Colorado Adventure 2009

[IntrepidXJ]

Foreward: I took a ton of photos on this trip, so this thread is going to become very picture heavy. You are warned if you are on a slow connection ;) I will be updating this thread as I have a chance to go through the photos. Enjoy!

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I arrived back home yesterday after spending the last nine days exploring the backroads of Colorado. My original plan was to head out by myself, but it turned out that Amanda had a few vacation days she needed to take before the end of the month, so she ended up joining me for the first four days, and then again for the last two. Since she was with me for the first four days, we decided to make our base camp at Chalk Creek Campground in Nathrop. Our first day was spent driving from Grand Junction to Nathrop on a couple of different trails with a little pavement in between.....which ended up taking most of the daylight hours, even with an early start to the day.


Day 1: Grand Junction to Taylor Park


We started out by taking Kebler Pass over to Crested Butte. This is a nice easy road that offers some great views of the West Elk Mountains. I've driven this road a number of times, so we flew through it pretty quickly.

I did stop for an early morning photo
http://myxj.net/g2/d/154213-2/IMG_4822.JPG

....and at the pass
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After topping off my gas tank in Crested Butte, it was off to Taylor Park by way of the Reno Divide / Italian Creek trail.

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Once we reached the Reno Divide (I opted to skip the 'old' Reno Divide section this trip and will save that for another time), we started our way down along Italian Creek towards Taylor Park.

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[IntrepidXJ]

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[IntrepidXJ]

http://myxj.net/g2/d/154413-2/IMG_4891.JPG

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To be continued...

[offpiste]

Great start Randy

[RedMan]

It was gorgeous up there this weekend. We were camped near Tincup.
Rode Taylor pass to the top of Apsen mountain and had lunch with the rich and famous.

[IntrepidXJ]

It was gorgeous up there this weekend. We were camped near Tincup.
Rode Taylor pass to the top of Apsen mountain and had lunch with the rich and famous.

Taylor Pass is the next trail on my trip...when I get around to posting the next segment ;)

[RedMan]

That is one rocky trail. Met some miserable two wheelers up there. Lot of people up here this weekend. One ATV driver threw off a passenger right in front of us. Nothing serious but scared a bunch of people.

SOrry we missed you up there. We rode it Saturday.

[IntrepidXJ]

That is one rocky trail. Met some miserable two wheelers up there. Lot of people up here this weekend. One ATV driver threw off a passenger right in front of us. Nothing serious but scared a bunch of people.

SOrry we missed you up there. We rode it Saturday.

I was there last weekend (8/1/09) at the start of this 9 day trip. I encountered one guy on an ATV near the start of the trail who was winching himself off a rock. The trail was more then he was expecting, so he turned around.

[IntrepidXJ]

Day 1: Taylor Park to Leadville

After arriving in Taylor Park, we could have easily driven over Cottonwood Pass and have been in Nathrop pretty quickly, but my goals were a little more ambitious for that first day ;) Instead we headed north towards Aspen via Taylor Pass.

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This was the most difficult section on the trail.
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Climbing up to the pass
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[IntrepidXJ]

Great views from the top
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Headed down towards Aspen
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Before heading to Aspen, we took the short side trip up Little Annie and Midnight Mine Roads. These were just easy roads through a residential area, but there were some nice views to be had.

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[IntrepidXJ]

After topping off my gas tank in Aspen, we headed even further north to Basalt where we hopped on Frying Pan Road past the Ruedi Reservoir and on to Hangerman Pass.

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To be continued...

[devo_stevo]

:popcorn:

[IntrepidXJ]

Day 1: Mosquito Pass

After reaching Leadville via Hangerman Pass, there was still some daylight yet, and I felt like making the trek over Mosquito Pass....so we headed east on 7th St. and made our way towards the 13,185 foot pass.

Passed some old mining ruins along the way to the pass.

