The dropoffs aren't too bad except for a few places. The trails are easy in most areas. No tough wheeling spots in most areas.. If you don't want dropoffs then don't go down Black Bear into Telluride. Huge and scary dropoffs that always scare me some but tremendous scenery. If you don't want to go down the Black Bear dropoffs then just go down the trail to where the sign says ONE WAY ONLY and go back the way you came over Black Bear Pass to Hy 550. Great scenery back and forth over Black Bear even if you don't do the one way drop offs down into Telluride. Except for Black Bear and Poukeepsie the trails are easy. Imogene has some dropoffs but the trail is easy and very scenic.
Not many areas under 8000 ft in the mountains out here. Montrose where I live sits at 5800 and we are quite hot in August. Ouray sits at 7800 ft and has good trailer camping in town plus it's a fun town. There is real nice camping at Ridgway State Park at several locations plus a nice lake. This Colorado state park lies along Hy 550 midway between Montrose and Ouray. It might be a good bet for you for under 8000 ft. There are good camping spots in the Silverton area going up the Animas River towards Animas Forks but these are quite high as is Silverton itself. Silverton is a great town to visit.
Did Black Bear in a vw bus in 1972....God I'm old.....it was 2 way and we went up....man it was a ball. Did it downhill the next year in a Jeep. Telluride and Ouray are the best places in Co. & I grew up there!!!!! OK throw in Silverton alittle bit. Be there when the train comes in!:coffeedrink:
