Colorado offroad experts... I have a trip plan starting for next summer and need some advice:

So, wife and kids are jetting off to Europe with my mother-in-law for two weeks in August (2022). I was not invited, which works well for a trip to the mountains. 14 days, 2015 dble cab tacoma and my dog.

This is all in the initial planning stages. I have a friend with a cabin on Cascade creek up past Purgatory (near Durango.) Thinking of a two day dash from Wisco to Durango. Play around Silverton, Ouray, Telluride for a few days and then head north toward Cody with the Morrison Jeep trail up there as my destination.

So, what trails are the must do's? Thinking Blackbear-Imogene, Alpine Loop with Engineer and Cinnamon. What else is there in that area that is a must do? Also really prefer fewer people and dispersed camping, so any help there as well.

Finally, any suggestions for fun excursions/trails as I go north. I have the Colorado Back Roads and 4 Wheel Drive Trails book for the southern half coming, not sure if I should buy the northern companion, but certainly hoping for some input on fun roads that are off the beaten path and camping suggestions to get through the mountains north.

As I said-this is in the initial planning stages. Books are coming, but hoping for some local knowledge and advice (I have all winter to plan, and I will.)

Thank you in advance!

Pat

 

Please list your suspension mods, tires, etc and what recover stuff you carry.

 

Okay: Truck has a 2 1/2 inch lift with 255/85r16 BFG KM3's. Tom Wood one piece drive shaft. Front has a receiver to frame for recoveries, or my winch plate. Have a #9000 winch (front or rear access.) Rear (will have in a week or so) high clearance plate bumper. I will have new custom rear springs from Alcan before summer. I also carry a compressor, two bottle jacks, full size spare, shovel, axe, Hi-Lift and a fairly extensive tool kit. Two fire extinguishers and a first aid kit as well. Oh, and a come along and a 20' tow strap that I used before the winch-although I have never needed either.

 

Badass!