As I posted in another thread, we're headed out to Ouray, Silverton, and Telluride next week. I see all the rain that you've been getting and the forecast doesn't look any better. What are the conditions of the trails (ie: do they shut them down if they get really bad or can you run them at any time)? I would hate to drive all that way for nothing.

Thanks!

 

Verbal. I think you will be fine. For reassurance, you might call the closest USFS/BLM field office of the area and trails you are specifically interested in.

About the only time I have seen a trail closed due to rain in my area of Colorado is if it is completly gone, or washed out, and even then it may still be open to a point.

Colorado has many trails. Unless your heart is set on just a choice few, you won't run out of trails to run, depending on the severity of the trail you are searching for. Good luck!

 

Have you checked this site? http://bushducks.com/tripreps/passopen.htm

It seems to be updated for the most part...

 

Great resources, thanks!

I'm not too familiar with the area and the JK isn't decked out with aftermarket bumpers and rocker guards yet so we'll only be hitting light to moderate trails at this time. First time to the area and looking forward to it!

 

You'll be fine, the only trail I had any trouble on last weekend was Poughkepsie. We've gotten a lot of rain, but coming out of a drought the ground is soaking it up like a sponge.

 

When you get into Ouray you can check at the Visitor Center/Chamber of Commerce and they can provide details on the roads. They are right next to the hotsprings.

Unless there have been really big storms, I doubt there will be any problems. Afternoon thunderstorms are almost a daily occurance in the mountains this time of year, so you will likely encounter some rain.

Have fun!

 

Ophir Pass was supposed to be closed this week, but I'm thinking that was so they could bulldoze it. Black Bear Pass was open Saturday and simply fantastic. Would love to go with you, but I'm here in Grand Rapids, Mich on business.

You should be pretty good to go on most trails. Try emailing the Creeper Jeepers Gang and see if they no of any more closures.

 

Apex road was dry

 

We ran into great trail conditions and great weather (for the most part) while we were there. Thanks for all the info, everyone. We didn't do as much as I'd hoped. We hit the ghost towns in Animas from Silverton, Owl Creek Pass (heard we could get good pics but it really wasn't a trail and we wasted most of a day), Yankee Boy Basin (we actually married ourselves there!!) and part of Imogene. Pretty lightweight stuff, but given my tremendous fear of heights, it was an OK first run. I wanted to do Cinnamon Pass but time didn't permit it. We will definitely have our sights dialed in next year. Maybe we can hook up with some of you all while we're there!!

The most horrific part was getting stuck in Silverton due to a mudslide on 550. It was cleared in a few hours, but like I said, I can't stand heights and that road sucked to drive at night.

 

Cool! Sounds like you will be back. Glad you enjoyed Colorado!