Ken Jeffers
Basic Member
Posts:100
 | | 01 Jun 2011 09:28 PM |
| Good day all .....
I am tentatively planning a little road trip in my old Classic and am looking for information on good places to camp, sights to see, brooks to fish or off road by-ways to take. I am insterested in possibly taking in some light off roading ( I will be solo ) and would really enjoy getting in a varied and fun adventure.
I will take ten or 11 days in August and the tentative plan is as follows:
-Portland to somewhere around Twin Falls, Id.
-Twin Falls to Moab
-From Moab through Grand Junction and Aspen to Twin Lakes, CO
-Twin Lakes to Pikes Peak (up to the summit and down - I have loved the races there since I was a kid and want to drive on that hallowed piece of the world) and over to Boulder where I will be visiting a buddy.
-Then I would like to come back through Yellowstone and Ketchum, Id.
-I am considering driving through the Hells Canyon area and then heading home to Stumptown.
Here is a link to the Google map: (hopefully that works)
maps.google.com/maps/ms
If anyone has any suggestions or input I will be open and happy to hear them.
Thanks in advance!!
|
| |
|
|
Tony Sims
Veteran Member
Posts:1237
| | 02 Jun 2011 12:33 AM |
| The obvious thing would be to do some off roading in Moab. There are trails there that are fine for solo driving; some are just unpaved roads, some are a bit bumpier. There's one called Chicken Corner that I have on a tentative list for when I pass through there.
Beyond that, I'm starving at a banquet. There's so much to do in the area you are covering, it's hard to pick options! |
| | |
|
Ken Jeffers
Basic Member
Posts:100
| | 02 Jun 2011 07:04 AM |
| I feel the same way Tony. I have done some mountain biking in Moab (Porcupine Rim, Slickrock Trail and a couple others) and can't wait to go through there again. I will check out the one that you mentioned and see if I can encorporate it. The input is much appreciated. |
| | |
|
Morris Yarnell
Advanced Member
Posts:771
| | 02 Jun 2011 12:53 PM |
| Since you are going to Boulder to see a friend, they may know of a few routes for you to take solo. Keep in mind that the CO high country has record snowfall this winter (upwards of 250% to 300% of normal, varies by place and altitude) and with the warmer weather approaching there is a lot of melt and some roads that might normally be easy might require some careful thought before taking them. Many low places in CO are bracing for floods and rivers and creeks are rising by the hour. Sounds as though this is the kind of adventure that I would take as well. Often go by myself and have learned to be overly cautious when on roads that might be considered moderate (by whose standards). Enjoy edit: just saw a special on Yosemite on the news. Because of the high snowfall this winter there are waterfalls where hardly any have been before, absolutely beautiful. Won't last long though. Your timing is good for this one. |
| | |
|
Ken Jeffers
Basic Member
Posts:100
| | 07 Jun 2011 09:50 PM |
| Morris that is fantastic info!! Great ! Thank you for the heads up and input. My buddy isn't much of a car guy but I have him asking some friends for good fire roady, double tracky kind of scenic oportunities. I truly appreciate the input .... You all are very helpful folks!! |
| | |
|
Morris Yarnell
Advanced Member
Posts:771
| | 07 Jun 2011 10:28 PM |
| Charles A. Wells writes a lot of books on back roads and 4 wheel drive trails. I have them both for CO, one for north and one for south. Got them through Amazon. You might try one of the local book stores near you. Since you are taking such a round about trip there is much research yet for you to do. AAA comes to mind for maps, if you are not a member maybe one of the NOS folks can set you up with maps. There are a lot of trails near The Republic of Boulder. (local joke) Rocky Mountain info ...http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gjAwhwtDDw9_AI8zPwhQoY6BdkOyoCAPkATlA!/?ss=1102&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&cid=null&navid=091000000000000&pnavid=null&position=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&ttype=main&pname=Region%202-%20Home |
| | |
|
Ken Jeffers
Basic Member
Posts:100
| | 08 Jun 2011 07:03 AM |
