Colorado or Front Range Gladiator owners

[FocoRusty]

Hey guys, can you give this Midwesterner an update on the smoke and fires? My wife is wanting to take a trip out the middle of next month. We were thinking Ouray area and might stop and see some friends in Estes park

We were out in Ouray and Telluride last weekend. No smoke. I don't think you'll be able to get there via I-70 yet, but Hwy 50 was a nice drive. Stop by Black Canyon on the way if you have time. Haven't been up to Estes recently, but I would guess it could be pretty smokey based on proximity to the Cameron Peak fire.

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[Mightytalldude]

@spenchey depends on the day for how bad the smoke is. The rains have helped a bit. We're taking off the end of this week for Moab and then Ouray. We're also taking Hwy 285/50, to avoid I-70, which is currently open as of last Wednesday, but could close again if rains start, causing some mud/rock slides in the canyon. It's the prettier drive, and only adds a little over an hour more vs I-70.

 

[Etoimos]

Hey guys, can you give this Midwesterner an update on the smoke and fires? My wife is wanting to take a trip out the middle of next month. We were thinking Ouray area and might stop and see some friends in Estes park

The others have given you accurate updates on the current smoke conditions and those hold true for the Colorado Springs area as well.

Keep in mind that mid to late Sept can see some of the trails close due to snow in the Ouray area. A couple of years ago the wife and I went done there on Sept 19th and the Alpine Loop was already closed. It really just depends on when the first real snow is.

 

[Etoimos]

Your photography is excellent. I'd be interested in your gear and techniques when you get them up on your blog. I'm particularly interested in your astrophotography as I've tried this in the past and have not produced anything near as good as your pics. Thanks for posting!

Thank you. I've been shooting for a long time, so my gear has changed over the years. For my astrophotography I use an older Canon 6D and mainly my 16-35mm f2.8L lens. I could tell you settings, but those will depend on your camera and lens. The best "gear" is a really dark location to photograph from. I'll travel 2-10+ hours to get to a location that has good conditions.

I do need to update my blog and both a Gladiator and photography write up or due.

 

[spenchey]

Thanks for the input guys. We were out there about 4 years ago but it was early sept. We did moab 2 yrs ago, and while fun, I discovered i'm much more of a mountains guy with water and green near by lol

 

[Br4hm4]

Was just out west this past weekend and spent 4 days in Gunnison/Black Canyon area. Smoke was almost non existent. Rain has been a big help and fire fighters have contained both Pine Gulch and Grizzly Creek fires up to almost 80%. Those were the 2 biggest fires in the area you are talking about.

 

[d k]

That's some serious dedication!

I'm good for an hour or so...

I'll travel 2-10+ hours to get to a location that has good conditions.

 

[Etoimos]

That's some serious dedication!

I'm good for an hour or so...

You can get some good shots not too far from Denver. This one was taken on the Red Cone trail:

 

[FocoRusty]

Thank you. I've been shooting for a long time, so my gear has changed over the years. For my astrophotography I use an older Canon 6D and mainly my 16-35mm f2.8L lens. I could tell you settings, but those will depend on your camera and lens. The best "gear" is a really dark location to photograph from. I'll travel 2-10+ hours to get to a location that has good conditions.

I do need to update my blog and both a Gladiator and photography write up or due.

I have a similar setup with a Canon 5D mark II and the same 16-35mm wide angle. I think you're right that the biggest issue for me has been light pollution. That and creating interesting composition and balancing lighting in the foreground. Probably just need a little (or likely a lot) more trial and error.

 

[FocoRusty]

You can get some good shots not too far from Denver. This one was taken on the Red Cone trail:

That's an awesome shot. what did you use to light the jeeps?

 

[303Gladiator]

Another Bright White joining in the Broomfield, Erie area! Will be upgrading tires soon. If anyone has the Mopar Steel bumper they are looking to part with, please let me know

 

[Mightytalldude]

Another Bright White joining in the Broomfield, Erie area! Will be upgrading tires soon. If anyone has the Mopar Steel bumper they are looking to part with, please let me know

Good luck with finding a steel bumper. I've been looking for the last 7 months. I'll probably order it through BAM https://www.bamwholesaleparts.com/o...umper-front-off-road-steel-3-piece-82215121ad

 

[303Gladiator]

Good luck with finding a steel bumper. I've been looking for the last 7 months. I'll probably order it through BAM https://www.bamwholesaleparts.com/o...umper-front-off-road-steel-3-piece-82215121ad

Thanks Rob, there is definitely no shortage of the plastic stock ones out there, thats for sure. I appreciate the link

 

[Mightytalldude]

Just finished the last bits of repair on our (new to us) '99 Coleman, curtains are the last update. Packing this week, leaving this weekend for Moab and Ouray.

 

[Etoimos]

Another Bright White joining in the Broomfield, Erie area! Will be upgrading tires soon. If anyone has the Mopar Steel bumper they are looking to part with, please let me know

Congrats on the JT Joey, and welcome to the site!

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