Ouray...Telluride... etc Sep 2007

[TheMike]

My Adventure trailer is ordered so My wife, 3.5 year old daughter and myslf want to check out that part of Colorado. The planned dates are 9-15 Sep 07. There really isn't any place the Jeep won't go so I would like to haul the trailer as much as possible. We plan to do just about all the published trails for the area in Charles Well's book.

I am not new to trailers but offroading with one is a new experience. If anyone is interested in tagging along or hooking up for a trail or two please feel free to drop a note.

Mike

 

[Andrew Walcker]

Welcome Aboard! :beer:

You'll love that AT Chaser! Looks like a great trip, wish I had that time off.

 

[TrAiLbUs1]

Just got back from there 2 weeks ago @ the fjcruiser summit, I love that area. I've been going since my first memories either in my pops Fj40 or his Cj5 and we always had a blast. I'm going to be in moab up until the 4th or so and wanted to go to OUray or To hell u ride on the way back to Tucson...just can't afford it otherwise I would be glad to wheel with you. Have a great trip!!! All the trails are very easy, but not if your afraid of heights if you have any questions, I know a lot about the region and the trails and would love to help you out. If you would also like to see pics I can post them on this thread or PM you with them...they are fantastic:wings:

 

[TheMike]

I would like to do everything with the trailer in tow. Right now the only concern I see are the switchbacks on Black Bear pass into TEX. I know everyone has an OPINION but has anyone trailered through there?

The main reason for this trip is to get some time away from work (Air Traffic Control) with the family and shake down the trailer/Jeep combo. As long as we are in out and about nothing is a NO-GO.

With that being said, suggestions are always appreciated. No trail is too difficult or out of bounds. I am hoping that early/mid Sep is a good time to be in the higher elevations and staying in Camp-anywhere-I-Want.

It's still a month away so...

 

[TrAiLbUs1]

Black bear would not be one you would want to trailer on, IMHO. There are few coming down into telluride that are a few point turns even with short wheel base, totally up to you and your skill level. Pulchipski (sp?) gulch may be a challenge also in tow, you will be fine on the alpine loop and imogene, orphir (which have only a couple tight switches) do some research about the trails and you should be good to go!! Leave the trailer somewhere and do black bear the views are amazing, and it's harder than most you will encounter..but still relatively easy.

 

[Darren]

you will be fine on the alpine loop and imogene, orphir

I wholeheartedly disagree. I've never seen a trailer in tow anywhere here in Colorado, and for good reason (not that it hasn't happened, mind you). If you can count on being the only one on the road, then, yes, you'd be fine. This particular area is sees numerous tourists, 4x4 renters and other novice vacationers, albeit a bit less that time of year than during the heart of summer. Guess what happens when you meet someone who has never been on a shelf road before and they have a pullout right behind them? What about a seemingly routine group of 10+ Jeeps who aren't all going to be able to back up for you? The San Juans, or Colorado in general, is NOT the place for trailers. Leave them at camp or have fun struggling backing up, and more importantly, holding people up. I suspect you've already done some thought about this, but am not sure why you're planning to go through with it.

Here's a related thread.

 

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Mike........

I've been all over the Alpine Loop.......Ophir.....Black Bear....Imogene........etc.

And I think you will be fine with a small adventure trailer. Anything larger......don't do it.

Just be sure that you are up to speed on your backing skills and you will be fine. Never be in a hurry!

Have fun!

.

 

[TheMike]

....I've never seen a trailer in tow anywhere here in Colorado...I suspect you've already done some thought about this, but am not sure why you're planning to go through with it...

Well, to put it simply, because I can. That might offend some folks but that's the truth.

Wheel base, driving skill, on board equipment, proper trail etiquite and some common sense all play a roll in a successful trail run. No matter what is being used on the trail.

I know that EVERONE has an opinion. How many times has someone looked at an obsticle and said, "There's no way he's going to get over that" only to realize they were wrong. In my opinion, most of the trails that require very tight switchbacks or even 3 point turns is not appopriate for trailers. That doesn't mean impossible.

Daren, it is very obvious your feelings on the subject. They would have more umph if they were based on fact rather than opinion. I don't want to offend but your firm response (not just in my post but in the one you referensed too as well) triggered this from me.

In an earlier post I asked if anyone has trailered through there? The question still stands?

I accept all opinions...both pro and con. Thanks for yours.

Mike........

I've been all over the Alpine Loop.......Ophir.....Black Bear....Imogene........etc.

And I think you will be fine with a small adventure trailer. Anything larger......don't do it.

Just be sure that you are up to speed on your backing skills and you will be fine. Never be in a hurry!

Have fun!

Thanks for you opinion too. I know my own ability and I was thinking along your lines.

