PetitFrereArmada
Explorer
Thanks. I will keep on updating as I go along my trip. Feel free to stop by for updates.
And I think you are right about the blue pond being Potassium Chloride.
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Road Trip in July: TX-NM-AZ-Route 66-NV-UT-CO-TX (May Add WY-SD-ND-MN-IA-MO-NE-KS-OK)
- Thread starter PetitFrereArmada
- Start date
Thanks. I will keep on updating as I go along my trip. Feel free to stop by for updates.
And I think you are right about the blue pond being Potassium Chloride.
PetitFrereArmada
Explorer
Moab, UT to Ouray, CO. The road was so quiet and I was on the road alone for most of the 3 hours trip. When I saw a little post office, I just made a uturn to go back and look at it. The smallest Post Office I have ever seen. I met a very friendly lady running the post office and asked if she knew the population of the town. She said 100. I said wow.
PetitFrereArmada
Explorer
Welcome to Ouray!
Let us go and do Black Bear Pass. Well, my plan was to get to the pass, take pictures and make a uturn. Well, halfway up, it started raining and I got to a slick rock that made me burn rubber. My QX tried its best but I started smelling burning tire. So, I asked my QX what does she think we should do? She said it is not safe, let us make a uturn. So, I gave her a pat on the back for trying and I took the controls and made a uturn. My Black Bear, did not want to play on Black Bear Pass because she was wet.
Let us go and do Black Bear Pass. Well, my plan was to get to the pass, take pictures and make a uturn. Well, halfway up, it started raining and I got to a slick rock that made me burn rubber. My QX tried its best but I started smelling burning tire. So, I asked my QX what does she think we should do? She said it is not safe, let us make a uturn. So, I gave her a pat on the back for trying and I took the controls and made a uturn. My Black Bear, did not want to play on Black Bear Pass because she was wet.
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PetitFrereArmada
Explorer
Yankee Boy Basin with FJs.
I met up with the FJs. Great group of people. All very helpful and shared great tips and asked if I am sure I feel comfortable going up with them. I said yes, would love to be part of the convoy. So, we started off. Started off easy, steady but fast pace and then it got rocky and a bit more challenging until we got to a point where we stopped. I thought I would scratch my bumpers at a couple of places, but thank God I approached some declines or say compressions at an angle, way different than the FJs ahead of me with lifts were doing. So, I avoided scrapping my bumper.
We stopped here for a breather and some pics. Then the trail leader gave some more tips on how to tackle the last section. Advising people to use their lockers and ATrac. Ok, that was just news to me as I do not have any of those things on my QX. But he was so nice in explaining to me how tough it is ahead and said they would not mind letting me keep on going with them as long as I feel comfortable. With his wise knowledge and the weather and the fact that is was getting dark from this point, I decided this would be the best place for me to turn around. I thanked them for the run and bid them farewell as I made a uturn.
Down the road a Jeep came and overtook me with a led bar light on. So, I just pulled over and decided to turn mine on as it was getting dark and I lit the night away as I continued my descent. Overall, a fun night.
I met up with the FJs. Great group of people. All very helpful and shared great tips and asked if I am sure I feel comfortable going up with them. I said yes, would love to be part of the convoy. So, we started off. Started off easy, steady but fast pace and then it got rocky and a bit more challenging until we got to a point where we stopped. I thought I would scratch my bumpers at a couple of places, but thank God I approached some declines or say compressions at an angle, way different than the FJs ahead of me with lifts were doing. So, I avoided scrapping my bumper.
We stopped here for a breather and some pics. Then the trail leader gave some more tips on how to tackle the last section. Advising people to use their lockers and ATrac. Ok, that was just news to me as I do not have any of those things on my QX. But he was so nice in explaining to me how tough it is ahead and said they would not mind letting me keep on going with them as long as I feel comfortable. With his wise knowledge and the weather and the fact that is was getting dark from this point, I decided this would be the best place for me to turn around. I thanked them for the run and bid them farewell as I made a uturn.
Down the road a Jeep came and overtook me with a led bar light on. So, I just pulled over and decided to turn mine on as it was getting dark and I lit the night away as I continued my descent. Overall, a fun night.
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PetitFrereArmada
Explorer
Today, the plan was to go visit Silverton. Then do Ophir Pass. Visit Telluride. Then return via Imogene Pass. But the plan had to be modified a bit when mother nature stepped in.
