The scheduled run is free and open to all XJ/MJ vehicles, but prior registration should be made. The
headquarters will be located at Lakeview-Bighorn, Gunnison campground on the beautiful Taylor Park Reservoir nestled in the mountains between Buena Vista, Crested Butte, and Gunnison Colorado. Headquarter campground reservations can be made through ReserveUSA (www.reserveusa.com or 1-877-444-6777). When booking make sure to make your reservations in the Lakeview-Bighorn, Gunnison campground as other Lakeview campgrounds do exist in Colorado. Of special note, ReserveUSA has not fixed an error on their web site (it has been brought to their attention) so do not trust their clickable map for your reservation. The map’s campground icon for Lakeview-Bighorn takes you to the wrong “Lakeview” campground. Use the web site’s name selection menu for the Colorado campgrounds and you should have no problem. The other thing you will need to do is disregard the website’s description of the campground as closed due to construction. ReserveUSA seems very slow at updating their web stuff.
Because of efforts on the part of
three of the campground’s four loops have been opened up for reservations! Since ReserveUSA has been so slow with the web updates
seems to be the only group that is aware of Lakeview’s opening. This should mean we have a chance to reserve most of the campground’s reservation sites. If we fill the HQ campground reservations can also be made at the following campgrounds within a drivable distance to Lakeview (miles from HQ): Dinner Station (9mi), Lodge Pole (9.5mi), Rosy Lane (14.5mi), & One Mile (15mi). For last minuet travelers there are several campgrounds in the area that do not take reservations with availability on a first come basis. These are: River’s End (4mi), Cold Spring (8mi), Mirror Lake (12mi), North Bank (16mi), Dorchester (16mi), Taylor Canyon (16.5mi), Spring Creek (19mi), and Mosca (27mi). Primitive camping is restricted near the reservoir but opportunities do exist for those that really want to rough it.
For attendees that wish more upscale accommodations the nearest roof is located at the Trading Post (1mi) on Taylor Reservoir. Not a very plush place but the cabins do have running water, beds, and heat. Their phone number at the Trading Post is 970-641-2555. Other upscale accommodations are Eibert's Cabins (5mi?) 970-641-2943, Holts Guest Ranch 970-641-2733 (?), Harmel's Ranch Resort (18mi) 800-235-3402 or 970-641-1740, Almont Resort 970-641-4009 (24mi), Three Rivers Resort (25mi) 970-641-1303, and White Water Resort 970-641-1713 (estimated 25mi). There are also several resorts and motels in Crested Butte and Gunnison, but be prepared for a drive of over 35 miles to either town. The lodging and camping around Buena Vista is also an option but because of the long travel time over the often very rough Cottonwood Pass it is not recommended.
Trail Runs are scheduled every day of the event. The terrain in the region isn’t as difficult as some parts of Colorado or as the notorious Moab, UT but should be scenic and challenging enough to please everyone in attendance.
The trail schedule is being finalized at this time and will be released when available. As with previous runs, Tread Lightly rules will be followed and all vehicles in attendance must meet all
rules for sponsored events regarding both equipment and safety gear. Inspections to confirm compliance will be mandatory. It is also recommended that everyone plan for wet, cool, or even cold weather. Remember you are in the Mountains. It is not uncommon for night time temperatures in this region to reach the freezing mark even in July or August. Brief afternoon showers are frequent with an occasional summer snow shower possible at higher elevations.