Project-JK : 2011 JK Experience Rocky Mountain Run
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From: Laguna Niguel, CA
Project-JK : 2011 JK Experience Rocky Mountain Run
Over the last 3 years, the Off Road Evolution JK Experience, presented by Falken Tire, has been the premier event that every Jeep JK Wrangler enthusiast has wanted to be part of. Focused specifically on the Jeep JK Wrangler, this event has been designed to give manufacturers a platform to test out and prove the worthiness of the products they make both on and off the trail. Limited to only 10 sponsors and 10 invited guests, the JK Experience is an exclusive event and, being that this year was going to be an adventure through the Colorado Rocky's, it was one that we at Project-JK.com were thrilled to be a part of.
With a starting point in Glenwood Springs and an ending point in Grand Junction, our 2011 JK Experience Rocky Mountain Run would ultimately take us on a loop almost a thousand miles in length, in and around the Colorado Rocky's. Along the way, we would make stops in historic mining towns such as Leadville, Silverton, Ouray and Telluride and cross over majestic mountain passes such as California and the infamous Black Bear. Of course, what would a wheeling trip like this be without playtime on some of the hardest trails Colorado has to offer such as Holy Cross, Billings Canyon and the ever daunting Carnage Canyon.
For those of you who were unable to attend this kickass adventure, here are some pics of what you missed out on. I hope you enjoy.
The Journey to Colorado
As luck would have it, our good friend Trail Bud was able to join us on the 2011 JK Experience as a support rig for Falken Tire's film crew. Needless to say, we got to drive out to Colorado together. Here's a shot of our JK's at one of our favorite meeting spots - Bravo Burger...
Passing through Sin City...
Picking up some supplies in Mesquite, NV, just in case...
Man, you've just gotta love Utah!!
Being that we've made the long drive across Utah so many times, we decided to change things up a bit to make things interesting and take a side route through the breathtaking Capitol Reef...
Checking out some funky petroglyphs along the way...
With so much to see above our heads, we decided to make a stop to fold the top back...
Moby Dick and Moby Bud stopping for a shot next to the State of Colorado sign - the furthest either JK has been east to date...
I sure wish we had one of these in California. Being that we don't, this was a needed stop...
Stopping for some gas at the gas station of choice in Colorado - the Kum & Go...
Good beer and good times...
The following morning - getting cleaned up...
Yum!! Lunch at Juicy Lucy's...
Time to check-in at Falken Tire truck in Glenwood Springs...
The 3 Moby's unit - Moby Dick, Moby Bud and Moby Clone...
Mel making sure that every one came prepared with the required gear...
Check out all the cool swag...
Quick meeting about what's to be expected and what we will need to do...
Time to get stickered up...
Moby Dick all stickered up...
Caught in the act!! Bakari serving up his big tasty meatballs to a very eager Travis....
More pics from the JK Experience Rocky Mountain Run below...
With a starting point in Glenwood Springs and an ending point in Grand Junction, our 2011 JK Experience Rocky Mountain Run would ultimately take us on a loop almost a thousand miles in length, in and around the Colorado Rocky's. Along the way, we would make stops in historic mining towns such as Leadville, Silverton, Ouray and Telluride and cross over majestic mountain passes such as California and the infamous Black Bear. Of course, what would a wheeling trip like this be without playtime on some of the hardest trails Colorado has to offer such as Holy Cross, Billings Canyon and the ever daunting Carnage Canyon.
For those of you who were unable to attend this kickass adventure, here are some pics of what you missed out on. I hope you enjoy.
The Journey to Colorado
As luck would have it, our good friend Trail Bud was able to join us on the 2011 JK Experience as a support rig for Falken Tire's film crew. Needless to say, we got to drive out to Colorado together. Here's a shot of our JK's at one of our favorite meeting spots - Bravo Burger...
Passing through Sin City...
Picking up some supplies in Mesquite, NV, just in case...
Man, you've just gotta love Utah!!
Being that we've made the long drive across Utah so many times, we decided to change things up a bit to make things interesting and take a side route through the breathtaking Capitol Reef...
Checking out some funky petroglyphs along the way...
With so much to see above our heads, we decided to make a stop to fold the top back...
Moby Dick and Moby Bud stopping for a shot next to the State of Colorado sign - the furthest either JK has been east to date...
I sure wish we had one of these in California. Being that we don't, this was a needed stop...
Stopping for some gas at the gas station of choice in Colorado - the Kum & Go...
Good beer and good times...
The following morning - getting cleaned up...
Yum!! Lunch at Juicy Lucy's...
Time to check-in at Falken Tire truck in Glenwood Springs...
The 3 Moby's unit - Moby Dick, Moby Bud and Moby Clone...
Mel making sure that every one came prepared with the required gear...
Check out all the cool swag...
Quick meeting about what's to be expected and what we will need to do...
Time to get stickered up...
Moby Dick all stickered up...
Caught in the act!! Bakari serving up his big tasty meatballs to a very eager Travis....
More pics from the JK Experience Rocky Mountain Run below...
Last edited by wayoflife; Sep 15, 2011 at 06:49 AM.