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Headed towards Mosquito Pass.
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Rocky switchback.
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Narrower road near the top.
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[IntrepidXJ]

I liked the reflection in my windshield in this photo.
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The mandatory photo of the sign.
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Headed down towards Alma Junction.
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Shadows growing long.
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The sun hidden behind the mountain
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A familiar name on old mining equipment at the North London Mill
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Once we reached alma Junction, we hopped on the pavement and made our way to Nathrop. Surprisingly we made it to Chalk Creek Campground and got our tent and campsite setup just before it got completely dark out. It was a long first day, but we enjoyed it.

Day 2, to be continued...

[IntrepidXJ]

Day 2: Williams & Tomichi

Day two was another early start. I was looking forward to this day. The main reason for planning my trip in August this year was so that I could run Williams Pass (which is only open for the month of August each year), so that trail was first on the agenda.

Of course, I did need to stop in St. Elmo on our way to Williams Pass for a few photos ;)
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...and I can't ever seem to drive by the Allie Belle without stopping for a photo, either!
http://myxj.net/g2/d/154947-2/IMG_5083.JPG

...but I did finally make it to the trailhead for Williams Pass
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The start of the trail in the trees
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[IntrepidXJ]

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Then out of the trees as you get closer to the pass
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Long stretches of bumpy road
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Up at Williams Pass
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Starting down the other side
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[IntrepidXJ]

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The final descent down to the Alpine Tunnel Road
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Heading back over 'the palisades' on the Alpine Tunnel Road
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After completing Williams Pass it was time for another trail that I have not been on before because the last two times I tried, there were snow drifts blocking the trail.....so we made our way over to the start of Tomichi Pass.

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Narrow road up to the pass
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[IntrepidXJ]

View of the Hancock Pass trail
http://myxj.net/g2/d/155192-2/IMG_5161.JPG

Tomichi Pass
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Panoramic photo from Tomichi Pass
http://myxj.net/g2/d/155129-2/TomichiPano.jpg
Click here for bigger version of the panoramic photo (http://myxj.net/g2/d/155127-1/TomichiPano.jpg)

Headed down the other side
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Made a stop at Tomichi Cemetery
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To be continued...

[IntrepidXJ]

Day 2: Marshall to Weston Pass


After finishing up Tomichi Pass at US Highway 50, we headed east a short ways towards Sargents and turned off to follow the old railroad grade over Marshall Pass.

Start of Marshall Pass
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Easy road the whole way
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An old foundation at the pass
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We stopped and had some lunch up there
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Headed back down to meet up with US Highway 285
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We finished up earlier than planned, so we had plenty of time to check out a few more trails. We made our way north towards Fairplay to check out Browns and Breakneck Passes.
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In the trees at the starts of Browns Pass
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[IntrepidXJ]

Old cabin ruins
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More cabin ruins
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Headed to Breakneck Pass along Sheep Creek
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An old cabin near Breakneck Pass
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[IntrepidXJ]

Headed back down
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Instead of hopping back on the highway, we took a right and headed west over Weston Pass
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Some storm coulds in the distance
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It rained for a short time but cleared up quickly
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Soon we were back on the highway headed south. We ended up stopping at Jan's in Buena Vista for some dinner before heading back to camp for the night. It was another great day.

That's it for Day 2. Day 3 to come....

[RedMan]

Dude you cover some serious territory in a day. :hail2thechief:

Your reports are great and your photos are very engaging. Good work.

As we approached this section of trail headed up the pass lightning drove us off the mountain. :ne_nau:

http://myxj.net/g2/d/155560-2/IMG_5131.JPG

[IntrepidXJ]

Dude you cover some serious territory in a day. :hail2thechief:


That's kind of the reason I usually head out alone....other people just slow me down :haha:

Thanks!

[RedMan]

Maybe I should stop letting people tag along so often.
With SPOT everyone knows where I am anyway.

I had three 16 yo never ever riders, and their dads with me.
After three days and one totaled ATV I was about to commit a crime.

It was still a great trip even though the little ingrates needed to be deprived of oxygen.

[offpiste]

It was still a great trip even though the little ingrates needed to be deprived of oxygen.

That I believe may be the reason they are the way the are....LOL.....

