Sounds like the creek crossings are going to be DEEP this year. That is a lot of moisture that just came down.

 

I don't have the 6th off, I just started a new job. But I can meet everyone in the evening, setup camp and stay for the weekend.
I might just have my CB installed by then, too!

 

So this is becoming more of a plan?

Is it feasible to think that we may be able to just find places to camp that are not snactioned campgrounds and stay there, like in the woods?

I am super excited!

 

All of our mountainous areas, save the Wilderness areas, are National Forests, which means you may camp anywhere . . . for free! That's what I always do, find a spot along the backroads and get comfortable.

 

Have we determined where we are going, yet?

 

I'm determined to make it a plan. We can most certainly find good, remote, streamside, campfire legal camping if we take Old Stage Road, southwest of the Springs. I know of several places that would be perfect for that, and they are snow free at the time of my scouting trip yesterday.

I'm thinking Eagle Rock and Mt. Baldy/ Captain Jack's area between CO Springs and Cripple Creek. Most of the trails are on south facing slopes so they have had plenty of sun to help dry them out. That area got nothing out of Saturday's storm, its mostly dry and ice free. There are no sanctioned (read FEE) areas up there. Its all either well marked and fenced private land or wide open Nat'l forest with no usage fees of any kind.

Also, I plan on bringing trash cans. Lots of that neighborhood could use some trash pickup efforts. Lots of the campsites are trashed. Let's make it a Stuff the Truck weekend.

 

I don't want this to die!!!

Who is in? I need to get out with my Toyota buddies.

A pair of day trips linked by an optional camping night would totally rock.

Its still open to suggestion as long as its within 3 hours drive to home for me. My idea is on the table, what are your thoughts?

 

I'm in.

I think we should try for Buena Vista/South Park. That's pretty close to equidistant for everyone in Colorado.

As for trails, there's:
Tincup Pass
Mosquito Pass
Mt. Bross
Webster Pass

Tincup is the closest to Buena Vista. The only refueling/airing points that I am aware of are in Buena Vista.
Mosquito Pass is near Fairplay. There are a few gas stations and a Pizza Hut in Fairplay. It's an easy trail to get to.
Mt. Bross is near Fairplay as well.
Webster Pass is closer to Jefferson. Fueling points are in Fairplay or Bailey depending on which direction you are coming from.

Mosquito, Webster, and Tincup (I think) take you above timberline. I don't intend to camp above timberline. You won't want to be around me the next day until I've popped about a dozen Aspirin.
If any of you want to get some fishing in, maybe Tincup is the way to go. Taylor Res. is on the way to Tincup via Cottwood Pass. Normally, you'd be able to camp on Cottonwood Pass, but it has been clearcut. There are places to camp on Tincup.

That's my 2 cents!

 

I have somewhat limited computing access and will be in Moab til Monday. Firm things up and I am in for sure.

Not sure about the freezing cold stuff, but I will be armored and clearanced when the time comes.

Peace,
Adrian

 

So, we have it narrowed down to Tincup or Weston, right?

Anyone have a coin?

 

Greetings check with mike at www.offroadsolutions.com they are going up on the 8th. Maybe tag along with them

 

How about www.offroadsolutions.com

 

According to KMGH 7, Cottonwood Pass was cleared today. Woohoo!

 

I drove quite a way up Cottonwood a couple of weeks ago. It was really fun!! At the time it was supposed to be snow mobile traffic only but I aired down and had no trouble getting several miles up the road past the snow line. MTRs rock in snow and slush!!

On where to camp, I think Lower East Tincup would be warmer in the morning. Its a go for me schedule wise. Who else is in for sure??

 

So far, I'm in for sure.

 

I better take that back for the record. There are Fee areas in the neighborhood. You end up paying for pit toilets, and crowded areas with lots of huge 5th wheels for neighbors. The fee areas are mostly on paved roads or maintained gravel roads.

On the more primative roads we are talking about its all just fire circles and some clear flat ground available to whoever gets there first for no fee.

Sorry to hear that you won't be there Darren. Can you do one of the two days?

If its just Alan and I we'll still have fun. I was hoping for a few more people though. The invite is open to whoever is out there reading with a Toyota 4x4 with low range. Please leave your RAV4s and Tercels at home please.

 

Removed original message due to corrupt brain messages.

I'm going to have a heckuva time when I get older, I know it.

Anyway, I was thinking it was this weekend, not next! I know (now) this weekend is not the 6th!

YES, I can make it next weekend (until I remember those important plans I previously made )

So when and where exactly?

 

This dwindled down quick.

Matt-
What trail do you want to hit?

 

I am still a go.

I have weekly computer access, but will check a couple more times. It would be great to some tough stuff, but scenery is good too. I want to see Darren's new bumper in person!

Name a place, post directions and I will hopefully be there by 10 on Friday night the 6th.

Marmot, Mike, Jade, any other fun Coloradans?

 

Ditto. I'll pack my stuff Thursday night and leave after work Friday. I'll be in BV by 9. Earlier if traffic is light (who am I kidding? )