Thread Starter
JK-Forum Founder
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 36,534
Likes: 16
From: Laguna Niguel, CA
Day 1: Holy Cross Trail
Day 1: Holy Cross Trail
Part of what makes the JK Experience so much fun is not knowing where you will be going each day. And, at our very first drivers meeting, it was anyones guess that we would in fact be heading out to "one of the most difficult hard-core trails" in the state of Colorado. Or, at least as it's stated in the Charles Wells Guide to Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails book. In any case, Holy Cross is a trail that we've been wanting to run for ever and, were we ever excited to have the chance to do just that. Here are some pics from our run.
Crack of dawn drivers meeting at the Falken Tire truck.
Getting ready to head out...
Heading east on I-70...
Awesome tunnels along the way...
Making a quick stop in Minturn to dominate the only gas station with a small army of people needing to relieve themselves...
Shot of the Red Cliff Bridge just before crossing over it....
Time to air down...
After a quick drivers meeting, we made our way over to the Holy Cross City Trailhead...
Ominous sign warning what the minimum towing fee will be if you get yourself in a bind...
While the scenery is beautiful, the first 2 miles of the trail is fairly easy and pretty much doable in a stock JK...
At about 2.5 miles, the trail starts to get real fun as you are presented with a steep rocky climb. Here's a shot of Mel in EVO 1 making it up with ease...
The rest of our group starting their climb...
Kevin showing us just how well the Falken Wildpeak AT's work on this rocky terrain...
Greg working his way up...
After driving his JK all the way out from came North Carolina, Ali Mansour, Feature Editor for Petersen's 4Wheel & Off-Road takes some time to get out and stretch...
With a little help from Jason's spotting, Matt in the Rancho Dynomax JK making easy work of this climb...
DirtyDevil looking sharp as he flexes his way up...
Shot of us as we rounded the top...
At almost 3 miles in, we pulled up to French Creek - this is where the real fun is....
Of course, as if the bigass slick rocks were tough enough, crossing French Creek leaves you with a set of sopping wet tires just to make things a bit more challenging...
The Falken Tire JK taking on a line futher off to the right...
Greg trying to work his way through...
After several attempts, it was time to break out the winch....
A good line is only as good as you can stay on it. Unfortunately, Ryan in the PSC Motorsport JK slipped off his and got fully turttled here...
So close and yet, so far. Mark from Discount Tires almost to the top gets hung up and dug in. After several attempts to work himself out, it was time to break out the winch and get the line moving...
With a tree saver and winch at the ready, Andy hammers his way up on a line far off to the left...
Being further back in the group, the rocks here became very wet and slippery making it difficult to climb even for someone like Lo2ay on his 42's. Once again, after several attemps, it was time to break out the winch and get us going...
On the move again with Powerline Patrol up next...
Us emerging from the waters and ready to rock...
Veteran of the JK Experience Randy doing his thing...
Skyjacker starting their run up...
At almost 4 miles into the trail, we finally reached our destination for the day, Holy Cross City. Established back in 1880, this mining town had a population of 300 people at it peak but, the mines played out only three years later and saw its end in 1884. Today, there are only two cabins left standing as well as a variety of old mining equipment including some cool rusty boilers...
Unfortunately for us, a group of less capable vehicles just ahead of us for the better part of the day ate up most of our time and so, the decision was made to not do Cleveland Rock and make our way to our next destination...
Everyone making our way back across French Creek...
Here's a shot of the Nemisis JK working their way down...
Lizard in the MasterCraft Safty JK being guided down by RJ...
If you can believe it, Chris had come all the way out from Alberta Canada to play with us here...
Airing back up at sunset before hitting the highway...
Off the trail and in the old mining town of Leadville where the Falken Tire truck was setup with a hot meal ready to be served - good times!!
Party in the lobby of the old Delaware Hotel...
Also, here's a short video clip from our run that you might find interesting as well:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-t4YjfilWY More pics from the JK Experience Rocky Mountain Run below...
Part of what makes the JK Experience so much fun is not knowing where you will be going each day. And, at our very first drivers meeting, it was anyones guess that we would in fact be heading out to "one of the most difficult hard-core trails" in the state of Colorado. Or, at least as it's stated in the Charles Wells Guide to Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails book. In any case, Holy Cross is a trail that we've been wanting to run for ever and, were we ever excited to have the chance to do just that. Here are some pics from our run.
Crack of dawn drivers meeting at the Falken Tire truck.
Getting ready to head out...
Heading east on I-70...
Awesome tunnels along the way...
Making a quick stop in Minturn to dominate the only gas station with a small army of people needing to relieve themselves...
Shot of the Red Cliff Bridge just before crossing over it....
Time to air down...
After a quick drivers meeting, we made our way over to the Holy Cross City Trailhead...
Ominous sign warning what the minimum towing fee will be if you get yourself in a bind...
While the scenery is beautiful, the first 2 miles of the trail is fairly easy and pretty much doable in a stock JK...
At about 2.5 miles, the trail starts to get real fun as you are presented with a steep rocky climb. Here's a shot of Mel in EVO 1 making it up with ease...
The rest of our group starting their climb...
Kevin showing us just how well the Falken Wildpeak AT's work on this rocky terrain...
Greg working his way up...
After driving his JK all the way out from came North Carolina, Ali Mansour, Feature Editor for Petersen's 4Wheel & Off-Road takes some time to get out and stretch...
With a little help from Jason's spotting, Matt in the Rancho Dynomax JK making easy work of this climb...