Randy keep'em coming :popcorn:

[IntrepidXJ]

Day 3: Sangre de Cristo Mountains & The Great Dunes


Day 3 was spent exploring the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, including some time at the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. We started out heading south on US 285 to Villa Grove, where we turned off the pavement and took Hayden Pass over the mountains.

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After reaching the pavement again we headed south and topped off the gas tank in Westcliffe before making our way over to Medano Pass. I'll also mention that right before the turnoff to Medano Pass, we had a bear run across the highway in front of us....it was actually our first bear sighting.

Start of Medano Pass
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Sandy two-track
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Entering the National Park
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First spotting of the dunes, straight ahead
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[IntrepidXJ]

Looking back on the sandy trail
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Finally getting closer to the dunes
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[IntrepidXJ]

Soon we reached the pavement in the park and headed over to the dunes to do a little exploring on foot. A few photos...

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A storm started rolling in as we were leaving.....it got VERY windy.
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The sign as we left the park
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After spending some time at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve my original goal was to check out Hermit Pass, so we headed east again and took Pass Creek Pass Road back to Colorado 69 and headed north. By the time we reached Westcliffe again, it was starting to get late so I decided to skip Hermit Pass this trip.....so I'll have to return another time. We continued north and eventually made it back to Johnson Village, where we had a good dinner at the Coyote Cantina (one of my favorite places to eat in the area).

That's it for Day 3. Day 4 to be continued...

[IntrepidXJ]

Day 4: Independence & Pearl Pass


On Day 4 we slept in a little bit longer than on the previous days before getting up and breaking down camp. As I stated in the first post on this trip report, Amanda only had 4 days with me before she had to go back to work. Being the 4th day, we needed to head back to Grand Junction this day. There was one trail that I was not able to check out earlier on the trip because it was not yet clear of snow accoriding to my research before leaving, however, after checking again the night before, I knew it was now passable......so we made our way over to Pearl Pass on our way home.

In order to get to Pearl Pass we needed to head over to Aspen. I decided to head over Independence Pass. Even though it's paved, I figured since I had not drivin it before, I might as well check it out at least once...

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Once in Aspen we headed up Express Creek Road to the start of Pearl Pass. This was an amazing trail and probably one of my favorites in the state! So let me warn you, I was a little camera happy and took a ton of photos......and I'm going to post a bunch of them. So if you don't like looking at photos of great trail scenery, then you may want to go read another thread instead ;) On to the photos....

Start of the trail
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Waterfall along the trail
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Recently repaired bridge
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Now above the waterfall
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Another sign as we climb higher
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[IntrepidXJ]

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You can see the Montezuma Basin trail in the distance
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[IntrepidXJ]

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If you look closely in this one, you can see Pearl Pass on the left....there is a narrow shelf road leading up to it.
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[IntrepidXJ]

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Getting closer to the pass
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This was the only section of snow we encountered, and as you can see, there were already a few tracks through it.
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Finally, at the pass!
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[IntrepidXJ]

http://myxj.net/g2/d/156334-2/IMG_5557.JPG

The road down the other side to Crested Butte
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Still plenty of wildflowers near Crested Butte
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Once we made it to Crested Butte, we stopped for a quick lunch and topped off the gas tank before heading back to GJ via Kebler Pass again. I got to sleep in my own bed one night before heading back out on my own.

To be continued...

[psl53]

:hail2thechief: :hail2thechief: :hail2thechief:

[IntrepidXJ]

Day 5: Gore Range & Boreas Pass


Now that I am back from a snowy weekend in the Uinta Mountains, it's time to get back to my Colorado Adventure trip report....

