This summer I hit the road in my '06 Dodge 4x4 to explore the western US/Canadian parks and backroads. June 25 to August 20 I had the chance to explore some of the most beautiful scenery and take some fantastic dirt roads/4x4 trails. Many thanks to the various members on this board for excellent route suggestions and for trip reports that helped me develop my plan.
Click the map for a link to the full route:
I spent the previous 9 months getting parts and plans together, and things worked out as well as they could have.
I started out in FL and cruised across the Southeast, once I hit Texas I started to head north and do some real exploring.
I deviated a bit initially because i was behind schedule, so I missed out on Carsbad Caverns and the Great Sand Dunes, but after that largely stuck to the plan.
Here are a few teaser pictures, I will get more up soon and begin telling the story. How much detail depends on the interest level here.
Suspension install FL
Thanks to the help of Cam, Kelly, and JP Donovan construction for allowing weekend use of their sweat, space, and equipment.
Vermillion Cliffs AZ
South of Page AZ after exploring Grand Staircase-Escalante and the western edge of Lake Powell. Found this amazing rock formation a few miles up a VERY sandy side trail.
Canyonlands Maze district exploration UT
Deep into the backcountry, on a quest to find the green river and escape the heat. 26 mile trail ONE WAY past the turn off to the Maze Overlook camp.
trail to dollhouse camp UT
Amazingly scenic, rather technical, and well worth the effort. Make sure to bring plenty of fuel and water. This 13 mile trail took a couple hours at our pace... the guide book suggested a multi-day excursion to cover this route and return.
Imogene Pass summit CO
13,114 ft. Ascending to the northwest from Telluride. This trail was provides fantastic views and passes a number of mining sites. A nice break from the pucker factor of the prior day's Black Bear Pass run.
Engineer Pass/Cinnamon Pass camp CO
More amazing alpine scenery, with easy access from the Silverton side. Engineer Pass and Animas forks are also required visits. Too bad I crushed my Canon T3i before we went up Engineer, the scenery near the summit is unlike anything I have ever seen.
Red Rocks wildlife refuge MT
Amazing stretch of dirt road from West Yellowstone to Lima. Very fast if you have the suspension to soak up the washboard. Lots of wildlife, rolling hills, and several lakes to see along the way.
Going to the Sun highway MT
The view from the summit looking back toward the Kalispell side. What a fantastic day. The park was even kind enough to tear up a good deal of the road and add several more miles of dirt to my tally.
Bow lake AB
The Canadian Rockies are too stunning for words. The accessibility and potential for iconic landscape shots is unparalleled. Our fantastic luck with weather is apparent here as well.
Surprise Lake WA
Back home in the Pacific Northwest. This is one of my favorite places to get away. Only about 2 hours (and a good deal of PNW pinstriping) from home.
Irish Lake OR
"When you cant get what you want, settle for something better."
My original route through central OR turned out to be a single track trail. A couple hours spent pouring over forest service maps and I had come up with a new route, and couldn't have been happier with it.
Click the map for a link to the full route:
I spent the previous 9 months getting parts and plans together, and things worked out as well as they could have.
I started out in FL and cruised across the Southeast, once I hit Texas I started to head north and do some real exploring.
I deviated a bit initially because i was behind schedule, so I missed out on Carsbad Caverns and the Great Sand Dunes, but after that largely stuck to the plan.
Here are a few teaser pictures, I will get more up soon and begin telling the story. How much detail depends on the interest level here.
Suspension install FL
Thanks to the help of Cam, Kelly, and JP Donovan construction for allowing weekend use of their sweat, space, and equipment.
Vermillion Cliffs AZ
South of Page AZ after exploring Grand Staircase-Escalante and the western edge of Lake Powell. Found this amazing rock formation a few miles up a VERY sandy side trail.
Canyonlands Maze district exploration UT
Deep into the backcountry, on a quest to find the green river and escape the heat. 26 mile trail ONE WAY past the turn off to the Maze Overlook camp.
trail to dollhouse camp UT
Amazingly scenic, rather technical, and well worth the effort. Make sure to bring plenty of fuel and water. This 13 mile trail took a couple hours at our pace... the guide book suggested a multi-day excursion to cover this route and return.
Imogene Pass summit CO
13,114 ft. Ascending to the northwest from Telluride. This trail was provides fantastic views and passes a number of mining sites. A nice break from the pucker factor of the prior day's Black Bear Pass run.
Engineer Pass/Cinnamon Pass camp CO
More amazing alpine scenery, with easy access from the Silverton side. Engineer Pass and Animas forks are also required visits. Too bad I crushed my Canon T3i before we went up Engineer, the scenery near the summit is unlike anything I have ever seen.
Red Rocks wildlife refuge MT
Amazing stretch of dirt road from West Yellowstone to Lima. Very fast if you have the suspension to soak up the washboard. Lots of wildlife, rolling hills, and several lakes to see along the way.
Going to the Sun highway MT
The view from the summit looking back toward the Kalispell side. What a fantastic day. The park was even kind enough to tear up a good deal of the road and add several more miles of dirt to my tally.
Bow lake AB
The Canadian Rockies are too stunning for words. The accessibility and potential for iconic landscape shots is unparalleled. Our fantastic luck with weather is apparent here as well.
Surprise Lake WA
Back home in the Pacific Northwest. This is one of my favorite places to get away. Only about 2 hours (and a good deal of PNW pinstriping) from home.
Irish Lake OR
"When you cant get what you want, settle for something better."
My original route through central OR turned out to be a single track trail. A couple hours spent pouring over forest service maps and I had come up with a new route, and couldn't have been happier with it.
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