Silverton, CO; Cinnamon & Engineer Pass, 6/11/06

[40_Below]

Awesome pictures Greg, I went up in that area about 10 years ago on family vacation and have always wanted to go back.. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Greg]

Oh, I forgot to mention one of the biggest highlights of the trip! We saw a black bear!!! :freak:

This happened in the morning right outside of Ouray, mabey 2 miles from town. The bear ran across the road about 100 feet from our car. There were 2 other cars in front of us that hit the brakes as it dashed across the road. By the time we pulled up to where the bear crossed. you could see it climbing up and over the hill. It looked pretty big, a bit skinny but still a large animal.

 

[Greg]

Hey Greg... we are arriving on a Thurs, and heading out Sunday, giving us 2 full days on the trail. Where did you guys stay? A bunch from our group are staying at the Ouray KOA, I might end up there?

You've got me all excited...

2 full days should be enough to satisfy your curiousity... or just whet it.

We just made a day of it, but next time we'll be camping at least one night. We left Fruita early in the morning, took 3 hrs to get to Silverton and ran over the passes. After a late dinner in Silverton, we headed back home. It was after 1:30 am when we finally pulled into the driveway.

It's kinda like running to Moab & back, just for one day of wheelin... it just worked out like that, but next time we'll definatley stay over.

 

[Greg]

Awesome pictures Greg, I went up in that area about 10 years ago on family vacation and have always wanted to go back.. Thanks for sharing.

Glad you liked the pics, thanks for the complement! That area would be great for a family vacation, next time the in-laws are visiting we're talking them there. I've read about many of these passes for some time & was excited to finally see them in person. It's an incredible place, I can't wait to get back there.

 

[RockMonkey]

I thought you'd like it. Going back for the fourth? Kurt, you'll love it. It's right in your area of interest.

 

[yellowbronco]

At this point in time it was getting late in the day, so Chris opened up the Cummins and hauled butt up the graded road to the summit. We just tried to keep up...

There were a few times when I involuntarily screamed like a girl and had to slam on the binders. Also, don't forget about the hardcore portion coming down Engineer... I was lifting tires like a mad mama!! You really need to work on getting wheels up more often Greg.

 

[Brian P]

This is an AWESOME trip, We did it a couple of years ago, Black bear, Imogene, Engeneers Pass, We opted out of Cinnimon from Lake City/town and went back over Engineer's We stayed in Ouray along with a bunch of other Wasatch Cruiser people.
You could do 21 road either way as well, Actually there are alot of great trails in CO. Much like UT.
Kurt, I would love to make it again but I cant get the time off.
Great pic's but like mine they just cant capture the real beauty of the area, Great stuff just the same!

 

[TimB]

I stayed in Lake City for a week last August and ran most of the passes there. Definately some of my favorite country. That drift on Engineer was still there mid August,

 

[Greg]

I thought you'd like it. Going back for the fourth?

Matter of fact, we are! Again, Chris & Tara are leading the way for a 4th of July trip. Were going to camp at least one night, if not 2. And this time we'll take my 4Runner... Chris wants to run Poughkeepsie Gulch, which requires a bit more than an almost-stocker can do.

 

[Greg]

There were a few times when I involuntarily screamed like a girl and had to slam on the binders. Also, don't forget about the hardcore portion coming down Engineer... I was lifting tires like a mad mama!! You really need to work on getting wheels up more often Greg.

Screamed like a girl... Yeah, the tire lifting was fun! I hate to say it, but I think your Dodge is sprung a bit stiff. I tried to lift more tires, the 4Runner just wasn't cooperating!

 

[RockMonkey]

Matter of fact, we are! Again, Chris & Tara are leading the way for a 4th of July trip. Were going to camp at least one night, if not 2. And this time we'll take my 4Runner... Chris wants to run Poughkeepsie Gulch, which requires a bit more than an almost-stocker can do.

That's a beautiful road. Not terribly difficult, but there are a couple spots that will stop a stock truck.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

That's a beautiful road. Not terribly difficult, but there are a couple spots that will stop a stock truck.

What about my Tacoma? Should I prioritize sliders for the Ouray trails or not really needed?

 

[Brian P]

What about my Tacoma? Should I prioritize sliders for the Ouray trails or not really needed?

Kurt I wouldnt worry about sliders, I did all but Poughkeepsie Gulch(didnt do due to sick kids) and didnt need sliders in the FZJ80, I even had slightly smaller tires and no lift. IIRC we did do Lake City to Ouray in about an hour and a half

 

[RockMonkey]

Poughkeepsie Gulch is significantly more difficult than any of the other passes in the area. If you want to do that one in your Taco, I'd definately get some rocker protection. Go with another rig or two or three and bring a strap. You'll be fine. There is at least one section with some significant Rocks. We could not get my F-250 through it.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Poughkeepsie Gulch is significantly more difficult than any of the other passes in the area. If you want to do that one in your Taco, I'd definately get some rocker protection. Go with another rig or two or three and bring a strap. You'll be fine. There is at least one section with some significant Rocks. We could not get my F-250 through it.

Other than sliders I should be fine?

I have a winch up front and there should be a half dozen+ of us on the trail...

 

[RockMonkey]

Other than sliders I should be fine?

I have a winch up front and there should be a half dozen+ of us on the trail...

Yeah, sliders and your winch will get you through, with a few other rigs there to supply anchor points.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Yeah, sliders and your winch will get you through, with a few other rigs there to supply anchor points.

Sliders it is... I better get them added to the agenda.

 

[BroncoMama]

Other than sliders I should be fine?

I have a winch up front and there should be a half dozen+ of us on the trail...

You should be fine. The hardest section of the trail has a few different lines you can take and there is an easier line to the far left.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

You should be fine. The hardest section of the trail has a few different lines you can take and there is an easier line to the far left.

Cool... know of any websites with pics?

 

[RockMonkey]

You should be fine. The hardest section of the trail has a few different lines you can take and there is an easier line to the far left.

The line to the far left was completely snowed in when we were there in early July. You had to go over the rocks. Of course I don't know the snow situation this year.