After a good night's sleep back in my own bed at home, I got up early again and headed east on I-70 and US 24 to Red Cliff. From there, I hopped on the Shrine Pass road for a little ways and then headed up Lime Creek. The trail started out rocky when it was in the trees, but once it opened up, the trail smoothed out and offered some excellent views.

http://myxj.net/g2/d/156590-2/IMG_5587.JPG

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Wildflowers along the trail
http://myxj.net/g2/d/156644-2/IMG_5605.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/156566-2/IMG_5608.JPG

[IntrepidXJ]

After looping back around to Shrine Pass Road, I headed to the short Benson Cabin trail. This trail was short and steep, but never got out of the trees, so there were not really any good views....but I did get a few shots of the Benson Cabin.

http://myxj.net/g2/d/156863-2/IMG_5617.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/156872-2/IMG_5621.JPG
Spot my Jeep
http://myxj.net/g2/d/156881-2/IMG_5624.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/156875-2/IMG_5622.JPG

After making it back to Shrine Pass Road again, I made my way up Wearyman Creek to McAllister Gulch. This trail switchbacked up out of the trees and offered some great views in all directions.
http://myxj.net/g2/d/156669-2/IMG_5635.JPG

Views of Mount Holy Cross

http://myxj.net/g2/d/156672-2/IMG_5636.JPG

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[IntrepidXJ]

http://myxj.net/g2/d/156753-2/IMG_5664.JPG

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I took the short spur up to the top of Resolution Mountain
http://myxj.net/g2/d/156777-2/IMG_5677.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/156780-2/IMG_5684.JPG

I took this 360 degree panoramic photo at the top of Resolution Mountain
http://myxj.net/g2/d/156660-2/McAllisterPano.jpg
Click here for bigger panoramic photo. (http://myxj.net/g2/d/156658-1/McAllisterPano.jpg)

[IntrepidXJ]

After making it down to Resolution Creek, I headed up Ptarmigan Pass to complete the loop
http://myxj.net/g2/d/156814-2/IMG_5694.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/156823-2/IMG_5697.JPG

At Ptarmigan Pass
http://myxj.net/g2/d/156841-2/IMG_5703.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/156847-2/IMG_5705.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/156793-2/IMG_5707.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/156789-2/IMG_5706.JPG

Once back down to Shrine Pass Road, I finally finished the trip over to Vail Pass.

View of Mount Holy Cross from Shrine Pass
http://myxj.net/g2/d/156915-2/IMG_5612.JPG

[IntrepidXJ]

Before calling it a day, I decided to head over the Easy Boreas Pass starting in Breckenridge and ending in Como.

Bankers Tank
http://myxj.net/g2/d/156950-2/IMG_5721.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/156956-2/IMG_5723.JPG

A few photos from the display at the pass
http://myxj.net/g2/d/156998-2/IMG_5738.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/157001-2/IMG_5739.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/157010-2/IMG_5742.JPG

Headed back down to Como
http://myxj.net/g2/d/156928-2/IMG_5746.JPG

That's it for Day 5. To be continued...

[accadacca]

:popcorn: Wow, I need to look at these again when I have more time.

[IntrepidXJ]

Day 6: Georgia Pass & Red Cone to Montezuma


Day 6 of the adventure brought me to Breckenridge, where I headed out of town bright and early on Tiger Road and made my way up to Georgia Pass.

http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/157080-2/IMG_5760.JPG

http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/157083-2/IMG_5761.JPG

Headed back down to the highway
http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/157050-2/IMG_5764.JPG

After making it back down to US 285, I hung a left and headed over Kenosha Pass to check out another trail I had really been looking forward to on this trip: Red Cone. I really enjoyed this trail. The trail and scenery were amazing. The skies were pretty cloudy this day, so the conditions weren't ideal for photographs, but that just means I'll have to head back another time ;) I did end up taking a bunch of photos anyways...

Red Cone open, but Webster Pass still closed
http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/158008-2/IMG_5770.JPG

Early on in the trail
http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/158020-2/IMG_5774.JPG

Finally above tree line
http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/158032-2/IMG_5778.JPG

http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/158486-2/IMG_5783.JPG

http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/158073-2/IMG_5795.JPG

[IntrepidXJ]

The trail heading up to Red Cone
http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/158126-2/IMG_5817.JPG

Getting closer...riding the ridge
http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/158188-2/IMG_5839.JPG

http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/158213-2/IMG_5848.JPG

Finally at the summit of Red Cone: 12,801 feet
http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/158234-2/IMG_5855.JPG

Webster Pass down below
http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/158243-2/IMG_5858.JPG

http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/158258-2/IMG_5863.JPG

The trail down
http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/158273-2/IMG_5868.JPG

