Backcountry Discovery Routes

[Kinder]

I know we've had discussions about doing a mulit-day trip in the backcountry. And some folks have looked at the routes we'd take, Justin mostly. So here is another option and it's already been mapped out with GPS files for downloading.

http://www.backcountrydiscoveryroutes.com

There are existing routes for CO, UT, AZ & WA and more are being planned to include WY. The thought would be to pick up the CO route in BV and head south to the Four Corners and head back via the trail taken south, head over and pick up the UT trail and go north until it runs into I-70 or just hit the nearest pavement and turn towards home.

I'm thinking of doing this right before school starts back up so the kids can come along if they'd like to, I know mine would want to come.

[Gunnibronco]

That looks fun. I've done most of the BV to Ouray, (not all at once) with some minor exceptions. The parts I know are pretty easy, a lot is grated and maintained. But there are some rocky, bumpy, narrow sections, but nothing a stocker couldn't do, with little or no chance of breaking stuff (between Lake City & Ouray). If some wanted to step it up a little, you could do Hancock to Pitkin via the Alpine Tunnel, or Tin Cup pass from St Elmo instead of Cottonwood. But that might not be the point.

I see there is an "easy way around Home Gulch" near the junction with HWY 114. I'm curious, I want to check out Home Gulch. I don't expect its much, considering the rest of the route, but now I want to know.

[Justin]

It would be really, really cool to take a week and run the entire length. Highway to the start and from the stop, 675 miles of dirt in between. I see the generally graded nature of the roads as a plus for a first group run. Given the super-reliable nature of 40 year old trucks I'd rather use this as a shakedown run to learn on, and this would be a perfect way to do it.

[Eck]

I'm subscribed. This sounds pretty cool!

[Kinder]

I've been on a couple sections that this route runs, but not the more southwesterly parts. I'm up for modifying if it adds to the experience or if the folks that go want a bit more challenge. I'm not after anything beyond spending as much time on dirt with camping & exploring the backcountry my primary reason for going. I may consider bringing my trailer if we lean to running on the easier route as I'd love to bring a couple of dirt bikes to play on some single track.

[Gunnibronco]

I've been on a couple sections that this route runs, but not the more southwesterly parts. I'm up for modifying if it adds to the experience or if the folks that go want a bit more challenge. I'm not after anything beyond spending as much time on dirt with camping & exploring the backcountry my primary reason for going. I may consider bringing my trailer if we lean to running on the easier route as I'd love to bring a couple of dirt bikes to play on some single track.

Cottonwood is just so "blah", the BV side is even paved. They race road bikes over it in the Pro Cycle Challenge (http://www.usaprocyclingchallenge.com/). Hancock & Tincup are both doable for any lifted truck. Stock rigs and trailers wouldn't have any fun, but could do it. I saw a car with a pop up behind it on Tin Cup pass once (I saw it but I don't recommend it!). Cinnamon is rough and tight, but a trailer could cover it. All the rest between BV and Ouray is easy, mostly maintained to a point where a passenger car can drive it. You can cover the distance between HWY 50 and Lake City in a few hours, if you don't stop.

IF people wanted to take Tin Cup Pass or Hancock Pass, they could rendezvous with the rest of the group in Tin Cup or Pitkin. Honestly, if I go, I'll probably meet up with you guys in Tin Cup.

[Kinder]

I'll leave the trailer if it means more adventure, I love going up and over passes. I could just borrow Brian's hitch setup for dirt bike hauling, it worked great last summer to bring my sons 110 trail bike on the back of Bubba Smurf.

[Jesus_man]

Sounds like a blast!! I hope to see you guys follow thru on this!

Below is a link to my pictures of the St. Elmo area. Look at the bottom of the page for the sub-folders called Grizzly Lake, Hancock/Williams & Iron Chest: (Sorry about all the flowers. My wife grabbed the camera and went for a walk)
http://s8.photobucket.com/user/jesus_ma ... t=4&page=1

I don't recall Hancock being difficult and I don't think a stocker would even have trouble. I did not take it Hancock from the exit of Williams down to pitkin, but it wasn't bad. Here's a pic from near that junction:


Williams pass was a little harder, but not tough by any means (I know that's subjective). However, Williams can only be run in August, which might work for your schedule??
Grizzly Lake and Iron chest are dead end trails, and much tougher, but a blast nonetheless. I know dead ends like that are not your target.

I've also done a fair amount around Ouray and can post my experience there. Same goes for more of the BV/Leadville area.

[horseplay]

That is a fun area to wheel not to hard and great for the family. I say settle on a date and make it happen. The Toyota group does an event out there every year. Might want to make sure dates don't cross.

[Kermit484]

The wife and I would be interested if the dates don't conflict with anything else. I'll keep an eye on this thread to see what days you all agree upon.

[Kinder]

I'm still planning on this trip, but I need to settle into my new job before I make firm plans.

[Gunnibronco]

I want to do this for sure. I'm going to go check out a short section of the route, between Hwy 50 & 114 soon, just because I've never been there.

[Gunnibronco]

I just did the HWY 50 to 114 section of this today. It was about what I expected. All very well maintained county road, 35-40mph. If most the route is similar (which the parts I know are) then it is very doable by stock vehicles, even 2 wd cars. If you moved at the speed limit, and didn't stop/get sidetracked/side routed you could do Buena Vista to Ouray in one day (starting in BV early). One night camping near Lake City would be adequate with some lolly gaging & sight seeing. Planning 2 nights camping would allow for sleeping late, and/or serious sight seeing or some tougher trails/tangents if some people wanted.

Beautiful views, easy driving. Very low stress trip. Could easily bring a trailer/pop-up camper.

I went out without any GPS or printed maps. I guess I didn't pay much attention to the "designated route" or "alternate easy route" and ended up WAY off the map. Still didn't have to put the truck in 4x4. I did put it in 2 low, just to keep the dogs from flying around the truck.

[Kinder]

Thanks for the report, I look forward to the planning stages as we get closer. I might even be able to squeeze a trip out your way and we can do some scouting together.

[Gunnibronco]