country is still pretty snowed in. It's still winter here, although today doesn't feel like it. The deserts of the South West
would be my first choice. Moab area for example. Or Big Bend area of texas could be good this time of year. What do you like to do? Are you bringing the DR?
I would guess your planning on camping mostly? The canyons of South east Colorado are great to explore this time of year. Mostly hiking there. How much driving do you want to do? Live in the car for 9 days, or set up in a base and explore the area? This years Easter Jeep Safari is over Sunday, and many youtube videos are already online. South West Arkansas might be nice this time of year. I have never gotten to explore that.

first, thanks for suggestions....to answer your questions...

what i like to do....hiking, fishing, star gazing, campfires and whisky
Not bringing the DR
base camp or skipping around is fine...and yes, camping whole time.

you mention se Colorado...can you be more specific?

 

[Oldmanb777]

The canyon lands of South East Colorado. The area is ver desert like with large canyons. Lots of private ranches. However there is also BLM. Mostly will be county gravel roads to explore. The Sante fe trail went through there, both routes. Start with Picketwire canyon, and then maybe Vogel Canyon, both have camping sites. Picture canyon has good Indian rock art. Bents Fort is worth a stop. Picketwire has Dinosaur tracks and such. It feels pretty remote, and sparse cell coverage. It was one of the last places in the lower 48 with no detectable light polution, but idiot put up a cell tower a few years ago. But other than that its pretty dark sky. Bring plenty of water, nights will probably be cold. Lots of good hiking. You can still see some wagon tracks if you know where to look.

 

[Oldmanb777]

Pictures

 

[Oldmanb777]

There isn't a lot of Jeeping. And as I said very desert like. But I love the area. It has a very different feel to it. Not crowded like most of Kolorado is over run with people. There is an internment camp near Lamar, co. It is being preserved. Sand Creek is worth a visit if your into history. It might be only a slight detour on your way.

 

[lewdog998]

There isn't a lot of Jeeping. And as I said very desert like. But I love the area. It has a very different feel to it. Not crowded like most of Kolorado is over run with people. There is an internment camp near Lamar, co. It is being preserved. Sand Creek is worth a visit if your into history. It might be only a slight detour on your way.

Awesome...thanks for the info.

 

[BearBio]

Sorry! Most of my experience has been in the Mojave. Get that far west, let me know!

 

[ahtoxa11]

In in Fort Collins and yeah, it's still winter here at elevation; there's a storm on the way now, actually. Going into the hills there's still a lot of snow, so you'll deal with a good bit of melt and washouts, but there are trails that are opening, so there will be areas for you to check out.

You can use resources like Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX) to give you a good idea on statuses, etc.

If you're somewhere around Denver or Fort Collins area, let me know. There's a few of us that go wheeling frequently and might be able to show ya a couple of places on a weekend.