DirtyDevil looking sharp as he flexes his way up...
Shot of us as we rounded the top...
At almost 3 miles in, we pulled up to French Creek - this is where the real fun is....
Of course, as if the bigass slick rocks were tough enough, crossing French Creek leaves you with a set of sopping wet tires just to make things a bit more challenging...
The Falken Tire JK taking on a line futher off to the right...
Greg trying to work his way through...
After several attempts, it was time to break out the winch....
A good line is only as good as you can stay on it. Unfortunately, Ryan in the PSC Motorsport JK slipped off his and got fully turttled here...
So close and yet, so far. Mark from Discount Tires almost to the top gets hung up and dug in. After several attempts to work himself out, it was time to break out the winch and get the line moving...
With a tree saver and winch at the ready, Andy hammers his way up on a line far off to the left...
Being further back in the group, the rocks here became very wet and slippery making it difficult to climb even for someone like Lo2ay on his 42's. Once again, after several attemps, it was time to break out the winch and get us going...
On the move again with Powerline Patrol up next...
Us emerging from the waters and ready to rock...
Veteran of the JK Experience Randy doing his thing...
Skyjacker starting their run up...
At almost 4 miles into the trail, we finally reached our destination for the day, Holy Cross City. Established back in 1880, this mining town had a population of 300 people at it peak but, the mines played out only three years later and saw its end in 1884. Today, there are only two cabins left standing as well as a variety of old mining equipment including some cool rusty boilers...
Unfortunately for us, a group of less capable vehicles just ahead of us for the better part of the day ate up most of our time and so, the decision was made to not do Cleveland Rock and make our way to our next destination...
Everyone making our way back across French Creek...
Here's a shot of the Nemisis JK working their way down...
Lizard in the MasterCraft Safty JK being guided down by RJ...
If you can believe it, Chris had come all the way out from Alberta Canada to play with us here...
Airing back up at sunset before hitting the highway...
Off the trail and in the old mining town of Leadville where the Falken Tire truck was setup with a hot meal ready to be served - good times!!
Party in the lobby of the old Delaware Hotel...
Also, here's a short video clip from our run that you might find interesting as well:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-t4YjfilWY More pics from the JK Experience Rocky Mountain Run below...
Last edited by wayoflife; Sep 22, 2011 at 08:59 AM.
Thread Starter
JK-Forum Founder
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 36,534
Likes: 16
From: Laguna Niguel, CA
Day 2: Carnage Canyon
Day 2: Carnage Canyon
For our second day on the JK Experience Rocky Mountain Run, we headed south on Highway 24 to just where it meets up with the 285 and breaks east. At this point, all but 5 in our group split off to do a run up Chinaman's Gulch. As for the 5, they would be heading out to Carnage Canyon. As Charles Wells state in his Guide to Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails book, Carnage Canyon is an "extreme trail for radically modified vehicles. Minimum 35-inch tires with lockers both ends. Even with this equipment, you'll need to winch much of the time. Mechanical failure and body damage are a common occurrence." And, after having had the opportunity to run this trail for ourselves, I'd have to say that his description was pretty accurate. In the end, only 3 of the original 5 would make it all the way through and not without taking on a few new battle scars. Here are some pics from our run, I hope you enjoy them.
The Delaware is an old Victorian Inn that was built back in 1886. It is the last of it's kind in Leadville and also serves as a kind of museum..
Among other things, this place was filled with a ton of stuffed animals and old antiques plastered on the walls and littering the hallways, most of which were for sale...
If you can believe it, this is one that Ali's dad actually bought...
Drivers meeting in the lobby...
Mel and his guys making some last minute adjustments on the Falken Tire JK before heading out...
Packing up and getting ready to roll...
Heading south on Highway 24...
Driving through the choking dust, a sing emerges...
Time to air down and get ready for some fun!!
This is it!! Ready or not, here we come...
Gatekeeper? What gatekeeper - Mel in EVO1 clearing it with ease...
Our turn up and over...
Andy clears the gatekeeper without too much fuss but, found himself struggling a bit just past it before breaking a brake line and having to turn back. Unfortunately, the Rancho Dynomax JK broke a front axle shaft u-joint at about the same point and, had to turn back as well...
Cutting it close but, the Nemisis crew clearing the gatekeeper with ease...
Working our way up the trail...
A sign of things to come...
Here we go!! Mel on the first winch hill/waterfall...
WOLette working her way up...
After slipping off her line, we decided it was time to break out the winch to help level her out...
Mel starting his ascent up the last massive and steep winch hill...
In position and ready to go...
Going up!
Almost there...
Rounding the top...
WOLette working the clutch, gas, brake, steering wheel and winch controller all at the same time as she tackles the massive last winch hill...
Whew!! Rounding the top...
Nemisis making their way up...
And they're over too...
The 3 survivors of Carnage Canyon: Mel in EVO1, WOLette in Moby Dick and Rob in the Nemisis JK...
On the move again and driving as fast as we can out to Manitu Springs in hopes of summitting Pikes Peak before the park closes....
Looks like we made it in time - yippy!!
NOT - Unfortunately, even though we made it with time to spare, the park was closed due to snow fall near the peak, bummer...
Manitu Springs - Home for the night...
Lo2ay buying a round of drinks for everyone...