Nice simple scenic drive on Million dollar highway 550 to Silverton. Visit some shops, had breakfast and it was time to get on Ophir Pass.
Downtown Silverton
Hit Ophir Pass. Ok, this trail is rated Easy, but I realize there is truly nothing easy about going offroad with a car which is not fully equipped. I met 3 FJs at the summit and got to talk a bit with them. I am glad they warned me about what was ahead of me. Some really bad spots. Then there was this couple in a white Dodge Ram doing the trail for the first time. God, were they glad when they got to the post office in Ophir to greet me and talk of how they freaked out the whole way down, just getting courage from the fact that they were following me and felt my car did not look as aggressive and trail ready as all the FJs and Jeeps they were seeing. They had street tires and never aired down. They made it but said they will not attempt it again. Also, I met a couple in a Subaru Forester thinking of attempting. After a short talk with them when we were bypassing each other, the wife begged hubby to please listen and turn around. I told them, they could make it, but there is that risk and best if they do it with someone. It was funny to me that I was telling them it is best to tackle this trail with another vehicle so they can have help if needed, while I do go on most trails alone, when I will really feel stranded if something happened to me. What I have learned about offroading is that it is truly advisable to do trails with another person.
Ophir Summit shows it is 11,789ft. I had always wanted to see if my Garmin Fenix 2 would report the same, so I scrolled to elevation and my Garmin said 11,017ft. I guess I needed to walk all the way to the top or something. I did not like the discrepancy, I was hoping my Garmin would be point on.
Who could go through Ophir without taking pictures of the tiny post office. I went and talked to the lady inside and every question I asked, she did not have an answer for. Lol, I thought she was an impostor. Then she saw that in my eyes and just responded quickly that she is a "filler" for the person who has this job. That the person has other commitments and is not regular at work again and so they are looking to hire anybody who wants to work at the post office. So, she helped calm my mind of why she is working there but does not have answers to the basic questions I asked about the place. Thanked her for time and was about to leave when the couple in the Dodge Ram 4x4 stopped to thank me about being an inspiration to them on the trail, without me knowing them at all. The wife came out and just said sir, I need to give you a big hi five. We talked a bit and we were on our way. Destination..., Telluride.
Pic of the Dodge Ram that was behind me on Ophir Pass. Owned by the couple who came and thanked me for giving them courage as they followed me on the trail.
Nice simple scenic drive on Million dollar highway 550 to Silverton. Visit some shops, had breakfast and it was time to get on Ophir Pass.
Downtown Silverton
Hit Ophir Pass. Ok, this trail is rated Easy, but I realize there is truly nothing easy about going offroad with a car which is not fully equipped. I met 3 FJs at the summit and got to talk a bit with them. I am glad they warned me about what was ahead of me. Some really bad spots. Then there was this couple in a white Dodge Ram doing the trail for the first time. God, were they glad when they got to the post office in Ophir to greet me and talk of how they freaked out the whole way down, just getting courage from the fact that they were following me and felt my car did not look as aggressive and trail ready as all the FJs and Jeeps they were seeing. They had street tires and never aired down. They made it but said they will not attempt it again. Also, I met a couple in a Subaru Forester thinking of attempting. After a short talk with them when we were bypassing each other, the wife begged hubby to please listen and turn around. I told them, they could make it, but there is that risk and best if they do it with someone. It was funny to me that I was telling them it is best to tackle this trail with another vehicle so they can have help if needed, while I do go on most trails alone, when I will really feel stranded if something happened to me. What I have learned about offroading is that it is truly advisable to do trails with another person.
Ophir Summit shows it is 11,789ft. I had always wanted to see if my Garmin Fenix 2 would report the same, so I scrolled to elevation and my Garmin said 11,017ft. I guess I needed to walk all the way to the top or something. I did not like the discrepancy, I was hoping my Garmin would be point on.
Who could go through Ophir without taking pictures of the tiny post office. I went and talked to the lady inside and every question I asked, she did not have an answer for. Lol, I thought she was an impostor. Then she saw that in my eyes and just responded quickly that she is a "filler" for the person who has this job. That the person has other commitments and is not regular at work again and so they are looking to hire anybody who wants to work at the post office. So, she helped calm my mind of why she is working there but does not have answers to the basic questions I asked about the place. Thanked her for time and was about to leave when the couple in the Dodge Ram 4x4 stopped to thank me about being an inspiration to them on the trail, without me knowing them at all. The wife came out and just said sir, I need to give you a big hi five. We talked a bit and we were on our way. Destination..., Telluride.
