Colorado Trip August 19th to...?

[HappyJack]

I have plans to wheel out near Denver the last part of August. I went over to 4X4 Trails and printed off the stuff they have for the Roosevelt National Forest. I went to plan some stuff out on my Delorme software and have had a little trouble. My Atlas and Gazetteer (Delorme) seems to be more accurate. There are also some other trails listed on the RNF site I need to research. Just need a little help if I could locating good sources of info for the trip.

Just a little background info. I've been going to Colorado since 1989. That's the first year I did Black Bear. I like to primative camp (called dispersed camping by the NF-free of charge). I have a 96 with a 351, E4OD, 32's and a locker in the front. I am meeting a guy on Monday the 23rd to do trails that week till thursday-friday (or as long has his wife lasts). He will have a stock 2nd gen X.

If anyone wants to meet up I'll be out the weekend before and could stay the weekend after. You all would be welcome to join us that week also. I just need a good source for current info on trails. All of my trips so far have been south of I-70.

I know it is a little early yet, and a lot can change between now and then. Are camp fires still allowed? Any forest fires up NW of Denver?

Thanks for any help. Hope to meet up with some of you soon.

[Dangling_Dave]

We have had so much rain on the front range you should not have any problems with camp fires. But plan on a propane cooker just in case it dries out. Which trails are you planning on running and where are you planning on camping?

Get the Wells books on Colorado trails. http://www.funtreks.com/all_books.htm

and the Colorado web site:
www.colorado4x4.org

Good luck and keep in touch
dc

Originally Posted by HappyJack

I have plans to wheel out near Denver the last part of August. I went over to 4X4 Trails and printed off the stuff they have for the Roosevelt National Forest. I went to plan some stuff out on my Delorme software and have had a little trouble. My Atlas and Gazetteer (Delorme) seems to be more accurate. There are also some other trails listed on the RNF site I need to research. Just need a little help if I could locating good sources of info for the trip.

Just a little background info. I've been going to Colorado since 1989. That's the first year I did Black Bear. I like to primative camp (called dispersed camping by the NF-free of charge). I have a 96 with a 351, E4OD, 32's and a locker in the front. I am meeting a guy on Monday the 23rd to do trails that week till thursday-friday (or as long has his wife lasts). He will have a stock 2nd gen X.

If anyone wants to meet up I'll be out the weekend before and could stay the weekend after. You all would be welcome to join us that week also. I just need a good source for current info on trails. All of my trips so far have been south of I-70.

I know it is a little early yet, and a lot can change between now and then. Are camp fires still allowed? Any forest fires up NW of Denver?

Thanks for any help. Hope to meet up with some of you soon.

[HappyJack]

I like my trips to be nomadic. I like to camp in the public lands where I wheel. Guess I should have said that. Every few days I'll need to hit somewhere for gas and maybe a shower.

I have used Well's book in Utah. Had some trouble with wrong GPS for the start of Rainbow Rocks trail. Can you tell me which of his books is best for the Roosevelt National Park area? I can check on publication dates and see if there are any updates. I run an IBM P2 300 laptop, Delorme software, and GPS. National Geographics Back Roads Explorer doesn't seem to be any more acurate. I haven't seen there individual state software to see if it has what I need.

The trails listed on 4X4 Trails site for Roosevelt National Forest are: Ballard Rd., Bright Trail, Bunce School Rd., Caribou Creek, Carnage Canyon/Lefthand Canyon, Coney Creek/Coney Flats, Crystal Mountian, FlowersRd./Old Flowers Rd., Gordon Gulch, Hell CanyonRd./Elk Ridge Jeep Trail., Jamestown/Ward, Jenny Creek, Johnny Park Rd./Big Elk Meadow, Kelly Flats/Heart Attack Hill, Loch Lomond, Middle St. Vrain Rd., Moody Hill, Nixon Park/Pole Hill Rd., Rollins Pass East, Sevenmile Rd./Sevenmile Creek, Storm Mountian, and West White Pine Mountian. I more than likely won't do all those trails. But you never know.

I have over the years changed what I bring when I come out. I do bring a propane stove for coffee in the mornings. If no open fires are permitted I probablly won't even bring an ice chest. If they are I have to say I make the best dutch oven chili and pizza that I know of.

[Dangling_Dave]

I have the books at home and will check them out tonight. Sounds like the way we all like to camp.

dc

Originally Posted by HappyJack

I like my trips to be nomadic. I like to camp in the public lands where I wheel. Guess I should have said that. Every few days I'll need to hit somewhere for gas and maybe a shower.

I have used Well's book in Utah. Had some trouble with wrong GPS for the start of Rainbow Rocks trail. Can you tell me which of his books is best for the Roosevelt National Park area? I can check on publication dates and see if there are any updates. I run an IBM P2 300 laptop, Delorme software, and GPS. National Geographics Back Roads Explorer doesn't seem to be any more acurate. I haven't seen there individual state software to see if it has what I need.

The trails listed on 4X4 Trails site for Roosevelt National Forest are: Ballard Rd., Bright Trail, Bunce School Rd., Caribou Creek, Carnage Canyon/Lefthand Canyon, Coney Creek/Coney Flats, Crystal Mountian, FlowersRd./Old Flowers Rd., Gordon Gulch, Hell CanyonRd./Elk Ridge Jeep Trail., Jamestown/Ward, Jenny Creek, Johnny Park Rd./Big Elk Meadow, Kelly Flats/Heart Attack Hill, Loch Lomond, Middle St. Vrain Rd., Moody Hill, Nixon Park/Pole Hill Rd., Rollins Pass East, Sevenmile Rd./Sevenmile Creek, Storm Mountian, and West White Pine Mountian. I more than likely won't do all those trails. But you never know.

I have over the years changed what I bring when I come out. I do bring a propane stove for coffee in the mornings. If no open fires are permitted I probablly won't even bring an ice chest. If they are I have to say I make the best dutch oven chili and pizza that I know of.

[HappyJack]

Thanks DD. Hope you can join us for a campfire or two. If you can just let me what kind of pizza you like.

[Dangling_Dave]

Looks like the Wells book, Colorado Backroads & 4-wheel Drive Trails #2 would be the one you want. It covers the areas you mention.

I just noticed that you live in Wichita, my uncle lives there. Owns "Couch Music" store.

dc

[HappyJack]

Thanks for the info. Can't remember being in Couch Music. Does you Uncle wheel?

[Dangling_Dave]

No he is into VW's vans mostly. And fly fishing.

dc

Originally Posted by HappyJack

Thanks for the info. Can't remember being in Couch Music. Does you Uncle wheel?

[HappyJack]

Originally Posted by Dangling_Dave

No he is into VW's vans mostly. And fly fishing.dc

Nothing wrong with that. Hope he gets out to visit and you all spend some time on our public lands while they are open.

Looks like I will leave KS on the 19th(thursday). I plan on taking it easy friday to get used to the altitude. I should meet up with friends on Thursday or Friday night in Denver to eat and BS. I should be good to go the weekend of the 21st and also weekend of the 28th. Again I will be primative camping (no facilities). My cell number is (316) 522-1288. I won't have it on till I leave a week from thursday though.

Hope some of you guys can make it.