View Full Version : Recommend an easy Jeep trail with camping opportunities.
Looking to do a camping trip this weekend along with everyone else and their brother. I have a Jeep Liberty and a Ford Ranger FX4. Both stock. Not sure which one I would take. The Ranger has a little better ground clearance but neither is an off road machine. I would like to find an easy trail with access to some remote camping. If shooting is allowed, that would be a bonus. I was looking at Miller Rock near Ward, but it looks a little gnarly for my vehicles/skills. I would appreciate any suggestions.
henpecked
07-02-2014, 11:46
jones pass by Empire
Anything up Fall River Rd between Idaho Springs and Dumont, but likely to be crowded.
We recently went up to Meadow Creek Reservoir near Tabernash, and while the reservoir itself was rather crowded, there were plenty of trails beyond it where we were the only vehicle to have gone down that way this year. You could tell because I had to drive through all the fingers of snow reaching across the road.
wrestler034
07-02-2014, 12:40
Pm sent. Also: www.traildamage.com for more options.
The area circled in yellow is a bit North of Ward, plenty of first-come-first-served camp sites (most in a fairly wooded area). Probably best to get there early in light of the holiday weekend:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v355/hatidua/camp_zps73f8c075.jpg
Martinjmpr
07-02-2014, 12:50
Argentine pass/Leavenworth Creek trail has a lot of nice camping spots but they're pretty well known so if you want one you'd have to grab it early.
jones pass by Empire
It isn't open, snow is still drifted over the road. The road which you could drive a low-rider up and not scrape anything if you're careful.
http://bushducks.com/tripreps/passopen.htm
ThunderSquirrel
07-02-2014, 13:25
North of Vail there are bunch of Forest Service Roads that have been recently grated. Tons of camping is available there too.
FSR 700 is the main road from Vail, and it splits off into a bunch from there.
Muddy Pass goes from Vail to Walcott and connects to FSR 700
http://www.traildamage.com/trails/index.php?id=275
Breakneck is an easy trail. The "puddle spur" has a pretty good camping area at the end of it. Never been on a holiday weekend but we rarely see people up there on normal weekends.
tmleadr03
07-03-2014, 07:30
Alright Jeep guys. Recommend me a more difficult trail! I can handle with my rig at least a 5 and probably a 6 as an oh shit moment took the wrong turn. Where is a good network of those? I don't mind traveling a bit from the metro area. In fact less people is better if I can drive a bit and get that.
ETA: A couple of water crossings in said trail would be great too in case I decide to camp. I figure water crossing will keep the trail mostly empty and campsites a bit more open.
ruthabagah
07-03-2014, 07:48
Alright Jeep guys. Recommend me a more difficult trail! I can handle with my rig at least a 5 and probably a 6 as an oh shit moment took the wrong turn. Where is a good network of those? I don't mind traveling a bit from the metro area. In fact less people is better if I can drive a bit and get that.
Not sure if it's currently passable, but Bill moore lake is a great trail, with rewarding vistas when you get to the top. http://www.everytrail.com/guide/bill-moore-lake-4x4-trail . One note: I am usually not a faint of heart, but i strongly suggest to use the bypass (step# 5) vs going straight. It is REALLY steep, and one of my friend rolled his vehicle last year and was stopped by trees.
wrestler034
07-03-2014, 09:21
Give Spring Creek a try above downieville.
Jenny Creek is another good one. It's a spur off of Rollins pass. Easier than Spring creek but more scenery.
There's a series of these books for different areas of the state, damn good ones to have if you wanna go off roading in CO.
Alright Jeep guys. Recommend me a more difficult trail! I can handle with my rig at least a 5 and probably a 6 as an oh shit moment took the wrong turn.
The road up to Lake Como should be just about right for you. Google for pics, see if that's more your style ;)
kawiracer14
07-03-2014, 10:46
The road up to Lake Como should be just about right for you. Google for pics, see if that's more your style ;)
I heard it is in great shape currently as well. Shouldn't even need lockers.
ZERO THEORY
07-03-2014, 11:20
http://www.traildamage.com/trails/pickle_gulch/maps/map_small.gif
The very first obstacle should keep just about everyone out. You can camp and shoot at your leisure anywhere therein, as it's all Nat'l Forest. Enter at the campground from Hwy 119.
tmleadr03
07-03-2014, 12:02
The road up to Lake Como should be just about right for you. Google for pics, see if that's more your style ;)
I don't want to spend ALL weekend pulling jeeps out.
