...and had a great time!
The weather was perfect for a trail ride (overcast and rainy). Couldn't have asked for better temperatures.
It was just my aunt, uncle, mom, and myself. The first 2 miles of the trail are EASY. In fact, I radio'd to my uncle, "we do plan on using 4WD today, right?" The following reply included a few choice words
The trail splits off to the Mt. Antero trail. Wanted to take that, too, but ran out of time. The last 2-3 miles are very rocky and rugged. This is a fine example of just how rugged Colorado can be.
The trail summit features an abandoned mine shaft that has not been boarded up. I wanted to go into the entrance and look and the crystali on the walls but decided not to due to the loose boulders looming over head.
This trail tops out just above 12,000 feet and offers a spectacular view of Mt. Antero.
The fishing at Baldwin lake was great! I caught a 14" cutthroat and several 10"-12" cutthroat and rainbows. Didn't bring any home, just catch and release.
Saw lots of Toyotas up there. Mostly Tacomas. I gave the 14" trout to a fellow with a red Tacoma. Didn't catch is name, though. Also saw a lot of picas and marmots. As a matter of fact, I don't recall seeing so many in one place.

I managed to snap a few pictures despite the rain. You can see them
here.

 

Nice pics, Alan!

 

Alan, did you get your cooling issues sorted out? We missed you on the 12th.

As always, great pictures! Its hard to take a bad pic in that neighborhood unless the camera is busted.

Nice way to recruit the extended family to offroading. What's your uncle drive?

 

Great pics, Alan.

I have never been to baldwin lake but will definitely give it
a try this summer.

I have been up Mt Antero several times.

Looks like a nice trip.

 

Yeah, I REALLY wanted to go on the 12th. I've heard a lot about Crystal Mountain. Could have gone, but...well...

As for the cooling issues, I'm almost positive I've resolved them. I replaced the Hayden 14" fan with a Flex-a-lite 2x12" fan. So far, I love the new fans. They push almost 3 times the air the single Hayden did. I had know issues this past weekend, but it was raining and cool.
I'll be setting up another run up Spring Creek next weekend. That's the trail that caused my engine to overheat. That's the trail I'll test the new fans on. I spoke to Darren yesterday about it. I'll make an official post.

My uncle drives a newly lifted '98 Taco, reg cab, 4 cyl. He taught me everything I know about 4-wheeling. He's the one that convinced me to buy Toyota. I've seen him do some pretty spectacular things with an open diff Toy with Michelins on street pressure.

 

You should try Wheeler Lake. That's an even better trail than Spring Creek!

 

I thought about that, too. I have yet to make a post and am contemplating several trails: Mt. Antero, Wheeler Lake, Left Hand, and Spring Creek. I drove Left Hand a long time ago in my '92. The only thing I didn't like about it was the number of people. It's only gotten more popular.
The only weekend I have open between now and Co4RJ is August 2nd. I'd like to make it a day trip, but I suppose I could camp.

 

Oh, I thought you were making refrence to this coming weekend. Nevermind... I'm hoping to do Wheeler.

 

I might be able to join you on that one. Don't count me in for sure, though. I'll have a solid "yeah" or "nay" by Friday.

 

Sounds good!