Planning a multi week trip this summer with the GF, dog and mountain bikes. Looking to leave from AZ, go through UT and on to CO. Possibly hitting NM on the way back. We generally try to do a shorter trip every year and will probably revisit our usual spots such as the Zion area and Summit County, CO.

This year however I may be able to squeeze upwards of 3 weeks of free time? so we want to go big.

I am looking for input on 4WD trails either scenic or difficult? or both. Remote camping spots or locations off the beaten path that are worth checking out. Fire roads are better than main roads for us, especially if scenery or water (for the dog) is available along the way.

For example, I think there is a road from Crested Butte to Aspen. I have no real idea as to how difficult it is, but that's the type of input or ideas we are looking for. We drove from Crested Butte to Marble a few summers back and thought that was a great way to go.

I'd like to find other routes that are off asphalt, yet still link places together. My rig is built for aggressive trails, but will probably have a shuttle box and bikes on top most days so will be limited somewhat.

I don't have a problem however getting a place for a night or two and stripping down the rig for more aggressive runs? so let's here some ideas from the locals. If you'd rather keep your favorite spots yours and not the world wide webs, fire me a PM with details.

Thanks

 

I've been thinking about doing a Denver - Albeqerque - Sonora - Moab loop ...

There is a trail from Silverton to Telluride that was on Superlift Off Road Adventures ... forget what the name of it was. There's lots of choices ... seems you could see most of Western Colorado on old mining paths and dirt roads.

EDIT: that episode is on tonight! Black Bear Pass is the trail..

 

We have some nice trails here...I would be happy to make some suggestions.

Not really any get to somewhere routes that I am aware of though.

TC - it's Albuquerque...

 

My only advice is holler when you get close, I would like to meet you.

The SW corner of the state is beautiful, good for camping and scenic wheeling.

Jim is a good host and I usually leak out and spell it ABQ.

 

I too would like to meet you.

I have not, nor will i ever, run black bear pass.

I recommend you come here, and we'll suprise you with a choice of trails.

 

Curious ... why not?

 

Its just not my cup of tea.

It is not a technical trail, but it is only a car width wide, literally, not very much wider than your track width, and there are switch backs where jeeps have to back up to get around them. All that coupled with the fact that it is a couple thousand foot drop to the bottom. It has had quite a few fatalities, and it isn't something i'm all that intersted in trying.

 

Thanks for the tips and invites. When time gets closer and plans get more firmed up I'll let you know when we are in the area.

Black Bear Pass sounds interesting. The trail book I had said 5 people died in one rollover on that trail from CB to Marble... but the trail itself wasn't so bad. I guess it's not a good idea to make small mistakes when wheeling in CO.

Additional trail or camping ideas still welcomed.

 

Silverton/Ouray over the passes to Lake City...definitely worth it. Great camping, hiking and fishing and VERY scenic. Imogene Pass is one of the harder trails in this area but your rig would be more than capable. Engineer Pass will get you from Silverton area to Lake City.

I've always wanted to do the trail up Mt. Blanca and Holy Cross. I would look into those for some more challenging, scenic wheeling.

 

I can't decide if I want to do Blanca Peak or not ... part of me says "FUN!" "SCENIC" ... the other says "Death on a stick, buddy"

http://www.traildamage.com/trails/index.php?id=112

 

The trail beween Marble and CrestedButte is called schoefield pass (with a loop using pearl pass I believe) We are going to try and do it some time in late June. On the the FJ guys over on TTORA is planning it. I'll let you know when and if you are not here then how it goes. Oh and why Flygstein and AxleIke said. Wanna meet you too and we'll surprise ya with a cool trail!

 

If you find yourself in Co. Springs and want to do some MTBing let me know, there are a ton of good trails for that here.

 

Thats my idea of a fun trail. We dont have any trails like that in AZ.

 

Thanks again for the trail ideas and invites.

That Blanca Peak looks to be a good challenge. Anyone here run that one before?

I lived in Breckenridge for about 7 months and every time I see pictures of the waterfalls and scenery I really long to go back.

 

Adrian i think has.

I'd love to hit that with you, when you get out here, pretty sure TC and other would be down as well.

 

I could be convinced to do Blanca with enough notice.