Spring Creek was great last week, but the easy road down on the Georgetown side (Saxon Mountain) was still a bit hairy with the boulders and one large rockslide blocking the road. We made it all the way though but the Saxon Mountain side gave me a little more concern than Spring Creek did, because I had the kids. FYI Spring Creek is a kidney puncher, just FYI. Lots and lots and lots of rocks. Not super hard other than a couple nice obstacles, but plan on some extra stops to take a leak.
I like the loop up around Camp Hale too - McCallister Gulch, Wearyman Creek, etc. I'm going to call in the morning to see if it's open all the way through as there are mixed reports online, but we're thinking about running that one on the way home from Vail in the morning. There is a good stretch on the North side of the loop that has a great watercrossing section, as Wearyman creek basically runs down the trail.
I also like the Bill Moore trail loop - but we start a bit further East at Red Elephant, run the Mill Creek loop if there is time, and then head up to the lake and follow Bill Moore down. Sounds like it's not open all the way to the lake yet though. Be sure to plan on time to stop at the Empire Hilton (a little shack you can camp in) and the kids love the Lewis Sweet Shop in Empire on the way back down.
I also agree - might as well get the two Charles Wells books if you plan on doing any jeeping. They are nice references. Also you can get the everytrail app for your phone and many of the Wells funtreks trail guides are available online for free too - you log into the website in advance and push them to your phone so you can keep track even when you're out of cell/network range. Traildamage.com and bushducks.com are also great sites for info.
Second Spring Creek, and there is a bypass for the first obstacle.
Wearyman/Ptarmigan was clear all the way today. Only a little mud and some small drifts near the top. It's a fun one if you like water. We came in from the Shrine Pass side. Nothing really difficult on this trail, just a fun run up a creek through the trees. The brush is close though, might avoid it if you're fond of your shiny paint job. :) A few nice camping spots on the Camp Hale side of the trail, and of course Camp Hale is a campground too, if you like the "drive in" camping spot thing.
http://i.imgur.com/VNkHDkz.jpg
Wearyman/Ptarmigan was clear all the way today. Only a little mud and some small drifts near the top. It's a fun one if you like water. We came in from the Shrine Pass side. Nothing really difficult on this trail, just a fun run up a creek through the trees. The brush is close though, might avoid it if you're fond of your shiny paint job. :) A few nice camping spots on the Camp Hale side of the trail, and of course Camp Hale is a campground too, if you like the "drive in" camping spot thing.
http://i.imgur.com/VNkHDkz.jpg
Oh dude.....that's cool! When I get my CJ5 done I wanna run with YOU!
tmleadr03
07-06-2014, 09:08
Did Middle St Vrain and Coney Flats yesterday. It was fun but traffic was a bear.
http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag113/bruunauto/Mobile%20Uploads/20140705_142854_zpsn86kat4h.jpg
http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag113/bruunauto/Mobile%20Uploads/20140705_132341_zpsrlrue0ih.jpg
And my paint job is a bit less intact now. Some pin striping all down both sides.
I have to say Coney flats rates higher on traildamage then MSV but I thought the MSV side was much more difficult.
mcantar18c
07-06-2014, 09:14
Hey tmleadr, is Chinaman Gulch something you can handle? One of the most all around fun trails I've ran. Can be done with open axles and 33s, maybe a little smaller.
tmleadr03
07-06-2014, 09:38
Hey tmleadr, is Chinaman Gulch something you can handle? One of the most all around fun trails I've ran. Can be done with open axles and 33s, maybe a little smaller.
I have lockers all around, 2.5" lift and slightly larger tires. I can probably do it, but wouldn't by myself. At least not till I get a winch a few other things installed. I really don't want to hike out.
http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag113/bruunauto/20140526_180303_zps620e8971.jpg
mcantar18c
07-06-2014, 09:44
The Whale's Tail obstacle might give you some trouble, but you should be able to get through the rest if you pick your lines right and have a good spotter. Definitely bring a buddy or two, never a good idea to go wheeling alone. Post up on CO4x4 that you want to run it on whatever weekend, a few people are bound to hop on board
tmleadr03
07-06-2014, 09:47
The Whale's Tail obstacle might give you some trouble, but you should be able to get through the rest if you pick your lines right and have a good spotter. Definitely bring a buddy or two, never a good idea to go wheeling alone. Post up on CO4x4 that you want to run it on whatever weekend, a few people are bound to hop on board
My goal with this vehicle isn't really hard trails, but remote trails. Doesn't have to be hard, just away from everything.
mcantar18c
07-06-2014, 10:06
Ah, fair enough. Grizzly Lake might be up your alley. It's a little challenging, but it's not very highly trafficked... at least it wasn't a few years ago, I haven't been there in a while
Oh dude.....that's cool! When I get my CJ5 done I wanna run with YOU!