The steepest section from the top
http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/158288-2/IMG_5873.JPG

[IntrepidXJ]

http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/158315-2/IMG_5882.JPG

The trail follows the ridge to Webster Pass
http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/158336-2/IMG_5889.JPG

http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/158351-2/IMG_5895.JPG

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View down into Handcart Gulch
http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/158452-2/IMG_5931.JPG

Red Cone in the background
http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/157976-2/IMG_5940.JPG

http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/158455-2/IMG_5945.JPG

[IntrepidXJ]

Webster Pass
http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/158458-2/IMG_5948.JPG

Made it down to Webster Pass
http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/157903-2/IMG_5958.JPG

http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/157906-2/IMG_5959.JPG

I should mention, that the trail down from Red Cone to Webster Pass is one-way only, because it is so steep.
http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/157912-2/IMG_5961.JPG

Red Cone from Webster Pass
http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/157853-2/IMG_5964.JPG

From Webster Pass I headed down towards Montezuma
http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/157872-2/IMG_5971.JPG

http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/157948-2/IMG_5974.JPG

Day 6 to be continued....

[IntrepidXJ]

Day 6: Santa Fe Peak, Glacier Ridge & Deer Creek


After making it to Montezuma I took a right and started climbing the many switchbacks to Santa Fe Peak.

Just getting out of the trees
http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/157930-2/IMG_5979.JPG

Climbing higher
http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/157779-2/IMG_5991.JPG

http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/157804-2/IMG_6000.JPG

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Looking back
http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/157939-2/IMG_6007.JPG

If you look closely, you can see a number of the switchbacks
http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/157824-2/IMG_6008.JPG

Off-camber section...it's a long way down
http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/157833-2/IMG_6011.JPG

http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/157845-2/IMG_6015.JPG

[IntrepidXJ]

Near the end of the trail
http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/157682-2/IMG_6019.JPG

Headed back down
http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/157697-2/IMG_6024.JPG

View of the trail from near the top
http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/157730-2/IMG_6036.JPG

After heading back down to Montezuma again, I decided to run the Saints John, Glacier Ridge and Deer Creek loop.

What used to be a building, is now a pile of wood at Saints John
http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/157181-2/IMG_6048.JPG

Wild Irishman Mine site
http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/157196-2/IMG_6053.JPG

The trail on top of Glacier Ridge. The trail on the left is Deer Creek.
http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/157223-2/IMG_6063.JPG

An old shack up on Glacier Ridge
http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/157247-2/IMG_6071.JPG

http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/157118-2/IMG_6078.JPG

[IntrepidXJ]

http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/157136-2/IMG_6084.JPG

http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/157142-2/IMG_6086.JPG

I just love the look of winding trails along the ridge
http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/157148-2/IMG_6088.JPG

http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/157154-2/IMG_6090.JPG

Soon I made it to the T-intersection with the Deer Creek trail. I took a left and headed down to Montezuma, yet again.

http://myxj.net/g2/d/157308-2/IMG_6092.JPG

Then I came across these guys.....Rocky Mountain Goats
http://myxj.net/g2/d/157323-2/IMG_6098.JPG

This one stopped licking the rock for a minute to look at me as I approached...
http://myxj.net/g2/d/157335-2/IMG_6104.JPG

...then went right back to licking the rock
http://myxj.net/g2/d/157341-2/IMG_6108.JPG

[IntrepidXJ]

http://myxj.net/g2/d/157365-2/IMG_6116.JPG

This one was posing for me
http://myxj.net/g2/d/157368-2/IMG_6117.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/157374-2/IMG_6119.JPG

Storm rolling in
http://myxj.net/g2/d/157260-2/IMG_6124.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/157278-2/IMG_6130.JPG

Glacier Ridge from Deer Creek
http://myxj.net/g2/d/157284-2/IMG_6132.JPG

Headed back down Deer Creek to Montezuma
http://myxj.net/g2/d/157296-2/IMG_6136.JPG

To be continued...

