Annual Labor Day Ouray Run - September 5-7, 2015

[DouglasVB]

Many of the trails in Ouray are totally stock friendly. Most trails, in fact.

While I did get some "new to me" tires from Bill last week to replace the set that had the sidewall puncture on the Bill Moore Lake run last weekend, they still only have about 1/4" of tread left. We took the 4runner over West Magnolia and Apex just for fun yesterday to see how they do. Really good tires (thanks Bill!) compared to what I had before but it's been suggested to me that for places such as Black Bear Pass, it'd be better to wait until I have good tires with lots of tread.

Then again... if a Subaru can do Black Bear Pass...

 

[Corbet]

If you look close the Subaru has good tires . I've been saying for years a Subie could handle Black Bear and there is the proof.

That looks like a Forester is see around Durango all the time.

That said I ran Black Bear way back when my 80 was bone stock with questionable Michelin LTX's. It really is not that bad but make the call based on your comfort level. A mistake or mechanical problem while dropping into Telluride can be fatal.

 

[DouglasVB]

... make the call based on your comfort level. A mistake or mechanical problem while dropping into Telluride can be fatal.

I'd be foolhardy enough to try it if it was just me but I don't want to make it a Bad Time for others in the group or make it uncomfortable for Heather in the passenger seat. Next year we'll be there once I have new tires and all the other goodies.

Instead I think we're going to go down to the sand dunes and do Medano Pass into the park and then Hayden Pass back to the other side, then maybe check out Hermit Pass and Cloverdale Mine while we're in the area. At least according to Trail Damage, they all look very manageable with my truck in its current configuration.

 

[RidinDurty]

I agree with Stan - I would be comfortable running a stock 4 Runner on any of the proposed trails. If you simply took a little extra time to carefully spot and go over any rocks you would be totally fine. You would also be with a great group of guys that are more than willing to assist and help out and ensure your safety. Just my two cents worth

 

[LXBRADY]

My LX is stock and I am running Blanca next week.

BB is a piece of cake.

 

[DouglasVB]

Hmm... now I'm contemplating stoves with legs vs stoves without. #firstworldstoveproblems

Whoops! Wrong thread.

 

[xlcaferacer]

I'd be foolhardy enough to try it if it was just me but I don't want to make it a Bad Time for others in the group or make it uncomfortable for Heather in the passenger seat. Next year we'll be there once I have new tires and all the other goodies.

Instead I think we're going to go down to the sand dunes and do Medano Pass into the park and then Hayden Pass back to the other side, then maybe check out Hermit Pass and Cloverdale Mine while we're in the area. At least according to Trail Damage, they all look very manageable with my truck in its current configuration.

RidinDurty is right. I don't think you would make it a bad time for others. The only one I know in the group is Steven (RidinDurty) but from what he says this is a good group of folks, and that says a lot; in fact, that is why I am going this weekend. I don't mind helping someone change a tire or fix something on or off the trail. I have changed a tire in some pretty crappy spots: no big deal. I would rather run with a good group than run solo if I questioned my vehicle.
Back in my teenage years I ran these trails in a few questionable rigs; for that matter, some of my jeep tour rigs that I drove in this area were old and questionable at times and I always came home safe. If your truck runs well and you have a good spare and drive smart, there is no place like the San Juans to spend a weekend camping and seeing the sights. Just saying.

 

[Squishy!]

Douglas, You'd be fine with those newer tires. The old ones were bad, but with the ew ones air down, take your time, and you'll do fine!

 

[DouglasVB]

Douglas, You'd be fine with those newer tires. The old ones were bad, but with the ew ones air down, take your time, and you'll do fine!

How about we all look over my truck on Wednesday at the club meeting. There is a bit more tread with the new tires but not much more than the old tires. I also have some questions about what pressure to drop these tires to. Last weekend when we did West Magnolia, I went down to 18PSI and the tires seemed too low.

 

[Old40Dog]

I'll post of GPS Coordinates for the Ironton Camp site by tomorrow morning. I'll have this RS Signage at the turnoff from Southbound 550. Its about 12" X 10" so its not a billboard...

 

[xlcaferacer]

I plan on rolling in mid afternoon on Friday. I am very familiar with the Ironton area but I don't have fancy gizmos like GPS (I can; however and to my delight, roll my windows down and shift my truck manually).
Being the new guy and only knowing one person in the group, can you tell me what kind of rig (pickup, 40, 60, 80, 100 etc.) and set up (camper, tent, RTT) that I should be looking for when I turn off the highway?
Thanks again for letting me come stay and play with you guys for the weekend, I have been looking forward to it since Steven suggested I join you guys!,
Josh

 

[Squishy!]

Travis (Shotshell) and I will be there unofficially. Last minute planning and we will roll out late Friday. BUT hopefully we'll run across y'all.

 

[MileHigh]

Avoiding traffic, leaving early friday morning. Then( some Zip lining near Buena Vista ) and midget toss. See you guys Sat. morning!!

 

[DouglasVB]

Tires checked out at last night's meeting as good enough for Ouray.

Now it's up to Heather to decide if we're going to sand or to alpine tundra. Will there be room for us to camp Saturday night and probably Sunday night at the Ironton campsite?

If we come, I think we'll end up camping partway out from Denver on Friday and make the rest of the drive out early Saturday. Work probably won't let us take off until about 5pm on Friday meaning that we'll be sitting in traffic for hours.

 

[Old40Dog]

Take US 550 8.1 miles South of Ouray Hot Springs. You'll see road sign for Ouray 20A On Left, just past it (50 ft) is 20D. take 20D 0.20 mile, RS sign on right. Turn right into camp site. Near Old Ironton Townsite trailhead.

GPS N37 56.191 W 107 40.582

Here's a pic of the site.

 

[Hendog]

Last Minute I know--- Visiting from Georgia --In The area (Denver)
Could a guy make it all the way to the campsite with a truck and trailer?

If not where could I park it near by???

 

[AimCOTaco]

Hendog, I would say you'll have no problem with that set up at Ironton where the group is planning to camp. Have seen full pusher RV's in there. Have fun!

 

[Hendog]

Sold Heading your way soon!!!!!!! Hendog (770) 856-9743

 

[Hendog]

see you in the A.M !!!!

 

[nattybumppo]

Dave, it turns out I can get tomorrow off for a travel day, so may I join you guys on this trip, even with this late notice? I would want to run Governors with you on Saturday, and Black Bear on Sunday. And of course, camp at Ironton.