Headed to Ouray, CO

[Sweetums]

We initially planned to take the LJ with us for the more challenging trails but didn't get it ready in time, so the JTRD will be the only vehicle going on this one.

I know not everything is open yet, including Black Bear, which is kind of a bummer. I was hoping to get some input on what trails to take on and any to avoid. I have 27 years experience wheeling, but it's been about that long since doing Colorado and only one off road trip in the truck.

We just got a 2.5" lift on, but it's otherwise stock on OE tires.

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[molevich]

You will be fine on any trail on Ouray area. What makes trails in Ouray such as Engineer, Imgoene Mienral Creek, Black Bear challenging is the consequences of mistakes. They are mostly shelf roads that are fairly narrow. I have done all of them in Gladiator Willys with two inch lift and 35s with no issues. If somehow you manage to get stuck these areas are fairly busy and you will have no problem finding someone that will land you a hand.

If you are looking for a camping type of adventure, check out Gold King Basin by telluride.

Black Bear probably wont be open this season again.

Poughkeepsie gulch, the wall might be the only challenge for you but it has a bypass route.

We had pretty wet season so some of the trails are late to open up. I would check conditions of trails in local groups on facebook if you planning on going soon.

 

[jeepers29]

Our group will e there 5-12 july Check with the jeep rental shops. They always have updates on what trails are open. Have fun

 

[Sweetums]

You will be fine on any trail on Ouray area. What makes trails in Ouray such as Engineer, Imgoene Mienral Creek, Black Bear challenging is the consequences of mistakes. They are mostly shelf roads that are fairly narrow. I have done all of them in Gladiator Willys with two inch lift and 35s with no issues. If somehow you manage to get stuck these areas are fairly busy and you will have no problem finding someone that will land you a hand.

If you are looking for a camping type of adventure, check out Gold King Basin by telluride.

Black Bear probably wont be open this season again.

Poughkeepsie gulch, the wall might be the only challenge for you but it has a bypass route.

We had pretty wet season so some of the trails are late to open up. I would check conditions of trails in local groups on facebook if you planning on going soon.

Thank you! It's been a long time since I've been there; road conditions change a lot as I've seen in Moab, trails that used to be drivable in a capable stock vehicle now need 35"-37" tires, lift, armor, and a winch.

I have OnX, which shows what's open and the county website. It's a shame about Black Bear, that is a bucket-list road for me and I know the Sheriff is tired of doing SAR, Medivac, and recovery up there because the road is Instagram-famous and it attracts idiots. I really hope that road isn't shut down forever, once they close it's so hard to get them back.

I'm no stranger to narrow shelf roads or high-consequence situations, but I also don't want to do a Dumb and end up where I don't belong. That would be a problem for me, but also a hinderance to others on the trail and I wanted to be sure I wasn't going to be that guy.

We have a winch and will be traveling with our recovery gear and sufficient supplies if we get suck. We also have an inReach for emergencies and GMRS and Ham handheld radios.

 

[dajudge]

Like has been said, you will be fine on any of the trails around Ouray. None of them are hard and most of them I would consider scenic driving. The biggest issues are the people that have no idea what they are doing or what the rules are. Just be aware and plan accordingly.
One resource for trail updates is Bushducks
It is beautiful up there, enjoy your trip!

 

[molevich]

Thank you! It's been a long time since I've been there; road conditions change a lot as I've seen in Moab, trails that used to be drivable in a capable stock vehicle now need 35"-37" tires, lift, armor, and a winch.

I have OnX, which shows what's open and the county website. It's a shame about Black Bear, that is a bucket-list road for me and I know the Sheriff is tired of doing SAR, Medivac, and recovery up there because the road is Instagram-famous and it attracts idiots. I really hope that road isn't shut down forever, once they close it's so hard to get them back.

I'm no stranger to narrow shelf roads or high-consequence situations, but I also don't want to do a Dumb and end up where I don't belong. That would be a problem for me, but also a hinderance to others on the trail and I wanted to be sure I wasn't going to be that guy.

We have a winch and will be traveling with our recovery gear and sufficient supplies if we get suck. We also have an inReach for emergencies and GMRS and Ham handheld radios.

You will be fine. Just be careful on Mineral Creek if you do it. It is open but it is rougher than I have ever seen.

Like has been said, you will be fine on any of the trails around Ouray. None of them are hard and most of them I would consider scenic driving. The biggest issues are the people that have no idea what they are doing or what the rules are. Just be aware and plan accordingly.
One resource for trail updates is Bushducks
It is beautiful up there, enjoy your trip!

I second Bushducks! they are great resource.

 

[jeepers29]

You will be fine. Just be careful on Mineral Creek if you do it. It is open but it is rougher than I have ever seen.




I second Bushducks! they are great resource.

MMineral creek on it's best day will beat you to death. LOL

 

[Mightytalldude]

Not overly challenging, but the views are breathtaking. Yankee Boy Basin and Governor Basin are two on the Ouray side heading to Imogene Pass, that I would recommend. Imogene Pass from Telluride side might still be closed due to a wash out from last fall.

 

[Mightytalldude]

Poughkeepsie Gulch is also fun and doable with lockers and great tires, and luck. The wall can be bypassed. We came across this Bronco coming down from The Wall, wrong line, we got him back on his wheels with minimal damage.

 

[Sweetums]

That's very much the wrong line.

 

[Mightytalldude]

That's very much the wrong line.

He said that a boulder gave way under his right tire and they rolled over in slow motion.

 

[Mightytalldude]

We saved him thousands on rescue. We were the last ones on Poughkeepsie that afternoon heading up to the wall. They were able to contact a 4x rescue which was on their way. With the 3 of us, we were able to get around him on a steep bypass and then use multiple winches to slowly rotate him back to driver side. Only the soft top was damaged.

 

[Sweetums]

Nicely done. The best recoveries are slow and almost boring.

 

[Mightytalldude]

Nicely done. The best recoveries are slow and almost boring.

@WILDHOBO probably has video as he was the main anchor point.

 

[WILDHOBO]

Somewhere in a go pro folder in my data center.

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