3 days after we got our new '08 Rubicon in late September, we took a trip to Colorado. The Rubi was wonderful, everything we hoped it would be, and worked flawlessly. Here are a couple of pics.



This is a photo of the Alpine Scenic Loop road west of Lake City, Colorado. There was snow on Engineer Pass to Silverton so we didn't take the risk. Next Fall we hope to do the entire loop.



This is our poser shot at Anamos Forks ghost town and mine north of Silverton. We highly recommend these 2 trips to anyone who likes ghost towns, abandoned mines, and awesome scenery.

 

I would love to do a trip to Colorado next summer and do the misc. mountain pass loops. The pictures I have seen are breathtaking. I need a good source for a list of passes and times of the year to do them successfully at the prettiest time possible. Wanna be my guide?

You post some awesome pictures! Keep it up.

 

C_ here is agood site for general info on the trails, and conditions durign the '07 season. Not all-inclusive, but does give a good idea of what you might find during given times of the year...


http://bushducks.com/tripreps/passopen.htm

 

Thanks for the kind word about my photos, Ctimrun. We own a "tourist" western store in Jackson Hole and with the millions of visitors it is impossible for us to get away during tourist season. We usually travel for a week in the Spring (Moab) and 2 weeks in the Fall. We love the colored leaves so we like to time our trips for the peak of colored foliage. Most years it seems to be around the end of September or beginning of October and the temperature is nice. This varies year to year. Three years ago we saw the most awesome display of color we've ever seen in Colorado. Add to that the contrast of the green pines, clear streams, and fresh snow capped mountain peaks. It is breathtaking! This past Fall the color wasn't quite as good but still awesome. The weather was perfect this year. The risk is early snow closing some high mountain back roads but that is a gamble worth taking.

I recommend basing out of Durango for a first visit. Lots of 4-wheeling in that area from beginner to advanced expert. Information is available at local 4 x 4 shops and book stores. Lots of Jeeps in that area, just stop and ask questions. It is the trip of a lifetime. Also take advantage of the Durango/Silverton Steam Train. It is a fantastic, unforgettable trip. Don't forget your camera!!!

 

Oh, I meant to thank you, Gloworm 19, for the trail link at http://bushducks.com/tripreps/passopen.htm
That will be a fantastic aid for our next trip. I can't wait to go again. Meanwhile we'll just play in the snow although we haven't had much yet, but it will do until the "big one" hits. Hope we get it in time for Christmas.

 

Thanks a lot for the info! I looked around that site and it all seems awesome. I know we are not supposed to wheel by ourselves, but this would be a long trip for anyone from CA. Is it safe to go across these loops or passes by ourselves?

Gertie I looked at that first pic again and it is so beautiful that your Jeep almost looks photoshopped into a proff scenery shot. Great photo.

 

That first pic is awesome!

 

Beautiful pictures, you guys are really luck to live in a place like Jacson Hole and be able to visit places like that in Colorado....my dream is to live in Montana or Wyoming some day, just wish there was more work up there so I could move now .

 

I think God had Jeeps in mind when he made Colorado, especially in the Durango-Ouray area. I arrive there several times each day as I daydream about where I want to be when I grow up.

Almost all the trails used for mining way back when allow Jeep access to incredible areas.

I agree with the rec for the Durango-Silverton Train. Going roundtrip o the train however makes for a long day (you can take a bus back to Durango, which is a very neat town.)

I have hiked and camped several times in the Weminuche Wilderness, and can't wait to go again. My sons are now old enough to carry full packs, and they, too, have loved our time there. It is an amazing experience.

Summertime can get very crowded at times. September really is a great time to be there.

Bring a fly rod, and make sure to drive down to the San Juan River and fish the quality waters below Navajo Dam for 20-24 inch rainbows using 7x fluoro and 26 midge patterns. It is phenomenal. And only about 90 minutes from Durango.

 

Gosh I'm pleased you guys are enjoying my photos. I posted 2 nice snow pictures titled "Early Snow" on 12/08/07 in the "Show and Tell" thread. I'm a bit shy showing my work but look out, you may have created a monster here. You might be interested in looking at my latest post located in the JK Talk thread under "Lets see some SNOW pics and something to think about", 12/14/07. We got our JK in mid September so snow pics of the Jeep are scarce right now. I'm waiting for a real storm to show up so I can get some great JK shots in the snow. Meanwhile, I took a chance and posted one picture I took last January at Grant Teton Natl. Park here in the valley. I sure hope I didn't overstep the bounds here because it doesn't have a Jeep in the photo.

Kerryp, I just want to say that you wouldn't have any problem finding work here in Jackson. We are a booming ski resort/summer vacation destination and employees are hard to find and wages are real good for that reason. Most anyone can find work here in most fields of employment. There is a problem moving here though. Only about 4% of Teton County is privately owned, the rest is Government Forest, wilderness and National Parks. Therefore property is expensive and rentals are scarce. We love it here for all the obvious reasons. Maybe someday you can visit and check it out. Oh, and don't forget your camera!