With all that being said, forgive my harshness if it's taken that way. I did do some thread research before posting. I guess what I was hoping for was, "I tried and is was doable but with difficulty" or "I tried and failed miserably. It won't work"

Anywho...thanks for the words. I am going to the area it just remains to be seen what I pull through or not.

 

[durango_60]

I would, and have, take my trailer on nearly every trail around here except Black Bear.

 

[ckkone]

I will be in that area Sept. 15, 16 and 17 and I'm staying on Ouray. I will be on the trails on the 16th and maybe the 17th, just a short weekend trip...

From Ouray to Telluride I plan to run:
Yankee Boy Basin
Imogene

And on the return trip from Telluride to Ouray I will run either:
Last Dollar Road
Ophir
Still undecided on this have heard both are nice

I will have kids with me and we plan on panning for gold in Yankee Boy (weather permitting) and stopping frequently to take in the scenery. If that sounds like fun to you drop me a PM and we can meet up!

 

[TheMike]

I would, and have, take my trailer on nearly every trail around here except Black Bear.

That's what I was thinking. Thanks.

BTW, How do you like your new Rubi? You going to keep it stock?

I will be in that area Sept. 15, 16 and 17 and I'm staying on Ouray. I will be on the trails on the 16th and maybe the 17th, just a short weekend trip...

I will have kids with me and we plan on panning for gold in Yankee Boy (weather permitting) and stopping frequently to take in the scenery. If that sounds like fun to you drop me a PM and we can meet up!

I have to work on sun the 16th so at the very latest I will be heading home on Sat the 15th so it doesn't look like our plans can merge. Other than that, our plans sound similar. If something changes let me know and I'll do the same. Mike

 

[TrAiLbUs1]

I wholeheartedly disagree. I've never seen a trailer in tow anywhere here in Colorado, and for good reason (not that it hasn't happened, mind you). If you can count on being the only one on the road, then, yes, you'd be fine. This particular area is sees numerous tourists, 4x4 renters and other novice vacationers, albeit a bit less that time of year than during the heart of summer. Guess what happens when you meet someone who has never been on a shelf road before and they have a pullout right behind them? What about a seemingly routine group of 10+ Jeeps who aren't all going to be able to back up for you? The San Juans, or Colorado in general, is NOT the place for trailers. Leave them at camp or have fun struggling backing up, and more importantly, holding people up. I suspect you've already done some thought about this, but am not sure why you're planning to go through with it.

Here's a related thread.

I totally think it's up to the drivers experience personally, like i said black bear is a no go..but others are doable, I understand the shelf road experience..I've been in some hairy situations throughout CO dealing with passing on these smallllll roads...it's dangerous but if everyone on the trail knows the rules there are safety precautions that can be taken so that this doesn't happen.

 

[kcowyo]

...it's dangerous but if everyone on the trail knows the rules there are safety precautions that can be taken so that this doesn't happen.

That's a big if.....

We had some clown pass 4 or 5 of us driving up Cinammon Pass in June, while we were driving, not stopped! Assuming the other people on Colorado's trails have a clue about trail ettiquette is somewhat naive and could get you killed.

If one is going to assume anything in the San Juans, assume everyone else on the trail doesn't know what they're doing and give them a wide berth as they approach. People not overly familiar with the trails often think and act like the Alpine Loop is a carnival ride and they lose their minds and common sense.

I share Darren's sentiments regarding trailers on some of the tougher trails like Black Bear and Immogene but after seeing durango_60 and Willman pull their trailers up Yankee Boy and over Cinnamon Pass, I will soften my stance somewhat. I still believe a trailer would be a PITA in the switchbacks, but with a short wheelbase vehicle like a Jeep it is doable. I watched Willman's wife drive down Cinammon in their d'cab Tacoma pulling his trailer and it did great.

Wheel base, driving skill, on board equipment, proper trail etiquite and some common sense all play a roll in a successful trail run. No matter what is being used on the trail.

You keep reminding yourself of that and you'll have a great trip. But seriously, stay the hell off Black Bear with your trailer.

:beer:

 

[TheMike]

...
You keep reminding yourself of that and you'll have a great trip. But seriously, stay the hell off Black Bear with your trailer.

:beer:

Giddy-up! Black Bear was the one trail that was in quesion. I never planned to do it with the trailer so no worries.

 

[durango_60]

That's what I was thinking. Thanks.

BTW, How do you like your new Rubi? You going to keep it stock?

I love the new Rubi, I keep repeating the keep it stock mantra but I've gone ahead with a RE 2" Lift and a Shrockworks bumper. I'm itching for a new rear bumper and some larger meat but I'm trying like hell to remain content for now...