| I will take a look for those books. I am a AAA member and have been using some of their resources. A lot of my return trip is open to change and I have figured that it will be mostly road travel and doing a little 'Chevy Chase' scenery viewing ( remember his super quick Grand Canyon viewing in that old 'Vacation' flick?). I am looking at Kokopelli Trail from Moab to Loma, Co ..... This may be exactly what I am looking for ...... Anyone done it? |
| | |
|
Luke
Basic Member
Posts:254
| | 08 Jun 2011 07:24 AM |
| If you are driving from Aspen to Twin Lakes on the Independence Pass check that the pass is opened! It is the most dangerous pass in all of Colorado (and also one of the most beautiful), there are no guard rails the entire way and at places there will be a 1000 foot drop off the side! Just before you get to Twin Lakes, on route 82, turn right onto 82C and park at the La Plata trail head, hike about five minutes and you will find a river carved into the rock that may be good for fishing, if not then just take in the scenery, the river is red and yellow from the iron deposits upstream. After you have had your fill of the lakes, turn South onto HW24 to Buena Vista, and turn right onto W Main ST, or county road 306, and drive 5 minutes to Cottonwood Hot Springs. It's cheap to get in and on a week day you may have the place to yourself. It is right in the mountains with a great view and they have pools with a range of temperatures. After you have soaked, continue South on 24, and then turn East on 24 (24 goes to the left and the road you were on turns into 285 and goes to Salida which is also a great destination) past Divide and turn right (South) onto HW67 to Cripple Creek. Just before Cripple Creek turn left onto HW64 and watch for the Old Stage road on your left (at least that's what it was called when I lived out there). Old Stage turns into Gold Camp road and takes you into Colorado Springs. This is the dirt road that you have been looking for! It is not challenging, but it is very scenic and if you want a challenge just turn off onto any of the side roads.
At least, that's what I would do (and will be doing this September). |
| | |
|
Brett Curry
Basic Member
Posts:199
| | 08 Jun 2011 08:59 AM |
| That used to be my stomping grounds as well Luke. Parents lived in divide for several years. Gold camp road is a great route. Since you mention fishing you need to stop and fish the Arkansas River. Tons of options near Buena Vista. Great camping spots right along the river. Even with record snowfall it should be wadable that time of year. Good fly shops in Buena Vista to get you pointed in the right direction. The collegiate peaks are incredible.
Sounds like a great trip. |
| | |
|
Ken Jeffers
Basic Member
Posts:100
| | 08 Jun 2011 09:07 AM |
| Awesome!! That is a great recommendation !! I really appreciate the details!! I will plot this into my drive. ..... I love the hot springs addition! Should I take any particular bait? |
| | |
|
Brett Curry
Basic Member
Posts:199
| | 08 Jun 2011 09:41 AM |
| I'm a fly only guy so not much help with bait. I'd just hit a local shop up. When you get up to Ketchum swing into Grumpy's for a schooner of beer. Ask them how to get to warm springs. It's only a few miles from town, great hot springs right on a river. I've camped there many times. No set campsites but all national forest so we'd always find someplace close. |
| | |
|
Craig Spaeth
Basic Member
Posts:439
| | 08 Jun 2011 02:36 PM |
| I would say to take the back way out of Moab back up to I70. It is 128 and twists along the Colorado river. It is a gorgeous canyon and a fun two lane paved road. There are quite a few camp sites along the road. I don't know anything about reserving them or what the fees are like though. I do know there are some camp grounds in Moab with hot tubs. They are not remote and not pristine but if you are mountain biking a lot and have tired legs a good soak is hard to beat.
I would also recommend Rabbit Valley just off of I-70 before you get to Loma and is just across the Utah Colorado border. There is a nice unimproved road that heads back to the Utah boarder that is fairly remote with some thoughtful sections but nothing too hard. We had to turn around at one rocky climb but my rear springs had pretty much collapsed and I don't have any skid plates on yet, so I didn't want to risk it. Even without a lift but just good working stock springs it would not have been too hard of a climb. There are some Petroglyphs in the area and there are walking biking trails that get you down to overlook the Colorado river.
