Well, all I have to say is Colorado is sweet. I wasn't really sure what to expect from it but man, what a place.

Day 1, Thursday July 9th

Left Phoenix around 1 and headed north on the 87 toward Payson, which we passed right through and continued north. Once we reached Lake Mary Rd. we turned off and made our way into Flagstaff. The reason we took this route was due to the Jeep having no A/C (cooler route) and we had never been in that area of the state before. Pretty uneventful first day; didn't take any pictures.

Day 2, Friday July 10th
Left Flagstaff around 9am and headed due NE, toward the Four Corners. Talk about a long, hot, and rather boring drive through the reservation. Finally we arrived, paid to get in, and I got my picture taken. While waiting in line, I noticed that all of the state flags surrounding the four corners were tatted and faded. At 3 dollars a person I see no reason why you shouldn't regularly replace the flags. Anyway, from there we drove toward Cortez where we filled up and took the 160 west into Durango. I now realize I could have met up with Danny and run some trails with him but at the time I thought he lived in Colorado Springs. Before we even entered Durango I could tell it was going to be a beautiful state. Greenery everywhere and puffy gray storm clouds lurking in the sky. We later arrived in Silverton and grabbed a bite to eat. and then quickly headed north to Ouray where we had reservations. On the way up it began to rain and we noticed signs stating "watch for rocks", though it was obvious you should, seeing as there was a continuous rock face feet from your vehicle.

five miles out of Ouray we saw a JK blocking both lanes, windshield smashed right in the middle. The driver was apparently having trouble driving the Jeep onto the "side" of the road. As we pulled up I rolled down the window to see if they needed help. The moment the man outside of the Jeep spoke I could tell they were drunk, but I did manage to hear "Just take me into Ouray." Seeing as I didn't have any room in my Jeep and pretty rough lookin drunk dude wanted a ride I drove on. Shortly afterward we saw Ouray police headed up to the scene. Between Silverton and Ouray I have never seen so many Jeeps in my life, though I was surprised I only received 5 waves out of saw 150 or so jeeps I was coming the other way. After as long day of driving we settled in and got some sleep.

Four Corners


Detour off the Highway






Silverton


Damaged JK


Day 3, Saturday July 11th

Left the hotel around 9 and made our way to the trailhead of Imogene Pass. Just as I was finished airing down a group consisting of a Stock, 4runner, JK, and X made their way down a side trail and asked if we were headed up Imogene. We then felt better that we had a few more rigs. The trail was easy with a few rocky sections and creek crossings just to mix things up. Once at the top though the view was amazing. Who knew you could see so much from 13,114ft? The trail connects Ouray to Telluride which also had a whole bunch of jeeps and other offroad vehicles.

Saw this on the FS road just outside Ouray which leads to Imogene Pass.


On the ride up.


Start of Imogene.

Imogene Continued


Tom and his wife in their newly purchased daily driver 4runner


JK and X

and continued

Trying to pose, didn't get the angle right.




At the Top




Coming back down, looking back up at the pass.


Looking across at the infamous Black Bear Pass (Oh yeah, I'll be back)


Telluride


Later on that day while on a walk along the river in Ouray we were caught outside in the rain.....and hail. Once the rain lessened we scurried back to the hotel and noticed what is technically considered a land slide just up the cliff side.






Day 4, Sunday July 12th

Left Ouray heading south toward Durango. From there we would continue south through Albuquerque to the 60 and then home. But, considering we left at 9 we figured we had some time to kill. Might as well take another trail. This time it was Mineral Creek. It ended up being a longer trail than expected, and we were caught in a thunderstorm while surrounded by tundra. After some help from a passing Jeeper we discovered which way we needed to go to get to Silverton.

Lots and lots of buildings from the mining days.






See the smaller mountains just to the left of the largest peak; those got a nice dusting of snow from the passing thunderstorm. It was chilly way up there! lololol~





And that's just about it for the good photos. lol If you want to scroll through all 401 just check out the link below.
http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/573507210PolovP?start=0

Dude those are some sweet shots. :clap: So jealous of the whole thing.
Offroadaz's up there this week but just with the Mazda.
I need me some Colorado
Thanks!

AZCA jeeper wrote: Between Silverton and Ouray I have never seen so many Jeeps in my life, though I was surprised I only received 5 waves out of saw 150 or so jeeps I was coming the other way.

Maybe it's like Moab where there are too many in town so the wave doesn't happen as much. Or maybe you were in a Cherokee ;)

Looks awesome. I'm going to Silverton in August for a week. Black Bear Pass is #1 on our to do list!!!

thats just mean......... thanks for the torture. :)g)

Skatchkins wrote:Or maybe you were in a Cherokee ;)

Watch it, bubba... :cool)

Skatchkins wrote:Maybe it's like Moab where there are too many in town so the wave doesn't happen as much. Or maybe you were in a Cherokee ;)

Hmm, good call. I never even thought about that. I just assumed they didn't wave because I was driving a Chero. :)=)

Symon623 wrote:thats just mean......... thanks for the torture. :)g)

You're quite welcome. :))

Nice, makes me want to go back again! We really do need to take the jeeps up there, Ouray was awesome