[IntrepidXJ]

Day 6: Peru Creek & Middle Fork of the Swan


After making it back to Montezuma yet again, I still had plenty of daylight left and needed to figure out where I wanted to go, as I had completed all of the trails I had planned for the day (and more). Looking at my maps and books, I decided to make the quick trip up Peru Creek. While the sky was cloudy most of the day, it had yet to rain on me. That would soon change...

The road along Peru Creek
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I took the short side trip to the Pennsylvania Mine and looped through the area.
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[IntrepidXJ]

http://myxj.net/g2/d/157657-2/IMG_6167.JPG

Not much left of the roof
http://myxj.net/g2/d/157526-2/IMG_6176.JPG

Shortly after leaving the mine and making my way up Peru Creek again, it started to rain pretty good. When I reached the Shoe Basin Mine, I was greeted with a locked gate and a closed sign.
http://myxj.net/g2/d/157541-2/IMG_6181.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/157550-2/IMG_6184.JPG

Low clouds
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Since I was stopped by the gate, I turned around and headed back. I was originally thinking about heading back to run Radical Hill on my way back, but decided against it because of the rain. Instead I figured I would head back up Deer Creek and take the Middle Fork of the Swan River back to Tiger Road. By the time I reached the Middle Fork trail, the rain had pretty much stopped.

Clouds in the background
http://myxj.net/g2/d/157431-2/IMG_6204.JPG

[IntrepidXJ]

http://myxj.net/g2/d/157462-2/IMG_6215.JPG

Cabin along the way near the top
http://myxj.net/g2/d/157492-2/IMG_6225.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/157504-2/IMG_6229.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/157377-2/IMG_6231.JPG

One cabin left at the townsite of Swandyke
http://myxj.net/g2/d/157400-2/IMG_6239.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/157406-2/IMG_6241.JPG

That's it for day 6. Day 7 still to come!

[IntrepidXJ]

Day 7: Saxon Mountain, Guanella Pass & Glacier Peak


This day ended up not going as I had originally planned....but in the end it turned out to be a pretty good day.

I started out heading over Loveland Pass on my way to Georgetown.
http://myxj.net/g2/d/158505-2/IMG_6245.JPG

My original plan for the day was to start out on Guanella Pass, however, when I got to the start of the road, they were just closing it completely for construction. It would not be opening up again until 11am, which left me three hours to find something else to do.

So I ended up heading up...
http://myxj.net/g2/d/158547-2/IMG_6249.JPG

Saxon Mountain....this has to have been one of the bumpiest trails I have ever been on!

Looking down on the switchbacks of Saxon Road and I-70.
http://myxj.net/g2/d/158559-2/IMG_6253.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/158571-2/IMG_6257.JPG

At the top of Saxon Mountain
http://myxj.net/g2/d/158580-2/IMG_6260.JPG

View down on Georgetown from the top.
http://myxj.net/g2/d/158541-2/IMG_6270.JPG

After backtracking from the top, I followed the sign towards Cascade Creek, and then took Ute Creek back down to the highway.
http://myxj.net/g2/d/158596-2/IMG_6276.JPG

[IntrepidXJ]

By the time I made it back to Georgetown, it was almost 11:00, so I grabbed a bite to eat for lunch until Guanella Pass was open again. Unfortunately, I was not the only one waiting for the road to open up, and I got stuck in a line of vehicles heading over the pass. That, plus the construction going on made this road less than enjoyable for me. My next plans were to head up to Waldorf and Argentine Pass, but because of the construction and finding out the road would again be closing from 1pm-3pm, I decided to avoid this whole mess altogether for the rest of the day and continue on to US 285.

A few photos from the top of Guanella Pass (A very popular place it seemed.....)

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http://myxj.net/g2/d/158660-2/IMG_6293.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/158618-2/IMG_6297.JPG

After making it to US 285, I took a right and made my way back to Georgia Pass. Once at the pass I took another right and headed up the Glacier Peak trail.