To keeping it tight!!
Also, here's a short video clips from our run that you might find interesting as well:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fUkJUBotx8 More pics from the JK Experience Rocky Mountain Run below...
For our second day on the JK Experience Rocky Mountain Run, we headed south on Highway 24 to just where it meets up with the 285 and breaks east. At this point, all but 5 in our group split off to do a run up Chinaman's Gulch. As for the 5, they would be heading out to Carnage Canyon. As Charles Wells state in his Guide to Colorado Backroads & 4-Wheel Drive Trails book, Carnage Canyon is an "extreme trail for radically modified vehicles. Minimum 35-inch tires with lockers both ends. Even with this equipment, you'll need to winch much of the time. Mechanical failure and body damage are a common occurrence." And, after having had the opportunity to run this trail for ourselves, I'd have to say that his description was pretty accurate. In the end, only 3 of the original 5 would make it all the way through and not without taking on a few new battle scars. Here are some pics from our run, I hope you enjoy them.
The Delaware is an old Victorian Inn that was built back in 1886. It is the last of it's kind in Leadville and also serves as a kind of museum..
Among other things, this place was filled with a ton of stuffed animals and old antiques plastered on the walls and littering the hallways, most of which were for sale...
If you can believe it, this is one that Ali's dad actually bought...
Drivers meeting in the lobby...
Mel and his guys making some last minute adjustments on the Falken Tire JK before heading out...
Packing up and getting ready to roll...
Heading south on Highway 24...
Driving through the choking dust, a sing emerges...
Time to air down and get ready for some fun!!
This is it!! Ready or not, here we come...
Gatekeeper? What gatekeeper - Mel in EVO1 clearing it with ease...
Our turn up and over...
Andy clears the gatekeeper without too much fuss but, found himself struggling a bit just past it before breaking a brake line and having to turn back. Unfortunately, the Rancho Dynomax JK broke a front axle shaft u-joint at about the same point and, had to turn back as well...
Cutting it close but, the Nemisis crew clearing the gatekeeper with ease...
Working our way up the trail...
A sign of things to come...
Here we go!! Mel on the first winch hill/waterfall...
WOLette working her way up...
After slipping off her line, we decided it was time to break out the winch to help level her out...
Mel starting his ascent up the last massive and steep winch hill...
In position and ready to go...
Going up!
Almost there...
Rounding the top...
WOLette working the clutch, gas, brake, steering wheel and winch controller all at the same time as she tackles the massive last winch hill...
Whew!! Rounding the top...
Nemisis making their way up...
And they're over too...
The 3 survivors of Carnage Canyon: Mel in EVO1, WOLette in Moby Dick and Rob in the Nemisis JK...
On the move again and driving as fast as we can out to Manitu Springs in hopes of summitting Pikes Peak before the park closes....
Looks like we made it in time - yippy!!
NOT - Unfortunately, even though we made it with time to spare, the park was closed due to snow fall near the peak, bummer...
Manitu Springs - Home for the night...
Lo2ay buying a round of drinks for everyone...
To keeping it tight!!
Also, here's a short video clips from our run that you might find interesting as well:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fUkJUBotx8 More pics from the JK Experience Rocky Mountain Run below...
Last edited by wayoflife; Sep 22, 2011 at 09:00 AM.
Thread Starter
JK-Forum Founder
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 36,534
Likes: 16
From: Laguna Niguel, CA
Day 3: The Royal Gorge
Day 3: The Royal Gorge
Our 3rd day on the JK Experience Rocky Mountain Run was scheduled to be a road day and one that would take us along scenic Highway 50. Along the way, we would make a fun stop over at the world famous Royal Gorge Bridge which, at 955 feet above the river below was the record holder for the highest suspension bridge in the world from 1929 to 2003. Our destination for the day would be the town of Montrose and there, we were treated to a delicious dinner hosted by the Western Slope 4x4 Club. Here are some pics from our trip...
Lo2ay and Moe in rocking traditional clothing on this road day...
After a quick stop in the town on Cañon, we pulling into the Royal Gorge Bridge park...
The park attendant explains to GCM2 that she thinks that the bridge will hold the weight of all our JK's...
Time to find out for ourselves...
So far so good...
In spite of the creaking wooden decks and measurable bounce you could feel from our JK's rolling across this bridge, all was good...
Safely across, we took some time to look back at what we just crossed...
It's hard not to think that the creaky woodend decks are put in place for dramatic effect...
Of course, the repair work done to the spanning strands of steel are fun to look at too...
What fun would it be if you didn't look down, right?
As if crossing the Royal Gorge Bridge weren't exciting enough, they have a Skycoaster to kick things up a notch...
Ryan and Terra going up, up and away...
We're flying!!
Rob, Jessie and Moe taking a swing...
Ali's dad Mel excited about his first time swinging in public - Dorthy is left speachless...
Continuing our trek west...
Pulling off the highway for a poser shot along the shores of Blue Mesa Reservoir...
After a really long day of driving, we arried in Montrose where the West Slope 4x4 Club graciously took us in and fed us a delicious steak dinner...
Back at the hotel, Matt from Rancho/Dynomax and Ryan from PSC Motorsports hone in their ball joint installation skills by spending the night taking them apart and reinstalling them for no good reason...
