Colorado Trip Reports

Hey guys, I have a quick question. I know this is a trip report thread but I feel this is where I'll get the best answer from. So I'm starting my first year of college this year at the University of Wyoming but have always loved the beauty of Colorado. Being so close I foresee coming down a bit to camp and enjoy the outdoors there. I've been building out my truck for the last three years throughout high school with quality parts so I hope it will be able to handle quite a few trails out in colorado. I want to go camping in some more remote areas that Colorado has to offer as I don't like camping in campgrounds around RV's (that's why I built my truck up to get away from that), now my question is I've seen photos of people parked on grass in what looks like the mountains and haven't been clobbered with backlash from doing so, I've also seen people in the mountains camped out in gravel or just dirt. When, if ever is it ok to camp and park on the grass a few feet from a trail or is that to never be done? I've seen lots of other posts like that and it seems people are fine with it then other posts where people are completely outraged. Now I'm an Eagle Scout and I firmly believe in Leave no trace and leave it better than you found it and want to preserve these amazing places for others to enjoy. So I want to make sure I follow rules and laws on this sort of thing so I don't ruin it for others. If this is never ok please let me know. And what are some beautiful trails that you guys would recommend? Heres a few pictures of the truck if you want to see. Thank you in advance!

 

https://staythetrail.org/ Is the first place to start.
Some of the backlash was because at higher altitude the alpine tundra takes years to grow and heal.

 

FS MVUM maps, will show and detail what is allowed for "dispersed" camping and where it can be done. Basically those are the only places that allow you to leave a trail.

 

So you won't have to wonder WTF that is, Forest Service Motor Vehicle Use Map. You can get them at https://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/ohv/ohv_maps.shtml

 

Alright I will check that out. Thanks!

Ok, thank you

Awesome!
I just want to make sure that I educate myself before I go.

 

Another thing to note, even if the MVUM allows dispersed camping along a trail, it is always best to use pre-existing camp spots when available.

You can also get paper copies of MVUM's from Forest Ranger offices for free which I find nice to have around.

 

they have a few crews working on it from what i heard, maybe itll open for labor day

 

Sweet. I'll make sure to stop by some Forest Ranger Offices and make sure I pick up some! That's what I want to do if there are already existing camp spots along the trail.

 

Went to Kingston Peak with my brother, brother in law and our wives. I took @Reh5108 's advice and aired down to 15 psi. @Littles mentioned hiking a mile an a half each way to James peak. That sounded good to me, however I was with the senior members of my family whose ages are greater then 68. (I am 6th of 7 siblings). Their knees and backs are not what they once were so, next time. The temperature was perfect as were the views. Check them out sometime.

A few pictures:


Placing a good luck rock from our house on the Rock House (Mailbox) at Loch Lomond overlook.


After a beautiful scenic day it was time to air up. My model takes more than 3 times longer then my brother's

$180 SmittyBilt AIR COMPRESSOR 5.65CFM - SB2781

Smittybuilt.
Roughly 9 minutes per tire verses 3 minutes per tire - 275 70 R17 (32.2 inches) from 15 psi to 40 psi.
I had compressor envy feelings.

 

So did the wife enjoy herself ?
Damn 9 min a tire that’s a long time
No wonder you don’t want to air down

 

Yes! I asked her if she would go again and she said, “Maybe”. I am making progress!

 

Question for you guys about Yankee Hill. I'm possibly heading up there on Monday and wanted to do some shooting but I'm not sure where the shooting area is. I've only been up there a few times so I'm not super familiar with the area. Any help would be appreciated and thanks in advance. Oh and anyone is welcome to join if they happen to have the day off.

 

It sounds like you’ve done some reading up and I’d say what you’ve read is pretty accurate. The initial climb is the worst part, but the road is wide enough that there’s plenty of options for line choice. Just take it easy, get out and take a look if needed, and enjoy the views. They are truly epic!

 

@Texasbrons

Looks like the quote got messed up, but here you go.

 

Thanks! That's exactly what I was thinking. We won't be in any hurry. Looking forward to some good pics and maybe a video or two.

 

Yeah Pole Hill is nice. Went up there a couple weekends ago. A stock 3rd gen could definitely handle it if you take your time. There's a small network of trails up there too. Plenty of good sites too if you take the time to explore them all.


DSC00037 by Phillip Keefe, on Flickr


DSC00029 by Phillip Keefe, on Flickr


DSC00018 by Phillip Keefe, on Flickr


DSC00035 by Phillip Keefe, on Flickr


DSC00005 by Phillip Keefe, on Flickr

 

Ran Red Cone 8/25 with @CGoss. Trail was busy with bikes and sxs. We caught up to a larger group but they pulled off and let us pass. We got started just before a group of 10+ jeeps which would have really slowed us down. Weather was beautiful all day minus the wind at the top. We were joined by the resident mountain goats who didn't seem to mind all the traffic. After descending to Webster Pass we headed to Radical Hill and then took Deer Creek out to Montezuma. Trails were all in pretty good shape and nothing too eventful happened. At some point I nailed a rock with the passenger front wheel and flattened the alignment tabs on the rear lca mount. I didn't notice until I was on the paved road. Pulled over and got it sorted in about 15 minutes. It stayed in place all the way home. (Its still not fixed right but still holding alignment ) It was a long but great day.

 

last week i heard some friends and family from vegas were coming up to moab for a week. sadly with our tacomaworld moab week the next week i couldnt get time off for both, but i do have an awesome work schedule so i left sunday evening and came back tuesday night. The group i was wheeling with was a bunch of jeeps of mixed build levels but all were on atleast 35s and had both front and rear lockers.


monday morning we woke up bright and early with plans of doing poison spider,gold spike and gold bar rim. that turned into an all day trail and we finally left the dirt at 9pm.
We started the day, before even leaving, by working on jeeps.




i was truly impressed by my truck and the lines i was taking. i was following a jeep jk on 37s with lockers and wasnt having any trouble.
when we stopped for lunch we had a red JK on 40s snap his control arm mount off the frame, we attempted to weld it back on with a trail welder but after a short time on the trail we decided to just take the arm off and limp him out.







after all the major obstacles and not needing a tow strap once, i turtled...


The next day we had to do some repairs on some more jeeps and i attempted to glue my tail light mounting points back. we did Steel Bender that day aswell but due to starting at 3pm and not getting out till 8 i did not get any good pictures.

after driving all night last night and getting home just before 7am, i cant wait to go back next week with all of you.