| Author | Message | ||
     Jim Burns (Jim_burns) New Member Username: Jim_burns Post Number: 21 Registered: 03-2003 |
I have a stock “01 Disco II with a Yakima load box on the roof. I will be driving to Mesa Verde on a family vacation this August. We will also be day tripping to Moab. I am looking for a light off roading trail that has great scenery and will be any easy ride so my wife does not freak out and think we are going to die. My father lived in Durango Colorado, I remember him talking about a dirt road between Durango and Telluride, does any one know of that rout? Any suggestions, besides leaving the wife at the mall? | ||
| Brian Dickens (Bri) Senior Member Username: Bri Post Number: 514 Registered: 08-2002 |
Most of the most scenic areas that I have run are up in the telluride/ouray area. You may wish to pick up "Guide to Colorado Backroads and 4-wheel Drive trails". However, they do not have any specific trails listed right around the Mesa verde area. Yankee Boy Basin, Ophir Pass, Imogene Pass and Engineer Pass all come to mind, but might make a fairly long day trip from where you are, but if you are day tripping to Moab (quite a haul for a day trip) then this might not be a big deal. If you want easy/moderate 4 wheel that will not give your wife white nuckles, just make the simple decision to do the Alpine Loop. http://sangres.com/byways/alpine.htm The San Juan scenic skyway is (I think) paved, but awesome as well. http://www.coloradodirectory.com/maps/skyway.html Check on closings, the fire season has started and Mesa Verde is currently closed and noone can stay/enter the park. Don't let that scare you though there is plenty to do that will not be closed and just use common sense and you will be safe. | ||
| Eric Pena (Evalp) Senior Member Username: Evalp Post Number: 569 Registered: 06-2002 |
Ya, the park is closed due to a fire. FYI | ||
| Brian Dickens (Bri) Senior Member Username: Bri Post Number: 516 Registered: 08-2002 |
I guess I could have been more clear about that huh? Yes I believe on Tuesday or so there was a big lightning storm. I saw pictures of about 5 fires *in* the park. Typically the park does not just close due to fire season. Couldn't find a link to conditions, I guess you will need to call. | ||
| Jim Burns (Jim_burns) New Member Username: Jim_burns Post Number: 23 Registered: 03-2003 |
Thanks for the info. I think the pass over Engineer mountain was the one I was thinking of. There is a pass to something out of Durango up Junction Creek. I believe that goes up and over to Silverton. Does anyone know? I found the link to Mesa Verde. Unless it gets worse it should be open in late August... I hope. http://www.nps.gov/meve/mvnp/pio/pr-03-22.htm | ||
| Jim Burns (Jim_burns) New Member Username: Jim_burns Post Number: 24 Registered: 03-2003 |
I found a link to trails in the area. http://www.durango.org/GuidedTours/FourWheelRoads.asp | ||
| michael burt (Mikeyb) Senior Member Username: Mikeyb Post Number: 383 Registered: 03-2002 |
i will second the book brian recommends...pretty good info and some mellow trails... it is by charles a wells, if you do a search... |