But, all is good when Mark from Discount Tires serves up some car bombs for everyone...
More pics from the JK Experience Rocky Mountain Run below...
Our 3rd day on the JK Experience Rocky Mountain Run was scheduled to be a road day and one that would take us along scenic Highway 50. Along the way, we would make a fun stop over at the world famous Royal Gorge Bridge which, at 955 feet above the river below was the record holder for the highest suspension bridge in the world from 1929 to 2003. Our destination for the day would be the town of Montrose and there, we were treated to a delicious dinner hosted by the Western Slope 4x4 Club. Here are some pics from our trip...
Lo2ay and Moe in rocking traditional clothing on this road day...
After a quick stop in the town on Cañon, we pulling into the Royal Gorge Bridge park...
The park attendant explains to GCM2 that she thinks that the bridge will hold the weight of all our JK's...
Time to find out for ourselves...
So far so good...
In spite of the creaking wooden decks and measurable bounce you could feel from our JK's rolling across this bridge, all was good...
Safely across, we took some time to look back at what we just crossed...
It's hard not to think that the creaky woodend decks are put in place for dramatic effect...
Of course, the repair work done to the spanning strands of steel are fun to look at too...
What fun would it be if you didn't look down, right?
As if crossing the Royal Gorge Bridge weren't exciting enough, they have a Skycoaster to kick things up a notch...
Ryan and Terra going up, up and away...
We're flying!!
Rob, Jessie and Moe taking a swing...
Ali's dad Mel excited about his first time swinging in public - Dorthy is left speachless...
Continuing our trek west...
Pulling off the highway for a poser shot along the shores of Blue Mesa Reservoir...
After a really long day of driving, we arried in Montrose where the West Slope 4x4 Club graciously took us in and fed us a delicious steak dinner...
Back at the hotel, Matt from Rancho/Dynomax and Ryan from PSC Motorsports hone in their ball joint installation skills by spending the night taking them apart and reinstalling them for no good reason...
But, all is good when Mark from Discount Tires serves up some car bombs for everyone...
More pics from the JK Experience Rocky Mountain Run below...
Thread Starter
JK-Forum Founder
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 36,534
Likes: 16
From: Laguna Niguel, CA
Day 4: The San Juan Mountains
Day 4: The San Juan Mountains
With our resident expert Bill along for the ride, our 4th day on the JK Experience Rocky Mountain Run would truly be one to remember. Starting in the beautiful mining town of Ouray, our trek for the day would take up up along the Million Dollar Highway, up through Poughkeepsie Gulch, up and over California Pass, out to the ghost town of Animas Forks and down into the colorful town of Silverton. Here are some pics from our trip.
Bright and early and getting ready to head out...
Pulling into lovely town of Ouray where we met up with our expert guide for the day, Bill...
Making our way up the Million Dollar Highway...
Working our way up Poughkeepsie Gulch...
Mel making his way up the Poughkeepsie Wall...
After several attempts, DirtyDevil manages to hammer his way up...
Greg exciting the crowd as he slides over to the side...
After trying to crawl this obstacle unsuccessfully, Powerline Patrol gives it a bit more gas to get up...
Ali wasting no time and just gets it done...
It takes a couple of attempts but, Andy finds his line and gets up with ease...
Mark from Discount Tire shows us what a HEMI can do...
Terra getting set up to make her climb...
Falken making their charge up the wall...
The growing crowd up on top cheering everyone on...
Nemisis kicking up the dirt with their HEMI...
Everybody up on top...
Awesome view looking back...
Even though it's September, there's still an abundant supply of wildflowers up at this altitude, just like it were spring...
After a quick stop for lunch, we push on ahead...
Pulling into Lake Como for a group shot...
Checking out some of the mines near by, I found a metal cross on a peak nearby...
View of Lake Como...
View along the shores of Lake Como...
Crystal clear water...
Pushing higher up to the top of California Pass...
Just shy of 13,000 feet above sea level - BREATH!!
View looking down California Gulch...
Heading on down....
Coming up on the old Mountain Queen Mine...
An old boiler left behind at the Mountain Queen Mine...
On our way out to Animas Forks...
Pulling into the ghost town of Animas Forks, established in 1880...
Shot of the famous Tom Walsh home, discoverer of the Campbird Mine and once owner of the Hope
Diamond...
Taking a break to play a game of teamwork...
Making our way down to Silverton...
More pics from the JK Experience Rocky Mountain Run - Day 4 Below...
With our resident expert Bill along for the ride, our 4th day on the JK Experience Rocky Mountain Run would truly be one to remember. Starting in the beautiful mining town of Ouray, our trek for the day would take up up along the Million Dollar Highway, up through Poughkeepsie Gulch, up and over California Pass, out to the ghost town of Animas Forks and down into the colorful town of Silverton. Here are some pics from our trip.
Bright and early and getting ready to head out...
Pulling into lovely town of Ouray where we met up with our expert guide for the day, Bill...
Making our way up the Million Dollar Highway...
Working our way up Poughkeepsie Gulch...
Mel making his way up the Poughkeepsie Wall...
After several attempts, DirtyDevil manages to hammer his way up...
Greg exciting the crowd as he slides over to the side...
After trying to crawl this obstacle unsuccessfully, Powerline Patrol gives it a bit more gas to get up...
