Colorado trip 2011

Time is getting closer to our trip to Colorado.
My buddy has sent me the details on a few trips we will more than likely be running.

Black Bear Pass
Pearl Pass
Taylor Pass
Die Trying

Here is an article about Die Trying. Worth a reading both pages.
http://www.rockcrawler.com/trailreports/dietrying01/index.asp

If anyone has some spare parts for a 2009 Rubicon I could borrow just in case I need them.
I'll gladly pay for them if I have to use them, or willing to buy right now.

Looking for axle u-joints for D44, tierod, spare Drive Shafts, rear D44 axle shafts (Rubicon).
Anything is greatly appreciated.
Can't think of anything else right now. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

I've got COMPLETE front driver & passenger D44 axle shafts. You're welcome to borrow them. Let's hope you don't end up needing them

Thanks Richard, I will take you up on that.

Is anyone familiar with the above mentioned trails?
I know Tim goes to Colorado every other week or so.

What you say Tim....

I've heard about Black Bear Rd.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzWyZ-jM9Is


That should be right up your alley......Be careful with the peanut butter....

Sounds like a fun trip

Dutchboy101 wrote:

If anyone has some spare parts for a 2009 Rubicon I could borrow just in case I need them.
I'll gladly pay for them if I have to use them, or willing to buy right now.

Looking for axle u-joints for D44, tierod, spare Drive Shafts, rear D44 axle shafts (Rubicon).
Anything is greatly appreciated.
Can't think of anything else right now. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

I've got some stuff in the garage. Give me a call.

I've got the TJ at Ancira to rebuild the 6-speed so I can take it out against and wire in the AW4 instead. Still hoping to make this one...

Great, we'd love to have you join us on the trip.

are you going to run up 287 through amarillo?

Maverick1701 wrote:

are you going to run up 287 through amarillo?

Don't know yet. I'm following my buddy that has the cabins up there. I'm sure he knows the quickest route to get up there.

I've never ran die trying but that looks like a good trail! The rest of the trails are great. Black Bear is very cool and you'll really enjoy the views. Pay attention to the right of ways and you may need to fold your mirrors in for some of it. The southern San Juans didn't get hammered with snow this year so you should be okay when you get up to the passes. I've had other years where the passes are still closed at the end of June. If you want something easy consider going to Engineer Pass and Cinnamon Pass over in Lake City. You'll be right in that area. Both offer spectacular views. There are some old ghost towns around too. Your buddy probably knows how to get to them. See this link for some info. http://www.4x4now.com/a4f98b.htm

I realize that every guy has their own way of going someplace but here's my thoughts. Since you're hauling a trailer you may not want to dick around with a lot of stopping and going that you get on some of the backroads. I would consider going to Fort Stockton and turning north and using 285. This will take you right up through Roswell and into Santa Fe and on up through into Colorado until you reach Alamosa. From Alamosa head west on 160 until you reach South Fork and then turn onto 149. This runs straight into Creede. There are a bunch of other ways to go there but this might be easiest since it's not hilly, there are plenty of places to stop and it's a well traveled area with lots of service centers in case you have any problems. You could also cut across the border near Clovis, NM and run up through Santa Rosa, NM and catch 285 over by Clines Corners, NM. That way has more back roads but it's still a good drive.

I-10 is boring as hell but taking that over to Fort Stockton and turning north onto 285 is the fastest way for me. If you can take advantage of the higher speed limits during the daytime on I-10, this can shave off some time.

By the way, when you are on 149 heading into Creede, watch for Wagon Wheel Gap. It's a narrow section where the Rio Grande and the highway are literally side by side through a narrow break in the mountain. La Garita ranch runs for a few miles on the right hand side just past Wagon Wheel Gap and that's where we've spent a lot of time. When you're in Creede, consider going up through Bachelor Pass for a nice relaxing drive. It can get a little sloppy and unpassable in some sections but it's worth the time. There is an old mining town up there and the views are spectacular. We usually spot some elk up that way whenever we go. Be sure to visit Tommyknockers bar when you're in Creede. It's a good place with good local flavor. The Wild Beaver (be sure to get a free magnet calendar...you'll see why) is a good place to stock up on liquor. If Rocio likes artwork, be sure to visit the Quiller gallery. Rare Things is a great store and you'll probably find some things you like in there too. They usually have some very cool items. Slumgullion Pass (on your way to Lake City) has some amazing views and a steep descent into town. Be sure to stop by Clear Creek Falls on the way to Lake City from Creede. The falls are beautiful. There's a ton more I can tell you about the area but it's best if you just do some exploring on your own. You can't go wrong in any direction you choose.

Thank Tim, great advice and thanks for the tips.
I am meeting with my buddy this week to get a better grip on our itinerary (?)

One more thing...check out this thread. http://www.jkowners.com/forum/showthread.php?p=806848#post806848

I asked Lefthandrubi about his recent run on Die Trying since I knew you were going to hit this trail. He has a few photos from it and gave a good warning about one particular spot on the trail. Check it out. I hope this helps.

Thanks for the link. Those are some intimidating pictures, and wonder if I can do it with my rig. The articles I read elsewhere made it sound extreme, but the rigs were less capable then mine. some were TJ's running on 33 inch tires.

Might have to study it some more. lol.

What no Poughkeepsie?? Its just not right if you run Black Bear and no Poughkeepsie! or Imagene.
You are gonna have fun in my back yard!! I live here in the San Juans.. Have a great trip!! They are predicting rain and snow in parts of the San juans. Take your down coat!!

I'm going! By the skin of my teeth I have made it...

Sweet, we'll have a menage a trois! By that, I mean, we will have three Jeeps.


















Filthy bastards, get you mind out of the gutter!!!

Freaky Dutch bastard!

Colorado is awesome. That is all.

Y'all are missing out.

Deacon wrote:

Colorado is awesome. That is all.

Y'all are missing out.

Haha, don't get mad

Here's my current desktop background (smallified for you)... This was after a long, challenging, and incredibly fun day of crawling Billings Canyon (rated a 9 out of 10).

Send more pics! Looks beautiful

What Robert said! --

Great pic! Prolly pales in comparison to actually being there.

Great desktop image!

CO never disappoints!