Pic of the Dodge Ram that was behind me on Ophir Pass. Owned by the couple who came and thanked me for giving them courage as they followed me on the trail.
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PetitFrereArmada
Explorer
Telluride
Downtown Telluride. Snacks, walk around, a bit of shopping and then strapped down for Imogene Pass.
Then as I start off, mother nature opens her eyes and lets rain to rain on Telluride and surroundings. I just said to myself, I have been hearing of how weather suddenly changes in this area but did not think it would be this quick. I checked with my QX what she thinks about doing Imogene Pass in the rain. She said since it is a moderate trail, it may get to Difficult in the rain with the rocks and slick clay soil. So, she says a NO GO. I look disappointed, but the QX has been performing really great though not having the best tires for this. So, all I could do was agree with her as we turned around and headed for the long way back to Ouray. But just as we get on the highway, there is traffic. Long line of cars all stopped because the rain had just caused a land slide ahead. Wow, as I looked at my QX and she looked at me. All she said was, "See, I told you this rain could make the road worse". So I am glad I did not force my QX to do Imogene Pass.
Some police officers drove around and told people it would be an hour to 2 hours wait until they could get the big snow trucks or caterpillars to come and bulldoze the road open and safe for everybody. Cars were packed on both sides for long and people just made friends and got out of their cars and started talking with others. And after about an hour and 30 minutes, the roads were opened as we drove through. And still got rained on some more.
Downtown Telluride. Snacks, walk around, a bit of shopping and then strapped down for Imogene Pass.
Then as I start off, mother nature opens her eyes and lets rain to rain on Telluride and surroundings. I just said to myself, I have been hearing of how weather suddenly changes in this area but did not think it would be this quick. I checked with my QX what she thinks about doing Imogene Pass in the rain. She said since it is a moderate trail, it may get to Difficult in the rain with the rocks and slick clay soil. So, she says a NO GO. I look disappointed, but the QX has been performing really great though not having the best tires for this. So, all I could do was agree with her as we turned around and headed for the long way back to Ouray. But just as we get on the highway, there is traffic. Long line of cars all stopped because the rain had just caused a land slide ahead. Wow, as I looked at my QX and she looked at me. All she said was, "See, I told you this rain could make the road worse". So I am glad I did not force my QX to do Imogene Pass.
Some police officers drove around and told people it would be an hour to 2 hours wait until they could get the big snow trucks or caterpillars to come and bulldoze the road open and safe for everybody. Cars were packed on both sides for long and people just made friends and got out of their cars and started talking with others. And after about an hour and 30 minutes, the roads were opened as we drove through. And still got rained on some more.
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PetitFrereArmada
Explorer
Today the plan was to do Corckscrew, Hurricane, Engineer and California Pass. But weather was not on my side as I started in the afternoon after a small rainfall I started Corckscrew, got halfway and decided the steep climbs with my tires did not match very well after a rainfall on this road. So, I decided it was safer not to complete it. I have been driving for 4,200 miles since I left home on this road trip and I still have about 3,000 miles before this trip is over, so let me not beat the QX too much.
Million Dollar Highway 550.
Starting Corckscrew
Returning from Corckscrew
Tried the starting of Alpine Loop and it was not fitting at all. So, uturn.
Returning back to Ouray, stopped at the overlook for some pics
Thanks Ouray, until we meet again. Tomorrow, destination Colorado Springs, CO. Here I come Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods.
Million Dollar Highway 550.
Starting Corckscrew
Returning from Corckscrew
Tried the starting of Alpine Loop and it was not fitting at all. So, uturn.
Returning back to Ouray, stopped at the overlook for some pics
Thanks Ouray, until we meet again. Tomorrow, destination Colorado Springs, CO. Here I come Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods.
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PetitFrereArmada
Explorer
My drive from Ouray to Colorado Springs was nice and uneventful, but the scenery did not stop to amaze me. So many great pictures I could share of the landscape. It is just beautiful.
PetitFrereArmada
Explorer
Last evening, I went and visited Garden of the Gods. It was small and nice, but since I have already seen some marvelous parks, this did not bring out thw wow factor in me, but it was great all the same.
Top left corner, make sure you can see the Kissing Carmels in the rock formation.
Top left corner, make sure you can see the Kissing Carmels in the rock formation.
PetitFrereArmada
Explorer
Today, I drove up Pikes Peak. Great drive, amazing views. $12 per person.