Ali wasting no time and just gets it done...
It takes a couple of attempts but, Andy finds his line and gets up with ease...
Mark from Discount Tire shows us what a HEMI can do...
Terra getting set up to make her climb...
Falken making their charge up the wall...
The growing crowd up on top cheering everyone on...
Nemisis kicking up the dirt with their HEMI...
Everybody up on top...
Awesome view looking back...
Even though it's September, there's still an abundant supply of wildflowers up at this altitude, just like it were spring...
After a quick stop for lunch, we push on ahead...
Pulling into Lake Como for a group shot...
Checking out some of the mines near by, I found a metal cross on a peak nearby...
View of Lake Como...
View along the shores of Lake Como...
Crystal clear water...
Pushing higher up to the top of California Pass...
Just shy of 13,000 feet above sea level - BREATH!!
View looking down California Gulch...
Heading on down....
Coming up on the old Mountain Queen Mine...
An old boiler left behind at the Mountain Queen Mine...
On our way out to Animas Forks...
Pulling into the ghost town of Animas Forks, established in 1880...
Shot of the famous Tom Walsh home, discoverer of the Campbird Mine and once owner of the Hope
Diamond...
Taking a break to play a game of teamwork...
Making our way down to Silverton...
More pics from the JK Experience Rocky Mountain Run - Day 4 Below...
Thread Starter
JK-Forum Founder
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 36,534
Likes: 16
From: Laguna Niguel, CA
Day 4 - Part 2
Day 4 - Part 2
Pulling into the old town of Silverton...
The Grand Imperial, home for the night...
Terra handing out our keys...
Okay, you just know that this is a place we'll have to party at...
Truly a saloon made just for Greg...
Amazingly, they serve American Honey here - woot woot!!
Just in case you forgot to show up with your handle bars, you can buy a pair here...
Lizard trying one on for size...
And so does Terra...
More pics from the JK Experience Rocky Mountain Run below...
Pulling into the old town of Silverton...
The Grand Imperial, home for the night...
Terra handing out our keys...
Okay, you just know that this is a place we'll have to party at...
Truly a saloon made just for Greg...
Amazingly, they serve American Honey here - woot woot!!
Just in case you forgot to show up with your handle bars, you can buy a pair here...
Lizard trying one on for size...
And so does Terra...
More pics from the JK Experience Rocky Mountain Run below...
Thread Starter
JK-Forum Founder
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 36,534
Likes: 16
From: Laguna Niguel, CA
Day 5: Black Bear Pass
Day 5: Black Bear Pass
Black Bear Pass is one of those infamous trails that you always hear about and fills you with a sense of anxious desire. I say "anxious" because it's a trail that is know to have killed people and as recently as 2004. And, I say desire because let's face it, what Jeeper isn't at least a little bit drawn to a trail with the possibility of death lurking just around the next switchback. Needless to say, this is a trail that earns its difficulty level due to the dangers associated with it rather than its technical aspects and, when it became apparent that this was the trail we would be running for our 5th day on the JK Experience Rocky Mountain Run, I think most of us were all too eager to take it on. Here are some pics from our run.
Clearly, a few in our group had one too many too drink and a little too much fun the night before...
Lining up in front of our hotel and getting ready to roll...
Turning off onto the Black Bear Pass Trail...
Time to head on up...
On top of 12,840 foot Black Bear Pass...
Mel posing for a shot...
Starting our descent down the long narrow trail to Telluride...
Fasten your seatbelts and keep your hands and objects inside the vehicle at all times - Enjoy the ride...
Keeping it tight!!
Real tight!!
The rest of the group working their way down...
Taking it to the edge...
No joke, on the 3rd switchback down, Ali loses his brakes with just 4 feet to the edge of the cliff...
Fortunately, Ali was able to grab his emergency brake fast enough and throw the transmission into park before anything terrible could happen. After securing his rig with a winchline, we break out our tools and get to work...
With everything fixed, we continued our way down without further incident. Here's a shot of us close to the bottom where you can get a good look at the old powerhouse and Bridal Veil Falls...
Off the pass and all in once piece...
After some lunch, we started our long drive up to Grand Junction, the final destination of the JK Experience Rocky Mountain Run...
Along the way, Trail Bud's odometer rolled to 100,000 miles...
Stopping to take a group shot just on the other side of the La Sal Mountains...
The 141 Highway up to Grand Junction is a beautiful one...
The Falken Tire truck waiting for us with a delicious hot meal in Grand Junction....
More pics from the JK Experience Rocky Mountain Run below...
Black Bear Pass is one of those infamous trails that you always hear about and fills you with a sense of anxious desire. I say "anxious" because it's a trail that is know to have killed people and as recently as 2004. And, I say desire because let's face it, what Jeeper isn't at least a little bit drawn to a trail with the possibility of death lurking just around the next switchback. Needless to say, this is a trail that earns its difficulty level due to the dangers associated with it rather than its technical aspects and, when it became apparent that this was the trail we would be running for our 5th day on the JK Experience Rocky Mountain Run, I think most of us were all too eager to take it on. Here are some pics from our run.
Clearly, a few in our group had one too many too drink and a little too much fun the night before...
Lining up in front of our hotel and getting ready to roll...
Turning off onto the Black Bear Pass Trail...
Time to head on up...
