Colorado in a WK??

[cocco78]

We are starting to plan a little trip out to Colorado in August but have pondering which vehicle to take. I think we will probably spend a few days in Ouray and hit the trails around there. I have a dead stock 05 WK that i'm thinking of taking just for the simple fact that its 1500 miles from Michigan to Ouray and the WK would make that part of the trip enjoyable. But I'm a bit worried that the WK might limit my fun, or maybe it will make the easier passes much more exciting? Its a basic Laredo with the 4.7L so at least I have low range! But no skid plates or front recovery points... I've been out there a few years ago in a stock 4 runner and dragged that around so I know its possible.

I also have a TJ that I would prefer to have out there but the 3000 miles of highway will be pretty rough. The TJ is more of a rock crawler, tons and 37's, zero creature comforts but I have done some shorter trips with it... Its great on the flats and will cruise at 65-70 no problem but I can only imagine the 4.0L in CO, down into 2nd gear on the highway :bike_rider: So we have kinda been thinking of just doing a 2" BB and finding some Rubicon take off's and maybe fabbing up a skid plate or 2 but thats probably adding another $1500's to the vacation fund..

So any photo's or videos of WK's or similar out on the trails?

 

[wardrow]

For the area of the state you are talking about you will be fine in the WK. Despite my signature I lived in southern Colorado for the last 30 years.

 

[Bikemobile]

I live about2 hours east of ouray and have a stock wk. Ive been over paradise divide and on alot of the trails in the area with no problems.

 

[Sal-XK]

I would just throw some skids on that thing bro and get trucking

 

[JCMatthews]

I vote WK

We did that area a few years ago. We were in a stock '93 XJ, and the other vehicles in our group were an Excursion and a Suburban. We had a great time and went anywhere we wanted to. I would have liked to go back with a budget boost, and 30x9.5s mostly for the look, or so we could do Black Bear. I drove 2 different XJs all over, one was lifted one was not. I never was able to afford a skid plate, and in 13 years it was never a problem. If it were me I'd go with the 2" spacer lift, larger tires, and have a great time. You'll be glad 99% of the time that the TJ is at home. The 1% when you don't will be when you are wondering why you've put the money into building the TJ when you can do what you want in the WK.

 

[orangeTJ]

WK all the way.

I've been to Silverton twice, and you'd be amazed at all the stock rigs out there running around the hills. Even rigs such as For Escapes, or other mid sized SUVs.

I wouldn't want to attempt Poughkeepsie Gulch in a stock SUV though. The majority of the route is fine, until you come to a rock wall.

There's stock JKs on JK-Us from rental companies all over the hills too.

 

[Hill Bill E.]

I vote for the WK also. Last Sept my buddy Dave and I ran the Ouray and Silverton area, staying on dirt as much as possible.

You might have to watch tire placement in a few spots, but I can't see you having any problems making the trails in that area.

Poughkeepsie Gulch and a few of the hardcore trails around the BV area you'd rather have your TJ, but for a nice trip to run the mountain passes, the WK all the way!:coffeedrink:

 

[bob91yj]

I followed an old timer and his wife down Black Bear a couple of years ago, they were in a stock 4 dr Tacoma. You'll do fine any where you want to go.

 

[cocco78]

I guess this summer i'm just going to have to take the WK out and really see what it can do and get comfortable with it. It just sits so low to the ground it makes me nervous. I specifically got the WK for a DD so I wouldn't be temped to build it, but a little armor and maybe a BB wouldn't hurt. And not to leave the TJ out I might have a trip to Moab planned as well

Think it will be busy the week before Labor day? We would probably be driving home that Sunday and Monday Labor day. Any suggestions on loops? I'm thinking camping in Ouray and 1 day could be Black Bear into Telluride, then Imogene Pass, Governor Basin, and Yankee Boy Basin. Then a long day to do the Alpine loop? Then maybe head up to Leadville and hit some trails around there.