11 Days ;PA-CO and Back…!

[psucanary]

Had an 11-day window to take a trip, so the wife (as of 4/21’) and I packed the JL and headed west! Had a few state park/fed campgrounds reserved, but no real itinerary. Knew where we wanted to get to each day, but the days were left wide open to just explore around.
Trip went like this;
PA-CO, then Dillon-Glenwood Springs-Aspen-Salida-Crested Butte-Ridgeway-Telluride-Ouray-Silverton-Durango-Pagosa Springs and back to PA.
4500 miles
85 total hours driven
Camped 80% of trip.
And still happily married.
Hope you enjoy the pics!
Epic trip! Would do it again tomorrow…FACT

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[JLAFAKASI]

Were you able to stay in 2HI the whole time for those gorgeous trails? I want to do something like this

 

[old mike]

Yeah, the neighborhood scenery is nice out here; but, after 4500 miles in 11 days, should we all take up a collection to get you a case of Preparation H?

 

[psucanary]

Were you able to stay in 2HI the whole time for those gorgeous trails? I want to do something like this

The trails/backroads we were on were considered "Easy"; but did require 4HI at times and lower tire pressure helped a lot. Really awesome trails with a bit of challenge, but more of just paying attention..

 

[psucanary]

Yeah, the neighborhood scenery is nice out here; but, after 4500 miles in 11 days, should we all take up a collection to get you a case of Preparation H?

Haha.. but negative, those Rubicon seats aren't as bad as everyone claims. We both actually found them comfortable and supportive. They're kinda firm in a good way. But we're both on the smaller side.

 

[danm]

This is an epic trip! How did you plan your route? Did you know every turn ahead of time?

 

[psucanary]

This is an epic trip! How did you plan your route? Did you know every turn ahead of time?

It took a little planning, but really just was; get from PA to CO and then I had campsites reserved on USFS campgrounds and CO State Parks campgrounds for most nights as a backup plan. But this "backup plan" turned out to be "the plan" as it was just easier to know where you were going to end up every night, kinda made the days more relaxing. Plus most had showers which were very appreciated. FYI; Colorado State Park Campgrounds are really nice, super spaced out sites and an easy online system that even allowed us to do some unexpected "on-the-road" booking from our phones.

I used "Guide to Colorado Backroads" to pre-plan to know which trails I was interested in and kinda plan the days. Basically made each night's stay about 3 hours from the previous, so had all day to travel only 3 hours (up to 5), and chose dirt if possible. Did simple trails (as I was 1500 miles away from home..) and some super sweet hikes. We stayed one night in a hotel during the mid-point of the trip, but both thought it was a waste and woulda preferred to camp. You get really into camping. Poured rain every night for at least 2-4 hours, but the CVT RTT never even showed us any moisture, it was excellent. Also, used Gaia Trail Software to just know where we were, highly recommend, super inexpensive (often have sales 1/2 off) and very user friendly. Dowloaded each days area before leaving PA, and just pulled them up each day and always knew where we were. Really helps if you get turned around or just to know to slow down, stop, make a cup of coffee/drink a beverage and take your time as you're going to arrive too early. Having no real plan other than complete a planned jeep road/trail and making it to "X" each evening was the way to go, leaves tons of time to explore along the way (and hit up as many hot springs as possible). My wife was such a trooper and got so into the trip and trying to travel dirt, that it made the trip that much better. She really was amazing.

Like I said above, I'd leave tomorrow to do it again, but next time "straight" to Montrose, then on Rim Rocker to Moab, a few days in Moab, then back across CO..then back to PA!

p.s. I see you're from PA.. I highly recommend I-80 over I-70 to drive out/back... I-80 is way more relaxing/interesting , even if a few hours longer.

https://www.amazon.com/Guide-Colora...t=&hvlocphy=9006216&hvtargid=pla-735443550921

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