On top of 12,840 foot Black Bear Pass...
Mel posing for a shot...
Starting our descent down the long narrow trail to Telluride...
Fasten your seatbelts and keep your hands and objects inside the vehicle at all times - Enjoy the ride...
Keeping it tight!!
Real tight!!
The rest of the group working their way down...
Taking it to the edge...
No joke, on the 3rd switchback down, Ali loses his brakes with just 4 feet to the edge of the cliff...
Fortunately, Ali was able to grab his emergency brake fast enough and throw the transmission into park before anything terrible could happen. After securing his rig with a winchline, we break out our tools and get to work...
With everything fixed, we continued our way down without further incident. Here's a shot of us close to the bottom where you can get a good look at the old powerhouse and Bridal Veil Falls...
Off the pass and all in once piece...
After some lunch, we started our long drive up to Grand Junction, the final destination of the JK Experience Rocky Mountain Run...
Along the way, Trail Bud's odometer rolled to 100,000 miles...
Stopping to take a group shot just on the other side of the La Sal Mountains...
The 141 Highway up to Grand Junction is a beautiful one...
The Falken Tire truck waiting for us with a delicious hot meal in Grand Junction....
More pics from the JK Experience Rocky Mountain Run below...
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Thread Starter
JK-Forum Founder
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 36,534
Likes: 16
From: Laguna Niguel, CA
Day 6: Billings Canyon
Day 6: Billings Canyon
On a scale from 1 to 10, Billings Canyon is a trail that's listed as being a 9. While short in length, pretty much every inch of it has you watching what you're doing and several of the obstacles are technically demanding enough that signs have been errected to inform travelers "it's okay to turn around and go back". Needless to say, this would be our final JK Experience Rocky Mountain Run and, it would also be the one that ended this amazing adventure with a bang... bang of a drive shaft, axle shaft, a couple of tires, a steering shaft and a few other odds and ends that I'm sure I've forgotten about. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the few pics I was able to take on this final run.
At the Bangs Canyon staging area airing down...
Sign and map of the area and a description of Billings Canyon...
Quick drivers meeting before heading out...
Pulling up to the Billings Canyon Trailhead...
Bakari at the helm of EVO1 today...
Pushing into the trail, we find yet another warning sign, this one posted by the Grand Mesa Jeep Club....
Snaking our way up to the first obstacle...
Yet one more warning sign at the first real set of rocks...
This is where the fun begins...
Terra rockin the PSC Motorsport 2-door...
Mark in the Discount Tire JK strugging to work his way up the first major waterfall...
Skyjacker taking on a great line to the right with ease...
Terra killing this obstacle...
But, gets a flat just as she crests the ledge. Fortunately, the Off Road Evolution crew is on the scene...
Andy taking on the same line...
Me at the top...
Powerline Patrol getting ready to take the same line...
Randy doing an awesome job getting his rig up this tough obstacle...
But, ends up breaking one of his rear 60 shafts just as he rounds the top...
Following close behind was Chris who ended up having problems with his super charger just after making it to the top...
http://project-jk.com/gallery2/main...._itemId=257962
Nemisis smoking his tires with as he makes it up...
The trail only getting rougher the futher we go...
With a little help from Mel, Bakari does great getting up this obstacle...
Falken doing a great job working this ledge...
DirtyDevil negotiating his way though this rock garden...
Mark from Discount Tire utilizing his rocker guards to the fullest...
Alie taking this big rock head on...
Just a walk in the park for Powerline Patrol...
Greg flexing his way through...
Skyjacker taking a line up to the right...
GCM2 looking for a belly rub takes on a BIG line that gets him high into the air...
It's always a good thing to have friends around to help you down...
Lizard in the MasterCraft Safety JK working the rocks...
With the Rancho/Dynomax JK back in full working order, Matt is able to show just how hard he can play with it...
Terra in the PSC Motorsports JK carefully climbing her way up this off camber spot...
Mark in the Discount Tire JK hangs a tire big time as he nears the last big ledge...
Powerline Patrol working his way up to the last obstacle...
Greg trying to crawl his way up the last ledge...
Not to be outdone by GCM2, I fall off my line and get some hang time too...
Flexing my way into position...
GCM2 getting ready to climb the last big ledge...
And he nails it...
Yes, I would love to have a HEMI...
Taking a walk back the trail, Mel helps to organize his guys to help those who've broken down along the way and get them fixed up while everyone else heads back to town...
Back at the hotel, I decide to get in on Travis' jump shot action...
After a great meal at the JKX Survivors Dinner and a few drinks, Matt entertains us with his outstanding, if not super enthusiastic karaoke skills...
Not to be outdone, the guys from Nemisis decide to jump in the action too...
If you would like to see all the pics we took on the 2011 JK Experience Rocky Mountain Run, simply click on the link below:
2011 JK Experience Rocky Mountain Run Photo Gallery
Also, here's a quick video clips from our run that you might find interesting as well:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BhTKD49Hak For those of you who are interested, here's a map of the route we took through Colorado:
Last but not least, I need to give a BIG thanks to Off Road Evolution, Falken Tire and all the other sponsors who made this event possible and for allowing us, Project-JK be a part of it. This was truly an amazing once in a life time trip that WOLette and I will remember forever. The places we saw were out of this world, the trails we ran pushed us to the limit and the new friends we made truly made this experience a priceless one. I hope to see all of you on the trails again soon and until then, remember to KEEP IT TIGHT!!
