Wheeled between Aspen and Crested Butte this weekend.

[Handlebars]

I have been going through the Wells book of Colorado trails section by section every 4th of July weekend for the past 4 years. This year I did section 2. I also realized after this weekend if I lived in Colorado I would never bother going to New Mexico to go wheeling ever again.


Leaving before the crack of dawn for a long weekend of camping with my Jeep has all kinds of rewards.

Driving over Italian Creek road to Crested Butte I encountered this scene:

He's kind of small, should I throw 'im back?!?

Taylor Pass road doubles as a stream bed.

We found a couple of bucks at the top of Taylor Pass. Can't take them to the bank, though.

Crossing Cooper Creek on the way to Pearl Pass from Aspen.

I didn't even bother with the snow chains or shovel. At this point we still had to climb 1100 feet to reach Pearl Pass and a thunderstorm was above us.

Taz on Pearl Pass, a little above Montazuma Basin.

They look like brothers, don't they? This is a couple of local guys that have recently moved to Denver, lucky SOB's.

My buddy Sean closes his eyes and lets go of the steering wheel on the talus ledge road on the Reno Divide. He has gotten a lot better with his fear of heights.

Lots of colombines blooming this time of year.

Spectacular scenery coming down Schofield Pass.

I believe the purpose of the switchbacks going up the mountain in Lead King Basin is so you can see each and every one of the millions of wildflowers blooming on the slopes.

The famous Crystal River Powerhouse.

I can't wait to go back and explore some more trails. It seems like you could spend a lifetime of weekends and never see the same trail twice.

 

[wall04]

Nice pics man! You've given me some motivation to get my lift going. I'm hoping to do the Alpine Loop in September.

 

[RockTracXJ]

Those are some sweet ass pictures, man. I need to get up to that area and do some wheeling up there. Which was your favorite trail?

 

[RangerRick]

Nice pic's Alex! Well I just got the extra time off for the Fall Fling and now I'm looking forward to the Loose Screws Tour.
Are you still up for the trip? I've been in Red Canyon 3 times before. Once through Blue Notch then out Red Canyon when the water was real low. Once in Red Canyon and back track to Fry Canyon and out. Also, thinking of cooking under the hood. Any ways, nice to see your exploring Colorado.

 

[Handlebars]

Hi Rick- I don't think I will be able to make the Fall Fling this year. Whatever remaining vacation time will be used to get married. Carry on the Loose Screws tradition, would you? We had engine enchiladas this trip, they were GREAT. It brought back the memories of the enchilada cassarole we brought to Arch Canyon, which we realized we haven't had since then. Good memories!

Which was your favorite trail?

I couldn't single out any one as best, they were all beautiful. Maybe Schofield Pass, it went through a canyon that I would never expect a road to go through and there was good camping just above the pass.

 

[drifto77]

I have been going through the Wells book of Colorado trails section by section every 4th of July weekend for the past 4 years. This year I did section 2. I also realized after this weekend if I lived in Colorado I would never bother going to New Mexico to go wheeling ever again.

Charles Wells??
YUP... his VOL 1 book ROCKS!!!! I would LOVE to do all the trails in it.
Iam working on area # 7. The San Juans. Been there the last 3 years in a row and STILL have not done all the trails.
Trails done...
Owl Creek pass from 550 to 50 x1 <-- well... thats a dirt road
Yankee Boy x 1 & 1/2 blocked by snow at the top bathroom this year
Imogene x2
Black Bear x1
Ophir x1
Clear Lake to the 1st mine this year blocked by snow from there to the lake
Engineer x3
Cinnamon Pass to Lake City x1
Picayne & Placer x1
Corkscrew to Anims Forks x1
Governor Basin x1
Arrastra Gulch x 1
Alta Lakes x1
Did not get to run a lot of trails this year. Went for a buddies wedding (got married on the lower section of Yankee Boy) and it was a little early in the year.
Only trail that was open all the way was the Alpin Loop and it opened all the way 3 days after we got there.
(missed the part from Lake City back to hwy 550 due to weather, went from there to Montrose by 149/50
Texas AINT GOT SQUAT on the BEAUTIFUL state of Colorado.
(wish i could talk the wife into moveing)

I can't wait to go back and explore some more trails. It seems like you could spend a lifetime of weekends and never see the same trail twice.

X 1000000000000000000000000000000

 

[pabloconrad]

Nice pics.

Went up Pearl from the Aspen yesterday (July 6th) side and it still has tons of snow blocking the road.

Can't wait until she's open.

 

[xjblue]

Hi Rick- I don't think I will be able to make the Fall Fling this year. Whatever remaining vacation time will be used to get married. Carry on the Loose Screws tradition, would you? We had engine enchiladas this trip, they were GREAT. It brought back the memories of the enchilada cassarole we brought to Arch Canyon, which we realized we haven't had since then. Good memories!.

Another great trip report! Congrats on wedding plans. The Loose Screws Tour will be missing something without you there with your GPS, engine food, and good company...

 

[HilltopXJ]

Nice pics, I love that area. I would like to go back and visit again.
Last time I was in that area was a couple of years ago. Got drunk down in Crested Butte about every night for a week. There was a FatTire fest the week I was there, man thay was fun.party1: Beautiful place...

 

[pabloconrad]

Went to Crested Butte a few years ago in Sept.

It just so happened to be "Vinotek." Everyone in town was dressed like it was the middle ages and then walked to every bar with a cup, sang a song, and got a free fill. What a great way to get drunk.

One local said it was a great off-season reason to get drunk.arty:uke:

Too bad I was driving back that night or I would've joined them. :flamemad: