Trail Suggestions Please!

[coaz4x4]

I need something to run... since we still can't get up Twin Cone... and this 4x4 season is still FAR from over!!

Looking for something "moderately difficult".
WTF does that mean?
Stock TJ passable, with skidplates and driving experience
I have 0 problem winching myself/others over obstacles (I am open/open)
Sections similar to the "difficult" climbs on the Middle Fork of the Swan, BML, Dakan Rd.
Wheeler Lake under this definition is "too difficult".

I'd prefer to be within a 2 hr drive of Denver, one way.

I've done almost all the ones in the Wells and Massey/Wilson books... any other ones you might suggest?!

Thanks!! :beer::beer:

[74BuckinBronc]

Use the search function on www.4x4trail.net and I have a book I think is called 4WD Adventures, Colorado. It's a good book as well, maybe you've already got it. Ute Creek is easy. China wall, but there is one spot that could be troublesome. Chinamans is doable, but probably on the tougher side. You could do wheeler from what I have seen of recent pictures, but maybe it's worse than it looks.

check out www.traildamage.com as well.

J.D.

[ColoradoXJ]

redcone, webster, radical hill, and the connecting roads in the area. it'll keep you busy :D

[McCJ7]

North Fork of the Swan and side trip up Garibaldi Gulch
Radical Hill
Red Elephant up to BML

Maybe not challenging enough for you, or maybe you've done them? I found them a little gentler on my TJ than Wheeler. So did Charles's rental jeeps...
If you haven't done them- they are great trips. All steep, uphill sections a lot like Middle Fork Swan, only longer. Was just up NFS/Garibaldi and Radical 2 weeks ago and again last Sunday, they were great this year. Didn't have time for Red Elephant Hill this year, can't say how it is.

[ishmaelcallme]

Metberry Gulch is now open again.

[coaz4x4]

Already done Wheeler, BML, Forks of the Swan, Radical, Webster

Haven't done Chinamans or China Wall...

[coaz4x4]

Is it faster to get to China Wall via 285 or via Colo Springs and US24?

[jeeplvr79]

If you're coming from Denver area 285 would be closer.... Let me know when you go and I'll meet ya at the trailhead, I haven't ran china wall yet.

[coaz4x4]

Closer, yes... but is it faster? You can definately go faster on 25 b/c there's always someone speeding more than I can...

[Funrover]

Closer, yes... but is it faster? You can definately go faster on 25 b/c there's always someone speeding more than I can...

From what others from Denver have told me time wise is about same on 285 as 25 to China wall!!!


And if Wheeler Lake is too difficult I would not recomend Chinamens in BV!

[coaz4x4]

And if Wheeler Lake is too difficult I would not recomend Chinamens in BV!

This is only in context of the type of trail I am looking for... and for some of the people I wheel with...

This China Wall idea is sounding better and better...

[Funrover]

China Wall is a nice easy laidback trail!! I always take newbie there!

Another trail/Loop that would be fun for you..

Go to BV and go over Cottenwood pass to the town of Tin Cu then come back over Tin Cup pass.. That makes for a fun loop!

[coaz4x4]

Go to BV and go over Cottenwood pass to the town of Tin Cu then come back over Tin Cup pass.. That makes for a fun loop!


That sounds like a good/fun trip too...

[74BuckinBronc]

Driving 285 to China wall is worth the drive. Part of the experience is the scenery too. I-25 doesn't offer near as much of that until you head up Hwy 24. Then if you have any guys who are underpowered - it's a heck of a climb!

Funrover - I guess going over Cottonwood pass you'll have to go all the way to taylor res and then to Tin Cup? I have only been to the top of tin cup thru St. elmo as the top was still drifted in. Was a nice ride tho!

J.D.

[jimfoo]

Driving 285 to China wall is worth the drive. Part of the experience is the scenery too. I-25 doesn't offer near as much of that until you head up Hwy 24. Then if you have any guys who are underpowered - it's a heck of a climb!

Funrover - I guess going over Cottonwood pass you'll have to go all the way to taylor res and then to Tin Cup? I have only been to the top of tin cup thru St. elmo as the top was still drifted in. Was a nice ride tho!

J.D.
I actually ran a dirt road that goes from a campground near the top of Cottonwood all the way down to the road going to Tin Cup. It was nothing hard, but way better than pavement.

[74BuckinBronc]

jimfoo - do you know which road that was. I have camped above cottonwood lake, and have never been to the end of that road. I wonder if it's the road you speak of??

Dang this living in TX is killing me. I can't go explore!

J.D.

[jimfoo]

From Tin Cup, it looks like I took FR 725 up Cow Creek, then met up with FR 587. There are other trails off there, and I don't remember if any of them were marked or not, so a map and GPS are your friend.
Coords from a map are:
Get off Cottonwood Pass road at 38 50.677N 106 27.031W
Left at 38 50.709N and either 106 28.002W or 106 28.962W. One map shows a road at the 1st coord, the other doesn't. I think I took the 1st one, but the 2nd will get there with more mileage and turns.
Met up with the road to Tin Cup at 38 48.565N 106 30.095W.
Like I said, you WILL want a map though.
A section of Tin Cup is paralleled by Old Tin Cup which is a bit rougher in sections, but is fun.
http://forum.solihullsociety.org/cphoto/albums/userpics/normal_PICT0034%7E1.JPG
Old Tin Cup.

[ibscas]

The last time I did Wheeler Lake I bombed on the long washed out riverbed up to the lake. I REALLY needed lockers, open didn't cut it. The first obstacle was challenging but I got through it with minor body damage and no lockers, but I couldn't even winch up the riverbed.

[Funrover]

That sounds like a good/fun trip too...

It's a great scenic trip for beginers!