PS. WOLette and I would like to wish James a speedy recovery and we hope to see you on the trails again soon. I'd also like to thank Trail Bud for the use of some of his pics to make this thread possible.
On a scale from 1 to 10, Billings Canyon is a trail that's listed as being a 9. While short in length, pretty much every inch of it has you watching what you're doing and several of the obstacles are technically demanding enough that signs have been errected to inform travelers "it's okay to turn around and go back". Needless to say, this would be our final JK Experience Rocky Mountain Run and, it would also be the one that ended this amazing adventure with a bang... bang of a drive shaft, axle shaft, a couple of tires, a steering shaft and a few other odds and ends that I'm sure I've forgotten about. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the few pics I was able to take on this final run.
At the Bangs Canyon staging area airing down...
Sign and map of the area and a description of Billings Canyon...
Quick drivers meeting before heading out...
Pulling up to the Billings Canyon Trailhead...
Bakari at the helm of EVO1 today...
Pushing into the trail, we find yet another warning sign, this one posted by the Grand Mesa Jeep Club....
Snaking our way up to the first obstacle...
Yet one more warning sign at the first real set of rocks...
This is where the fun begins...
Terra rockin the PSC Motorsport 2-door...
Mark in the Discount Tire JK strugging to work his way up the first major waterfall...
Skyjacker taking on a great line to the right with ease...
Terra killing this obstacle...
But, gets a flat just as she crests the ledge. Fortunately, the Off Road Evolution crew is on the scene...
Andy taking on the same line...
Me at the top...
Powerline Patrol getting ready to take the same line...
Randy doing an awesome job getting his rig up this tough obstacle...
But, ends up breaking one of his rear 60 shafts just as he rounds the top...
Following close behind was Chris who ended up having problems with his super charger just after making it to the top...
http://project-jk.com/gallery2/main...._itemId=257962
Nemisis smoking his tires with as he makes it up...
The trail only getting rougher the futher we go...
With a little help from Mel, Bakari does great getting up this obstacle...
Falken doing a great job working this ledge...
DirtyDevil negotiating his way though this rock garden...
Mark from Discount Tire utilizing his rocker guards to the fullest...
Alie taking this big rock head on...
Just a walk in the park for Powerline Patrol...
Greg flexing his way through...
Skyjacker taking a line up to the right...
GCM2 looking for a belly rub takes on a BIG line that gets him high into the air...
It's always a good thing to have friends around to help you down...
Lizard in the MasterCraft Safety JK working the rocks...
With the Rancho/Dynomax JK back in full working order, Matt is able to show just how hard he can play with it...
Terra in the PSC Motorsports JK carefully climbing her way up this off camber spot...
Mark in the Discount Tire JK hangs a tire big time as he nears the last big ledge...
Powerline Patrol working his way up to the last obstacle...
Greg trying to crawl his way up the last ledge...
Not to be outdone by GCM2, I fall off my line and get some hang time too...
Flexing my way into position...
GCM2 getting ready to climb the last big ledge...
And he nails it...
Yes, I would love to have a HEMI...
Taking a walk back the trail, Mel helps to organize his guys to help those who've broken down along the way and get them fixed up while everyone else heads back to town...
Back at the hotel, I decide to get in on Travis' jump shot action...
After a great meal at the JKX Survivors Dinner and a few drinks, Matt entertains us with his outstanding, if not super enthusiastic karaoke skills...
Not to be outdone, the guys from Nemisis decide to jump in the action too...
If you would like to see all the pics we took on the 2011 JK Experience Rocky Mountain Run, simply click on the link below:
2011 JK Experience Rocky Mountain Run Photo Gallery
Also, here's a quick video clips from our run that you might find interesting as well:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BhTKD49Hak For those of you who are interested, here's a map of the route we took through Colorado:
Last but not least, I need to give a BIG thanks to Off Road Evolution, Falken Tire and all the other sponsors who made this event possible and for allowing us, Project-JK be a part of it. This was truly an amazing once in a life time trip that WOLette and I will remember forever. The places we saw were out of this world, the trails we ran pushed us to the limit and the new friends we made truly made this experience a priceless one. I hope to see all of you on the trails again soon and until then, remember to KEEP IT TIGHT!!
PS. WOLette and I would like to wish James a speedy recovery and we hope to see you on the trails again soon. I'd also like to thank Trail Bud for the use of some of his pics to make this thread possible.
Last edited by wayoflife; Sep 26, 2011 at 07:17 AM.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: Denver, CO
That has to be your longest write-up on the forum. Another epic adventure! 
I have walked Carnage Canyon in the past and all I have to say is WOW! You and Cindy drove that extreme trail + Holy Cross + Billings Canyon and then drove Moby the marathon distance all the way back to California without breaking anything. That's incredible!
Glad we had the chance to say hello in Glenwood Springs. Cheers!
I have walked Carnage Canyon in the past and all I have to say is WOW! You and Cindy drove that extreme trail + Holy Cross + Billings Canyon and then drove Moby the marathon distance all the way back to California without breaking anything. That's incredible!
Glad we had the chance to say hello in Glenwood Springs. Cheers!