Sounds like a plan :)
tmleadr03
07-06-2014, 10:09
Ah, fair enough. Grizzly Lake might be up your alley. It's a little challenging, but it's not very highly trafficked... at least it wasn't a few years ago, I haven't been there in a while
Now that looks wonderful!
mcantar18c
07-06-2014, 10:12
It's certainly a fun ride, and although I've never brought my pole up I've heard the lake has great fishing
Did Middle St Vrain and Coney Flats yesterday. It was fun but traffic was a bear.
And my paint job is a bit less intact now. Some pin striping all down both sides.
I have to say Coney flats rates higher on traildamage then MSV but I thought the MSV side was much more difficult.
Traffic on the trail or on the way there? This was a tough week with everybody out and about. We got lucky on our trail, nobody in front of us, which wasn't the case last week.
The ratings are always interesting, especially in the spring things can change quite a bit. We came down Saxon Mountain last week, which is normally an easy if bumpy road (2-3), but with the boulders and rockslide it was clearly higher than that. I'm annoyed I didn't take any pictures, but I did find this on wranglerforum. It's a steep dropoff down to Georgetown immediately to the right, so you have to drive up the hill, over the rockslide on the left of the picture here. You can't really see the other side where you come down from this angle.
http://i.imgur.com/4ljPR4H.jpg
tmleadr03
07-06-2014, 11:43
On the trail. I was with a pretty big group.
-not necessarily as difficult as some but the road to the trailhead for Mt Sneffels is probably about as scenic as anything in CO. An off-the-shelf Jeep could do it if they take it slow.
Kingsron peak isn't real difficult, nor remote, but good views. Coming across an unexpected rockslide coming down Saxon mountain would down right piss me off!
kidicarus13
07-31-2015, 11:14
I am looking for a Jeep trail <1.5 hours from the metro area, near water (stream or lake), and a place to legally shoot a pistols (i.e. National Forest). Does any area fit that criteria?
ruthabagah
07-31-2015, 12:27
I am looking for a Jeep trail <1.5 hours from the metro area, near water (stream or lake), and a place to legally shoot a pistols (i.e. National Forest). Does any area fit that criteria?
Pm your way
spqrzilla
07-31-2015, 14:09
I'm surprised no one gave tmleader03 a link to the trail he got stuck on last year [Coffee]
newracer
07-31-2015, 14:20
Ah, fair enough. Grizzly Lake might be up your alley. It's a little challenging, but it's not very highly trafficked... at least it wasn't a few years ago, I haven't been there in a while
Grizzly lake has gotten significantly harder recently. The rock ledge across the creek at the start has become very difficult.
I'm surprised no one gave tmleader03 a link to the trail he got stuck on last year [Coffee]
He never came back to the board after that, I checked. Someone find out what he's doing.
For something relatively easy, I like going up Webster Pass (http://www.traildamage.com/trails/index.php?id=50), camping along the way, and going over to the nearby trails on the Montezuma side. Webster Pass is a shelf road and very narrow; I did it in my lifted Suburban but that was a mistake. I don't know how to describe it but when you hit the trailhead area, if you go right, you do Red Cone, if you keep going strait, you go toward Webster Pass, if you go left, there are some really cool camp sites along the stream...this is on the 285 side. Disclaimer: Don't do Red Cone or a Radical Hill with a stock vehicle.
DireWolf
07-31-2015, 16:04
Don't do Red Cone or Radical Hill with a stock vehicle
^^^this..or without lots of experience/practice on unstable terrain & steep hills (the alternative is likely death for all involved).....
I actually had a momentary in-vehicle distraction once while coming down Radical Hill...almost ate it near the turn by the top...
Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk
^^^this..or without lots of experience/practice on unstable terrain & steep hills (the alternative is likely death for all involved).....
