Colorado Trip Reports

We did Redcone and Radical Hill, which I've done numerous times. It's probably my favorite local run. But this time we took a "new to me" route out. Saints John went from peak to peak along the ridges before dumping out into Montezuma. It kind of struck me as the northern version of the Alpine Loop. Definitely a great way to extend an awesome trail run.

The rest of my pics are HERE but be warned, I use the "spray and pray" method of photography and there are a disturbing number of pictures with goats in them.

 

Does anyone know what's in this stream to make it white (and paint the rocks white)?


Phosphorus? Lime?

 

Cocaine??

 

I was humbled this weekend. Bit off more than I could chew.

Chose to start out Saturday by running Twin Cone. I have never done this trail, and while I wasn't alone there were no other rigs present. This would also prove to be the most difficult that I've ever attempted. I have a friend who before every weekend likes to say, "Make good choices". I failed to heed that advice.

It started off pleasantly enough. Leaves are starting to change.



The first small rock garden I managed to make it through thanks to my spotters. I would have had better luck closing my eyes and going up it in reverse. I came off a rock so hard at one point that my locked tire carrier came loose and swung out, doing a little damage to both bumper and light:



I'm pretty sure this is where I also managed to do this:



And this:



But the fun part came during the steep-ish ascent through a series of loose rocks and dirt. If I had read my FunTreks book a little more thoroughly, I may have prevented this:



There, I was simply stuck. Decided to back up and try again. My backup camera and rear window were too dirty to see through. However, if I had a little more patience and let my rear spotter get into position, then I could have prevented this:



Luckily the hi-lift and fellow riders who now probably think off-roading is the worst thing ever were able to get the truck off of the boulder.



The boulder pushed up the bodywork, so now I have more crap to spend money on.



This picture reminds me of a dog's nose.



Well we got loose, but upon another inspection I decided to turn around. This is what I was attempting to get up. I should have went right. There is also an illegal bypass off-frame to the left.



I was exhausted so I grabbed a pay-to-play campsite at Kenosha Pass.



At least I got a fire.



The next day, after having spent some time pouring over some maps I headed over to Deer Creek/St. John's.

























You can see some ski runs and to the left some newer snow. Colorado's other great outdoor hobby.



A number of steep ascents (or descents, depending on which direction). There is one in particular though that was kind of scary. This wasn't the one.







I didn't take pictures of the really steep uphill climb, mostly because I was trying not to shit myself and/or die. Not sure which would be more embarrassing. After the climb:



This trail is pretty fantastic. Reminded me of some of the Alpine Loop.





These guys posted a little while back.



St. John's Township.



All in all, a great trip and learned some important lessons that will serve me in the future.

 

Did we see you up on Saints John yesterday?

 

You passed me while I was making lunch and drinking a protein shake. It was actually a beer, but close enough.

 

shame we didn't know it was you on here....
you should've said something or flicked a booger at us or something

 

Interestingly, the trail (named for the former town) is called "Saints John", not Saint John's.

I pointed this out and got hollered at by @Gramps for being a grammar Nazi as he thought the trail sign was a typo.

My google-fu today revealed that the town was named for both St. John the Evangelist and St. John the Baptist, thus Saints John.

Nobody except me wanted to know that, but if you read this, now you do so stuff it.

http://colorado-lifestyle.blogspot.com/2008/05/saints-john-and-wild-irishman-mine.html

 

I love history, especially when I can drive through it. Thanks for posting this.

 

I like this one better. It's a lot better angle.

 

Truck looks sick! ^^^^

 

That's awesome. Glad you researched it and posted it. Your pics were awesome too!

 

Here is a link to all of my pics from the run yesterday. We had a great time with everyone!

http://s243.photobucket.com/user/cosport/embed/Red Cone Radical Hill and Saints John 9-4-16/story

 

And some pics:

 

Not sure, but you can do that with photography. I think long exposure with very low ISO.

 

He's not talking about the photography technique (which btw, is a longer exposure typically in the 1/15 to 1 second range depending on light and how much of an effect you want - ISO tinkering not required), but the actual mineral in the water that stains the rocks. My initial guess would be calcium carbonate (lime, limestone, etc.) but I don't know for sure. Steamboat springs, which are cold water sulfur springs, look similar, but then they're coming up in a heavy limestone/sedimentary area. I know of a handful of creeks that look like/do that, and they're usually in the vicinity of mining operations. I think there are actually several minerals that can cause it. I do not recommend sourcing water from any creek/stream that looks like that, even filtered or treated. At least two of the ones I know of also have high levels of heavy metals in them from nearby/upstream mines.

 

Dude Get sliders!!!!!! They are super cheap compared to the amount you will spend fixing your cab or door. Don't get down on yourself for trying. Should you have gone with a second Truck probably but thats not always an option. You will get better with practice. 90 percent never leave the flat forest roads on this site.

 

Yeah, sliders are now priority #1. Thanks for the encouragement.

 

I did white rim April of last year when my truck was stock and had no issues... It was windy as hell both days so I'd love to do it again when we can actually get out and explore some of that beautiful scenery.

 

Spent the weekend in Buena vista with the FJ group and ran Baldwin lake, mt antero, mt princton and pomeroy lakes. Beautiful place , will definitely go back for more.
Here's some pics from Baldwin lake run.