Good showers can be had at the State Park in Loma. Again not remote but good showers, grassy campground and on the shores of a fairly artificial looking lake. A good place to stop if you are in need of a cleanse. It is by Highline lake and not too far off of 70.
hope this helps,
Craig |
| | |
|
Nate Skate
Advanced Member
Posts:725
| | 08 Jun 2011 06:17 PM |
| If you have two days you can do the White Rim Trail in Canyonlands. It's not too technical and if your ride breaks down a park ranger will be by eventually. The scenery is hard to beat. Hope you like the heat. |
| | |
|
Ken Jeffers
Basic Member
Posts:100
| | 10 Jun 2011 07:43 AM |
| Mr. Spaeth - Thank you I will look at that area and if I don't get my heat exchanger done for my camp shower ..... Loma will be a great stop!
Nate - Thanks for the tip ... I was just talking to some one about White Rim .... they raved about it..... as far as the heat, I love it but I am working on my A/C to make sure its in good working order!! |
| | |
|
Ken Jeffers
Basic Member
Posts:100
| | 26 Jun 2011 10:23 AM |
| I am officially registered for the Land Rover National Rally in Breckenridge. I have completed my dual battery wiring, gotten the a/c installed (had to have custom lines made), picked up a new master cylinder to pop in this week along with the LT230Q that I am also installing this week ..... then finish the bumper and tire/jerry can carrier and that's about it before I go..... Oh and the 24 spline axle and diff swap.
I did a fuel mileage test run to Everett yesterday to grab some parts from James K (parting out the RRC in the classified section). I borrowed a Autohome RTT and threw it on so I could get a sense of the economy I will expect. I know my classic weighs 4750 with me and a full tank of gas (with out all the camping gear and bumper). I got 14.2 at 70 with the tent..... not too bad, really.
I will be leaving the morning of August 3rd..... Hope the a/c doesn't kill the mileage too bad...
|
| | |
|
Tom Thomas
Basic Member
Posts:192
| | 30 Jun 2011 08:54 AM |
| Ken,
I haven't lookede at your planned trip, but on your way N from Boulder (up I-25 I assume), cut off from Ft Collins and head over to Walden (beautiful drive), then up to Saratoga for excellent fishing on the N. Platte and free hotsprings w/showers. And remember, the fish don't know there's a town there ;)
From there, head N out of Rawlins (careful, dangerous 2 lane hiway with most deaths in WY) left past Jeffery City and up into Lander. Then up into Dubois. You HAVE to go this way as those are the coolest 2 towns in WY (not including Cody, Saratoga, Pinedale, Meeteetse, and Aladdin. Sorry, Jackson/Teton Village doesn't make the list).
Sure 10 days is enough?? |
| | |
|
Jay Erickson
Advanced Member
Posts:812
| | 30 Jun 2011 12:56 PM |
| Sounds like a great trip. Don't forget Mt Evans, Highest paved road in N America! www.mountevans.com/ We did both Mt Evans and Pikes Peak and I have to say Mt Evans left more of an impression on me. |
| | |
|
Ken Jeffers
Basic Member
Posts:100
| | 04 Jul 2011 10:06 PM |
| I am looking at Mt. Evans..... If I end up going from Breck' to Boulder I will look at that option for sure. The racing history of Pikes Peak is what draws me there. It really is hallowed ground to me. I am excited to get my tires where the legends of this hill have been. I appreciate the suggestion and will consider the prospect of going there... Regards |
| | |
|
Ken Jeffers
Basic Member
Posts:100
| | 04 Jul 2011 10:13 PM |
| Tom, I just made the changes to my route. I was going to head up to Laramie and then over to Rock Springs. I was going to head North there ... but I like the recommendation so I will head that way.... especially since I HAVE to!! Are there any places I shouldn't miss in these towns? Food, etc? And do you have a recommendaton for the hot springs? Thanks for the advice and direction!! Cheers |
| | |
|
Dale Avery
Advanced Member
Posts:684
| | 05 Jul 2011 07:42 AM |
| My favorite trail in the Moab area is the Lockard Basin Trail. Very easy, except for the Ravine, where you may want a spotter. Other than that, you can do it in one day, or take your time and camp halfway through, which is what I did. Because of the ravine, I suggest you do it south to north.
Have a fun trip!
|
| | |
|