I actually had a momentary in-vehicle distraction once while coming down Radical Hill...almost ate it near the turn by the top...
Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk
Yeah, that would suck! The risk if something goes wrong is enormous
^^^this..or without lots of experience/practice on unstable terrain & steep hills (the alternative is likely death for all involved).....
I actually had a momentary in-vehicle distraction once while coming down Radical Hill...almost ate it near the turn by the top...
Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk
Please explain! That's on my to-do list. At least Webster is. I have no interest in difficult or dangerous trails, but I really want to explore what I can.
I'm restoring an essentially stock 1956 Willys CJ5, except for a 1972 D30 front axle, all new 11" brakes, electronic ignition, 12v electrics, and upgraded steering. But no lift and no big-ass tires, going with 6"x16" original size in offroad tread, not military NDT's. But it's not going anywhere until it's 100% rebuilt and reliable.
Please explain! That's on my to-do list. At least Webster is. I have no interest in difficult or dangerous trails, but I really want to explore what I can.
I'm restoring an essentially stock 1956 Willys CJ5, except for a 1972 D30 front axle, all new 11" brakes, electronic ignition, 12v electrics, and upgraded steering. But no lift and no big-ass tires, going with 6"x16" original size in offroad tread, not military NDT's. But it's not going anywhere until it's 100% rebuilt and reliable.
If you go to the top of Webster, you can watch people on Radical Hill; nothing but the side of the mountain after the turn he mentioned. The turn to the top is about as vertical as you can imagine. It is truly insane mainly because there is no room for error. There is no turning back on this one; once you commit, you commit. If you lose it and come down that hill past the turn, your are completely screwed.
Also: I personally would never go up Radical Hill with a carb and you need a built crawler with the safety gear.
But the shelf road up Webster is OK? I'm assuming that at the top of the shelf road you can go three ways - Red Cone, Radical, or over the pass and down the other side?
But the shelf road up Webster is OK? I'm assuming that at the top of the shelf road you can go three ways - Red Cone, Radical, or over the pass and down the other side?
Depending on conditions, Webster is fine. You can't go up Red Cone...one way only!
Here is Webster:60028
Edit: You can go back or down the North side of Webster. At the bottom you can go back up to Radical or take the trail out toward Montezuma.
So the shelf road and the saddle are Webster Pass, yes? What are the two peaks on either side? I thought those were Red Cone and Radical.
The peak on the left is Handcart Peak, right?
Radical is not right there at the top of the pass, you have to go down the meadow on the back / North side, take the leg that goes Wst, and then back up to another summit. It's not far but it's not right there.
I don't remember without checking the books, but you can get to the top of radical hill from the back side of it pretty easily - Deer Creek series of trails I think?? Several times I've run it and there are people at the top of the hill that came from the other direction but aren't going to try Radical Hill itself.
Edit: found this online. Looks like it was taken from on the Red Cone trail, but if you follow the pink Webster pass trail, you can see where it would intersect Red Cone, and how you'd have to come down off the peak and go around to the next one (I think the Radical Hill trail actually goes up Teller Mt.) to hit Radical.
If you don't pass the Cabin, you're not on Radical.
http://i.imgur.com/UUFSbwe.jpg
This one might help too. I took it from the top of radical hill, facing back at the back (North) side of Webster/Red Cone. You can see how you follow the trail back down the valley and then you can't really see the trail you take to get back up to Radical, but just go left instead of going right to Montezuma. If you look in the very bottom right corner, you see the cabin. That's when you know you're switching from the boring part of the Radical Hill leg to the fun switchbacks.
http://i.imgur.com/kkUME0X.jpg?1
Radical from below, right before the switchbacks.
http://i.imgur.com/hYTMf4e.jpg?1
There used to a few cool videos on Youtube of an RC plane flying all over Red Cone with a camera, but I can't find them anymore.
I'd bring my drone next time, if it weren't for the fact that I dropped it in a river in Nebraska last weekend, and never got it back. ;(
There used to a few cool videos on Youtube of an RC plane flying all over Red Cone with a camera, but I can't find them anymore.
I know the vid you're talking about, it was very cool! Can't find it either, but it had a weird name.
I know the vid you're talking about, it was very cool! Can't find it either, but it had a weird name.
I googled this, guessing it's what you're talking about. Cool.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruHpZS5B4vE
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