Buena Vista, Colorado; June 2007

[RRees]

Calling all Colorado TDR members with Jeeps.



My family and I will be heading out to the Buena Vista, CO area

around Mid June 2007.



I've been to colorado before, just haven't Jeeped in the Buena Vista area.



Other than what's on the local websites, any neat and unusual I should try and see.



Thanks.

 

[fkovalski]

Not a jeep owner, but...



Colorado in June will be a nice time to visit, although it can still dip into the low 30’s and high 20’s even at that time of the year. Even though the snow should be over by then (though we here hope not ) …one website that I always recommend is CoTrip.org . While snow will not be the concern, CDOT is always resurfacing areas of I-70… you may want to check it as your travel time nears. Both bores of the Eisenhower Tunnel were resurfaced last summer, but the approaches are in need of some serious repair; it may happen during your slated time.

 

[Foil Freak 1211]

Been a long time, but I remember a real nice 4x4 drive from Buena Vista over to Crested Butte. If you get a Forest Service map, I am sure you can find many other options.

 

[fkovalski]

Been a long time, but I remember a real nice 4x4 drive from Buena Vista over to Crested Butte. If you get a Forest Service map, I am sure you can find many other options.

I believe that you are refering to Keebler Pass, and yes, that is a scenic drive. If you go this route and you have the time... continue on to Cottonwood pass (west of Crested Butte) over into the Taylor Resevior Recreation area.



As far as Jeeping goes, Tincup Pass is a neet route into Taylor. I did it with my '01. It was slow going navigating the rocks. A Jeeep should have no problem with it.

 

[RRees]

Thanks everybody. Any more info, you can PM me or just add to this thread.



I plan on taking the Kansas route through Colorado Springs the onto Salida and ultimately to Buena Vista.



?Is an exhaust brake necessary using that route. My trailer has brakes and my Jeep/trailer combo only weighs about 6000 lbs.

 

[dmhollister]

Thanks everybody. Any more info, you can PM me or just add to this thread.



I plan on taking the Kansas route through Colorado Springs the onto Salida and ultimately to Buena Vista.



?Is an exhaust brake necessary using that route. My trailer has brakes and my Jeep/trailer combo only weighs about 6000 lbs.

No you should not need an exhaust brake on this rout. There are three passes to go over this route, ute, wilkerson, and trout creek pass. All a real easy and not to steep/long grades. Depending on your 4X4 ability there are several trails around Buena Vista. If you can, try and get your hands on a trail guide book by Charles A. Wells, titled Guide to Colorado Backroads and 4-wheel Drive Trails . This book as several trails listed and is pretty right on for most trails. This and a Forest Service map are all I have really needed to navigate in the hills. Depending on how much snow we receive this winter will dictate which trails will be open at that time.



Have had several runs that were cut short in and around the continental divide area all the way up through july because of snow. Good luck and have fun

 

[RRees]

dmhollister,



I do in fact have the Charles A. Wells book. I purchased it a few years ago that last time I was in Colorado. Plus I have some maps, but I don't think they are for the Buena Vista area.



I have some friends (Jeep club members) that will be coming out also.



Thanks for all the info thus far.

 

[BarryG]

Right down the road from Buena Vista is St Elmo (essentially a ghost town). There is a nice circle that you can make. Go up and over Hancock pass maybe even fool around over on Tomichi pass area then forest service road up and over Cumberland Pass (no 4x4 needed at all on that stretch) grab some lunch at Frenchys cafe then up and over Tincup pass back to Elmo. It is a nice day trip. Probably around 55-60 miles for the circle.

 

[RRees]

BarryG,



Thanks for the tips/advice. Now I just have to wait 4 months.

 

[fkovalski]

Bob,... . some other ideas:



These are my basic maps that I carry:



Colorado Gazetteeer



Nat'l Geographic Trails Illustrated



The first one is a good overall reference for the state providing general information and topography. The Trails Illustrated series is a durable finish fold- out type map that can provide more detail. The TI maps are area specific. Between these two reference I can usually navigate most areas.



If more detail is needeed, USGS maps are also available.

 

[PRush]

We live in Twin Lakes, Co. about 25 miles from BV, Co. We travel Hwy 24 to BV several times a week. Travel at night, for those 25 miles, is like playing Russian Roulette because of the mule deer population. My wife and I have witnessed at least a dozen collisions and countless near misses on the stretch of Hwy 24 between BV and Granite. We moved here in October so I can't tell you what the deer population will be like in June. I think I would check with the locals about summer populations.

We counted 108 deer, at dusk, in a 2. 2 mile stretch of Hwy 24 as we headed back to Twin Lakes.

A Buckstop Bumper is a high priority on my shopping list.

 

[PKnoerzer]

I second the St. Elmo area and Tin cup. In June many of the trails will be dead ended by snow. This picture with the trailer is in Buena Vista when my truck was one month old.

#ad


Same trip on Imogene pass near Ouray.

#ad

 

[RRees]

Thanks again everybody. So instead of an exhaust brake I need a bigger front bumper.



I'll be traveling during daylight hours. So hopefully I can spot the deer. We have a lot of deer here in Iowa, so I'm always cautious. Sometimes too much because I irritate the drivers behind me.



RRush: Do you have a Jeep too?

 

[jeepit]

dmhollister,



I do in fact have the Charles A. Wells book. I purchased it a few years ago that last time I was in Colorado. Plus I have some maps, but I don't think they are for the Buena Vista area.



I have some friends (Jeep club members) that will be coming out also.



Thanks for all the info thus far.

What Jeep club is that you belong to??

 

[RRees]

Jeepit,



I am a co-founder of the Jeep Outdoor Club of Central Iowa (JOCCI) and was the club president in 2005-2006. I'm just a dues paying member now.



I also belong to the Central Iowa 4-Wheelers, Inc. (CI4WI) club.



I think you need to take a trip to Colorado in June 2007.



So where is in the Barn in 'sconsin? I went to high school in Chippewa Falls as well as Racine and Kenosha (short story - my parents moved alot due to business).

 

[jeepit]

RRees, Located on western shore of Lake Michigan. I am asking you about the trip since the club I belong to is looking to go somewhere this summer. it is difficult to get anyone to committ at this point. Check out www.lcjs.org:)

 

[jeepit]

RRees, Also check www.trjc.com we have a large group in the club are heading there for the Illini Safari in May.

 

[RRees]

jeepit,



I'll probably do the August Blast. I've been to Pittsfield many times.

My first time was in 94 when the hosted the Jeep Jamboree. It's been great every time I've been there.



I'll have to check the budget advisor and see if I can pull that one off also.



I'll keep you posted.

 

[jeepit]

jeepit,



I'll probably do the August Blast. I've been to Pittsfield many times.

My first time was in 94 when the hosted the Jeep Jamboree. It's been great every time I've been there.



I'll have to check the budget advisor and see if I can pull that one off also.



I'll keep you posted.

No kidding. We may know each other then. I have been at every May event since 1993.

 

[RRees]

94, 96, 97, 98, 99, 00. Jeep Jamboree

01 (JJ ?), 03, 04 and 05 4x4 Blast.



I missed a few years due to kids, landscaping, etc.



I've always camped at Lake Pittsfield when I was there.