Great views from an overlook on the Continental Divide near Glacier Peak. There was a cool rock formation I took a few photos of...
http://myxj.net/g2/d/158688-2/IMG_6301.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/158694-2/IMG_6303.JPG

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http://myxj.net/g2/d/158724-2/IMG_6314.JPG

[IntrepidXJ]

Along the Glacier Peak trail. There were a few pretty off-camber sections.
http://myxj.net/g2/d/158736-2/IMG_6318.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/158742-2/IMG_6320.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/158769-2/IMG_6329.JPG

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I stopped at another overlook
http://myxj.net/g2/d/158787-2/IMG_6335.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/158796-2/IMG_6338.JPG

Headed down to the Middle Fork of the Swan River.
http://myxj.net/g2/d/158820-2/IMG_6346.JPG

[IntrepidXJ]

Cabin ruins along the way.
http://myxj.net/g2/d/158847-2/IMG_6355.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/158862-2/IMG_6360.JPG

Shadowy ruins.
http://myxj.net/g2/d/158871-2/IMG_6363.JPG

Before I could meet back up with the Middle Fork of the Swan River trail again, I would have to descend 'Number 10 Hill' which is also known as 'SOB Hill'. I wasn't sure what to expect, but it turned out not to be that difficult. It was probably a little easier because I was heading downhill, but I don't think I would have had any issues climbing up it either. It was pretty steep and rocky, though.

A few photos of Number 10 Hill (SOB Hill).
http://myxj.net/g2/d/158670-2/IMG_6366.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/158673-2/IMG_6367.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/158676-2/IMG_6368.JPG

Shortly after reaching to bottom, I met up with the Middle Fork of the Swan River trail yet again...

Day 7 to be continued....

[Sombeech]

:2thumbs: :2thumbs: :2thumbs: :2thumbs: :2thumbs: :2thumbs:

[RedMan]

Hey I see you found my goats.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7X20VOIYQg

[Sombeech]

Excellent report, had to feature it: http://www.bogley.com/colorado-adventure/

[IntrepidXJ]

Excellent report, had to feature it: http://www.bogley.com/colorado-adventure/

Thanks....but I still got 2.5 days to go...hoping to finish it this week

[IntrepidXJ]

Day 7: Wise Mountain & North Fork of the Swan


After taking a right I headed back up the Middle Fork of the Swan. The skies were much clearer today so I took some more photos along this trail...

http://myxj.net/g2/d/158902-2/IMG_6373.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/158917-2/IMG_6379.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/158926-2/IMG_6382.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/158929-2/IMG_6383.JPG

When I got up top, I found a few more Mountain Goats.

http://myxj.net/g2/d/158881-2/IMG_6421.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/158884-2/IMG_6422.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/158890-2/IMG_6424.JPG

[IntrepidXJ]

I took the short side trip to the Hall Valley Overlook

http://myxj.net/g2/d/158975-2/IMG_6388.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/158981-2/IMG_6390.JPG

Watch where you step....or drive...
http://myxj.net/g2/d/158987-2/IMG_6392.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/158996-2/IMG_6395.JPG

Hikers coming up through the snow
http://myxj.net/g2/d/159008-2/IMG_6399.JPG

Good view of Red Cone
http://myxj.net/g2/d/159032-2/IMG_6407.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/158950-2/IMG_6408.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/158954-2/IMG_6409.JPG

[IntrepidXJ]

Next stop was Wise Mountain

http://myxj.net/g2/d/159244-2/IMG_6427.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/159247-2/IMG_6428.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/159271-2/IMG_6436.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/159283-2/IMG_6440.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/159298-2/IMG_6445.JPG

Cabin on Wise Mountain
http://myxj.net/g2/d/159319-2/IMG_6452.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/159322-2/IMG_6453.JPG

Mine shaft near the cabin.
http://myxj.net/g2/d/159349-2/IMG_6463.JPG

[IntrepidXJ]

http://myxj.net/g2/d/159352-2/IMG_6464.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/159364-2/IMG_6468.JPG

Another mine on the way down
http://myxj.net/g2/d/159232-2/IMG_6477.JPG

Soon I reached the North Fork of the Swan River.