When you pay, the drive is 19 miles from the paying both. Then at mile 12, is the brake check stop for cars coming down from Pikes Peak. You will always see cars parked there who have been asked by the park rangers to park to cool their brakes before continuing. On my way down, when I got to the brake check stop, they told me my brake temperature was 250. And they told me anything from 300, they will ask you to pull over and wait until your brakes cool a bit before you continue your descend.
From the brake check stop to the top of Pikes Peak is 7 miles with the most scary switchbacks and awesome views on the road.
Since I wanted a video of me going down, I had to ask if someone could let me put my gopro on their windshield. On my 4th try, this nice local couple in a Subaru were nice enough to let me put my gopro on their windshield and we were off on our descend until the brake check point at which point I took my gopro off their windshield and tank them.
Top of Pikes Peak
Elevation 14,110ft
The train that takes people from top to bottom. For those who do not wish to drive
On my way down, after having a good time enjoying all the great views up top
Brake check spot. This is 7 miles from the top of Pikes Peak. From here to the end of Pikes Peak is 12 more miles, for a total of 19 miles of this mountain drive.
When you pay, the drive is 19 miles from the paying both. Then at mile 12, is the brake check stop for cars coming down from Pikes Peak. You will always see cars parked there who have been asked by the park rangers to park to cool their brakes before continuing. On my way down, when I got to the brake check stop, they told me my brake temperature was 250. And they told me anything from 300, they will ask you to pull over and wait until your brakes cool a bit before you continue your descend.
From the brake check stop to the top of Pikes Peak is 7 miles with the most scary switchbacks and awesome views on the road.
Since I wanted a video of me going down, I had to ask if someone could let me put my gopro on their windshield. On my 4th try, this nice local couple in a Subaru were nice enough to let me put my gopro on their windshield and we were off on our descend until the brake check point at which point I took my gopro off their windshield and tank them.
Top of Pikes Peak
Elevation 14,110ft
The train that takes people from top to bottom. For those who do not wish to drive
On my way down, after having a good time enjoying all the great views up top
Brake check spot. This is 7 miles from the top of Pikes Peak. From here to the end of Pikes Peak is 12 more miles, for a total of 19 miles of this mountain drive.
PetitFrereArmada
Explorer
My QX driving down Pikes Peak. From top to brake check point. 7 miles drive.
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PetitFrereArmada
Explorer
I did drive on Mt Evans today and I must say this drive was a little scary and fun. It is somewhat different from Pikes Peak. The drive from the highway to the tollbooth where you pay your fees to go up Mt Evans is 13 miles. Then from the toll booth to the top of Mt Evans is 14 miles. This is the highest paved road in America. Traffic is pretty busy on this road. And we got to see a lot of mountain goats roaming around.
This is 14,140ft, where cars stop and park. Parking is limited and at some spots you have to pay $15 to park. If I am not mistaken, going up this mountain can cost you about $30 to $50, as there are some places on the road that if you want to stop at, you have to pay a fee. So Mt Evans is higher than Pikes Peak. But people hike a little bit to go to the real top of Mt Evans which is 14,260ft.
I am glad I have the annual pass as it let me go in for free.
This is 14,140ft, where cars stop and park. Parking is limited and at some spots you have to pay $15 to park. If I am not mistaken, going up this mountain can cost you about $30 to $50, as there are some places on the road that if you want to stop at, you have to pay a fee. So Mt Evans is higher than Pikes Peak. But people hike a little bit to go to the real top of Mt Evans which is 14,260ft.
I am glad I have the annual pass as it let me go in for free.
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PetitFrereArmada
Explorer
My QX driving down Mt Evans. From top to 6 miles down the road. 6 miles out of the total of 14 miles from the top to the toll booth where you pay the entrance fees.
Martinjmpr
Wiffleball Batter
I've not heard about them charging to park at Mt. Evans, I wonder if that's something they just started doing this year? Makes sense though as parking can be a nightmare in mid summer.
PetitFrereArmada
Explorer
Oh yes. They do charge on the top. Very limited parking. So, all the marked parking with lines are all charged. Well, they rely on the honor system where they hope when you park there, you pay. The paid parking spots are probably about 20 or less even. But know how many tons and tons of vehicles go up there. So, people have created their own places to park. If not, there would be no place to park.
I see why overall, Pikes Peak looks better than Mt Evans. I may try to do a comparison of both.