Colorado Adventure 2009
- Thread starter IntrepidXJ
- Start date
IntrepidXJ
Explorer
Day 2: Williams & Tomichi
Day two was another early start. I was looking forward to this day. The main reason for planning my trip in August this year was so that I could run Williams Pass (which is only open for the month of August each year), so that trail was first on the agenda.
Of course, I did need to stop in St. Elmo on our way to Williams Pass for a few photos
...and I can't ever seem to drive by the Allie Belle without stopping for a photo, either!
...but I did finally make it to the trailhead for Williams Pass
The start of the trail in the trees
Day two was another early start. I was looking forward to this day. The main reason for planning my trip in August this year was so that I could run Williams Pass (which is only open for the month of August each year), so that trail was first on the agenda.
Of course, I did need to stop in St. Elmo on our way to Williams Pass for a few photos
...and I can't ever seem to drive by the Allie Belle without stopping for a photo, either!
...but I did finally make it to the trailhead for Williams Pass
The start of the trail in the trees
IntrepidXJ
Explorer
Then out of the trees as you get closer to the pass
Long stretches of bumpy road
Up at Williams Pass
Starting down the other side
IntrepidXJ
Explorer
The final descent down to the Alpine Tunnel Road
Heading back over 'the palisades' on the Alpine Tunnel Road
After completing Williams Pass it was time for another trail that I have not been on before because the last two times I tried, there were snow drifts blocking the trail.....so we made our way over to the start of Tomichi Pass.
Narrow road up to the pass
IntrepidXJ
Explorer
View of the Hancock Pass trail
Tomichi Pass
Panoramic photo from Tomichi Pass
Click here for bigger version of the panoramic photo
Headed down the other side
Made a stop at Tomichi Cemetery
To be continued...
Tomichi Pass
Panoramic photo from Tomichi Pass
Click here for bigger version of the panoramic photo
Headed down the other side
Made a stop at Tomichi Cemetery
To be continued...
scarysharkface
Explorer
I would love to drive and ride those roads!
Makedonas1
Observer
Is tomichi pass and hancock pass trails open in sept? Im planning on making similar routes though Co in september.
IntrepidXJ
Explorer
All depends on the weather......they will probably be open still, but there's no guarantee
IntrepidXJ
Explorer
Day 2: Marshall to Weston Pass
After finishing up Tomichi Pass at US Highway 50, we headed east a short ways towards Sargents and turned off to follow the old railroad grade over Marshall Pass.
Start of Marshall Pass
Easy road the whole way
An old foundation at the pass
We stopped and had some lunch up there
Headed back down to meet up with US Highway 285
We finished up earlier than planned, so we had plenty of time to check out a few more trails. We made our way north towards Fairplay to check out Browns and Breakneck Passes.
In the trees at the starts of Browns Pass
After finishing up Tomichi Pass at US Highway 50, we headed east a short ways towards Sargents and turned off to follow the old railroad grade over Marshall Pass.
Start of Marshall Pass
Easy road the whole way
An old foundation at the pass
We stopped and had some lunch up there
Headed back down to meet up with US Highway 285
We finished up earlier than planned, so we had plenty of time to check out a few more trails. We made our way north towards Fairplay to check out Browns and Breakneck Passes.
In the trees at the starts of Browns Pass
IntrepidXJ
Explorer
Old cabin ruins
More cabin ruins
Headed to Breakneck Pass along Sheep Creek
An old cabin near Breakneck Pass
More cabin ruins
Headed to Breakneck Pass along Sheep Creek
An old cabin near Breakneck Pass
IntrepidXJ
Explorer
Headed back down
Instead of hopping back on the highway, we took a right and headed west over Weston Pass
Some storm coulds in the distance
It rained for a short time but cleared up quickly
Soon we were back on the highway headed south. We ended up stopping at Jan's in Buena Vista for some dinner before heading back to camp for the night. It was another great day.
That's it for Day 2. Day 3 to come....
Instead of hopping back on the highway, we took a right and headed west over Weston Pass
Some storm coulds in the distance
It rained for a short time but cleared up quickly
Soon we were back on the highway headed south. We ended up stopping at Jan's in Buena Vista for some dinner before heading back to camp for the night. It was another great day.
That's it for Day 2. Day 3 to come....
Backwoods Rambler
Explorer
Great pictures. Really taking the scenic routes. I absolutely love that area (St. Elmo/Tincup). It's actually where I learned to love the overland travel version of 4wheeling 2 years ago.
IntrepidXJ
Explorer
Day 3: Sangre de Cristo Mountains & The Great Dunes
Day 3 was spent exploring the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, including some time at the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. We started out heading south on US 285 to Villa Grove, where we turned off the pavement and took Hayden Pass over the mountains.
After reaching the pavement again we headed south and topped off the gas tank in Westcliffe before making our way over to Medano Pass. I'll also mention that right before the turnoff to Medano Pass, we had a bear run across the highway in front of us....it was actually our first bear sighting.
Start of Medano Pass
Sandy two-track
Entering the National Park
First spotting of the dunes, straight ahead
Day 3 was spent exploring the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, including some time at the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. We started out heading south on US 285 to Villa Grove, where we turned off the pavement and took Hayden Pass over the mountains.
After reaching the pavement again we headed south and topped off the gas tank in Westcliffe before making our way over to Medano Pass. I'll also mention that right before the turnoff to Medano Pass, we had a bear run across the highway in front of us....it was actually our first bear sighting.
Start of Medano Pass
Sandy two-track
Entering the National Park
First spotting of the dunes, straight ahead
IntrepidXJ
Explorer
Looking back on the sandy trail
Finally getting closer to the dunes
Finally getting closer to the dunes