There were a lot of old cabin ruins along this route.
http://myxj.net/g2/d/159104-2/IMG_6481.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/159134-2/IMG_6491.JPG

This one had a nice big tree growing in the middle.
http://myxj.net/g2/d/159143-2/IMG_6494.JPG

Some more mining ruins along the way, too.
http://myxj.net/g2/d/159152-2/IMG_6498.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/159164-2/IMG_6503.JPG

[IntrepidXJ]

http://myxj.net/g2/d/159179-2/IMG_6509.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/159191-2/IMG_6513.JPG

End of the trail.
http://myxj.net/g2/d/159206-2/IMG_6519.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/159086-2/IMG_6526.JPG

Next I turned around and headed back to Tiger Road. I stopped a few miles before reaching Breckenridge to check out one of the old dredge boats in a small pond near the road.

http://myxj.net/g2/d/159054-2/IMG_6532.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/159060-2/IMG_6534.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/159035-2/IMG_6539.JPG

http://myxj.net/g2/d/159051-2/IMG_6544.JPG

I ended up heading back to Frisco early to meet Amanda, as she would be joining me for the last weekend on the trip.

That's all for Day 7. Day 8 still to come...

[Jaxx]

keep em coming. I am loving this trip report! Thanks for all the pics.

[abirken]

WOW!!!!!! :eek2: You have done an awesome job on this trip report. FABULOUS! :2thumbs: I never would have thought to take 9 days and go drive Colorado back roads but after seeing this trip report, maybe I feel a bit inspired. Keep them coming! :popcorn: :2thumbs:

[IntrepidXJ]

Day 8: Chinns Lake, Kingston Peak & More


On Saturday, Amanda and I got yet another early start and made our way up Fall River Road. Our first destination was Chinns Lake.

Sherwin Lake
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End of the trail
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Chinns Lake. This was a very popular place. There were many campers setup along the shore of the lake. You can see the smoke from a campfire.
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[IntrepidXJ]

An old cabin in Chinns Lake
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An old mine along the way.
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After making our way back to Fall River Road, we headed up through the town of Alice. Once we figured our way through the maze of roads there, we were soon on our way to Kingston Peak.

We stopped at the Rockhouse at the Loch Lomond Overlook.
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[IntrepidXJ]

The rock we would leave after Amanda added our names.
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Our rock in place.
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Loch Lomond
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Further along the Kingston Peak trail
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Shelf road headed down
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[IntrepidXJ]

When we reached Apex Road, we took a left and make a quick stop at the East Portal of the Moffat Tunnel (last time I was here to run Jenny Creek and Rollins Pass I didn't take the time to check it out). After that we headed out to Rollinsville before heading to Moon Gulch. This turned out to be a very tight trail that was also pretty off-camber much of the way.

Start of Moon Gulch.
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End of Moon Gulch shortly before reaching Gamble Gulch and Apex Road again.
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Passing through Apex on our way to Central City.

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After reaching Central City we took Oh My God Road (Virginia Canyon) back to Idaho Springs before heading to the Backcountry Brewery in Frisco for some dinner.

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That's it for Day 8. Only one more short day to go!

[IntrepidXJ]

Day 9: Red and White Mountain


The final day of our trip was a short one. I had been away from home for 8 days, and had a lot of stuff I needed to get done before heading back to work. We decided to run Red and White Mountain along with Piney Lake Road before heading home. It was an easy trail that wouldn't take us very long, plus it was right near I-70 on our way home.

I didn't take many photos this day, but here's a few that I did take...

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[IntrepidXJ]

An old wagon near Piney Lake
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Piney Lake
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There were a lot of people at the lake....hiking, fishing, etc...
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.....and that's the end of my trip and this report. It was a great 9 days and I had a ton of fun! Now to start planning for my southern Utah trip this fall :D


P.S. Thanks for all the great comments about my trip!

[devo_stevo]

Wonderful stuff Randy. Your TRs make me want to move to Colorado. Sometimes a change of scenery is a good thing, right.

Thanks for sharing this all with us. :2thumbs:

[offpiste]

Awesome report Randy, someday I hope to have a trail rig worthy and time to go out with you on some of your adventures.....that's if you take trail mates with you.