Is it feasible to do Corkscrew to Hurricane to California down to Animas and then go down San Juan County Rd 2 through Silverton in one day? How do you think the trails would be in a RAM 2500 Powerwagon? Thanks and beautiful footage!
I would say the trip time depends on your objectives. If you just want to drive it with no stops, I'd guess close to 2 hours out and back. Being at the top of California (coming from Ouray side), you will be very close to Animas Forks and it is worth the trip down to the mine ruins. On this day we included Animas Fork and returned to California via Placer Gulch. We were riding or hiking for 8-9 hours. There is a great book by FunTreks called 'Guide to Colorado Backroads & 4 Wheel Drive Trails' that will give you a better idea of pure drive time (no sightseeing stops) on the trails in CO.
Yes. Most "trails" in this area are maintained county roads, so there is some level of care to make them passable. I would probably exclude Mineral Creek and Black Bear, but for the most part a smart driving line and taking your time will get a stock vehicle through. If the county that maintains the road thinks a high clearance vehicle is a must, there is a sign at the trail head.
Thank you Mark! My wife and I got the off-road bug after a fabulous outing on the White Rim Trail in Utah. Since then, we are always looking for the next amazing location, and Ouray, CO certainly looks to be that place. Safe drives!!!
Absolutely beautiful scenery, enjoyed the video. I live in NC and run trails in NC, SC , Ga. Only do mild jeep trails as truck is stock and only ride, but love the outdoors and camping. I would like to get out west someday, looking forward to more video's.
Have to go with 1. Ouray to Imogene, 2. Mineral Creek Road to Engineer Pass, 3. Yankee Boy Basin up past twin falls is crazy pretty. In my opinion of course. This would be a great question for the Switzerland of America Jeeps facebook page. :-)
Black Bear Pass is great, not gonna lie, but with your caveat of scenery I went with the others. If you were to ask me which trails I would definitely do again, the Bear would be top 1 or 2.
Hey Jeremy, Very few of the trails in CO require 4Lo to ascend. I was having trouble with intake air temps on this trip, so I was losing power from heat. I did use 4Lo more than I normally would. On the descents 4Lo is benficial to keep your foot off the brake, and let the transmission do all the work. 2WD and 4Hi are plenty for 90% of SW CO. Thanks for watching!
See any trucks doing it? Running a 15 F150, 2 inch lift w/ 33 ATs. My "boy" is a might wide vs a jeep. Was told the switchbacks up Engineer would be a bit tight, but everything else is do-able (minus Blackbear). What tire PSI?
Thank you, beautiful.
Love your videos, Mark. Incredible.
Is it feasible to do Corkscrew to Hurricane to California down to Animas and then go down San Juan County Rd 2 through Silverton in one day? How do you think the trails would be in a RAM 2500 Powerwagon? Thanks and beautiful footage!
Excellent video. Please share info about the music you used for this. Thanks Much
Looks amazing! About how long does this trip take?
I would say the trip time depends on your objectives. If you just want to drive it with no stops, I'd guess close to 2 hours out and back. Being at the top of California (coming from Ouray side), you will be very close to Animas Forks and it is worth the trip down to the mine ruins. On this day we included Animas Fork and returned to California via Placer Gulch. We were riding or hiking for 8-9 hours. There is a great book by FunTreks called 'Guide to Colorado Backroads & 4 Wheel Drive Trails' that will give you a better idea of pure drive time (no sightseeing stops) on the trails in CO.
Great share!!! Can a stock, unmodified, 4-door Jeep Sahara (or unmodified Toyota 4-Runner) handle these trails? Thanks!
Yes. Most "trails" in this area are maintained county roads, so there is some level of care to make them passable. I would probably exclude Mineral Creek and Black Bear, but for the most part a smart driving line and taking your time will get a stock vehicle through. If the county that maintains the road thinks a high clearance vehicle is a must, there is a sign at the trail head.
Thank you Mark! My wife and I got the off-road bug after a fabulous outing on the White Rim Trail in Utah. Since then, we are always looking for the next amazing location, and Ouray, CO certainly looks to be that place. Safe drives!!!
Moab and Canyonlands area... Might favorite place in the US! Stay safe!!
Excellent video! I'm going to this area this summer and I can't wait. What time of year was this?
Thank you! This was the second week of July in 2017.
What actual date was that recorded?
That's a pretty drive, would a stock dodge ram 1500 short bed with and 33"s be able to do this. Has factory lift,
Shouldn’t have a problem in the 1500. Air down the tires a bit for comfort and enjoy the view!
Absolutely beautiful scenery, enjoyed the video. I live in NC and run trails in NC, SC , Ga.
Only do mild jeep trails as truck is stock and only ride, but love the outdoors and camping. I would like to get out west someday, looking forward to more video's.
Thanks for Sharing, In your opinion, Whuch three Passes are the best, in terms of scenery?
Have to go with 1. Ouray to Imogene, 2. Mineral Creek Road to Engineer Pass, 3. Yankee Boy Basin up past twin falls is crazy pretty. In my opinion of course. This would be a great question for the Switzerland of America Jeeps facebook page. :-)
Mark Rickabaugh I am surprised you did not include Black Bear Pass?
Thank U
Black Bear Pass is great, not gonna lie, but with your caveat of scenery I went with the others. If you were to ask me which trails I would definitely do again, the Bear would be top 1 or 2.
At what time us Hurricane Pass?
23:17 we are parked on Hurricane Pass. It's not too much further from there over to California Pass.
What gear combo? 4H or 4L?
Hey Jeremy, Very few of the trails in CO require 4Lo to ascend. I was having trouble with intake air temps on this trip, so I was losing power from heat. I did use 4Lo more than I normally would. On the descents 4Lo is benficial to keep your foot off the brake, and let the transmission do all the work. 2WD and 4Hi are plenty for 90% of SW CO. Thanks for watching!
Also, I am running 4.88s in my diffs, and 37 inch tires, if that was also part of the question. :-)
My old tired zj had to be in 4 lo...6cyl 205k
See any trucks doing it? Running a 15 F150, 2 inch lift w/ 33 ATs. My "boy" is a might wide vs a jeep. Was told the switchbacks up Engineer would be a bit tight, but everything else is do-able (minus Blackbear). What tire PSI?
Jeremy Newton 20psi... On my 32bfg all terrain..