ATex to CO 2018 Fun Run - July 2018

Not sure if it matters, but I just came back from Colorado last week. Drove it all the way. There was no snow, and no ice.

 

What about hitting Black Bear while up there?

 

We're having an exceptionally crappy winter, very warm and not much snow. But don't be fooled, the same thing happened in 2013 and we got tons of snow in April and May.

 

Thank You for the verification.
Please stick around and point out any mistakes we may be getting ready to make.

Texans + Snow + Driving = Bad things are about to happen.

 

I started a list in the original post so we can keep track of Loops / Trails that we might hit while in the area.
As this progresses we can map a few out.

 

Cool, Black Bear is a couple hours north of the Alpine Loop I believe. Never had a chance to do it, but its an iconic one to say the least.

 

It ain't just Texans. The Alpine Loop itself isn't a technically difficult road, graded dirt that could be done in a day. I've never really driven the whole thing as a single day loop but I've been on all of it several times over the years. Normally planning is to stay in one of the towns on the loop and use it to access other stuff. But camping makes it easier since you're not tied to one place. I would book a hotel enroute one or two nights, nothing like a shower and restaurant sometimes. But otherwise just wander.

 

I like the idea of August time frame if this works out.

 

This sounds good also.

 

@DaveInDenver I like the freedom of camping plus the hot shower will be located in the back of my truck. Even though my wife will probably agree that at least 1 hotel night would be nice.

You should join us for 1 or 2 days or the trip.
We will be bringing Bad Ass breakfast tacos among other good food.

 

My beautiful wife long ago made clear that she doesn't mind camping (it wasn't something her family did much of as a kid) but that she's not into suffering. I don't have an on-board shower and a solar shower is enough for her as long as we make it into town once-in-a-while.

BTW, this was taken from the Alpine Loop, at the top of Engineer Pass between Lake City and Ouray. But when it's wet the west side can get a little exposed but you won't need low range or really even 4WD to do it. But if you're up for it Poughkeepsie, Black Bear and Imogene Passes are off the Alpine Loop and those you will.

 

Im going to need to up my camera/drone game for this trip. I foresee some seriously epic shots!!!

 

I want in but I need more solid plans in so I know when to put in for leave

 

My wife was researching Black Bear Pass for the trip and found this photo.

She looked at me and said "Hell NO, I love you, but Hell NO!!!!!"

 

I wouldn't even be brave enough to walk that.

 

@LUSETACO does this remind of that one time at Shamokin where we had to back down the mountain?

 

Not even sliders will help you in that situation....

 

A giant set of brass cajones goes a long way

 

Great pics, thanks for sharing.

 

Chit, mine would be up to my butt hole in a situation like that.