Winter Park, CO - day trip

[MilesTeg]

Took a long weekend to Winter Park, CO. Had a nice but cloudy fall day going up Rollins Pass West. Most of the trail was no big deal, but there was a lot of rocks and sharps exposed by a lot of erosion. Unfortunately lots of trail/alpine damage from assholes too. It's quite a shame. Part of the trail is from an old railroad that has since been removed, but an old bridge remains.

At the end of the trail is a tunnel that was closed a couple decades ago -- it used to connect Rollins Pass West and Rollins Pass East. There are also a couple of other routes between the two but they are also closed effectively permanently. The last mile or so of the trail is pretty sketch. It's cut through a glacial bowl and the road surface is just a jagged, ice ground granite rock field. I was going to turn back because I was worried about tire damage while wheeling alone and the road would be a total PITA to change a tire on, but I met up with some Jeep guys and decided with other people on the trail I would at least have some backup if things went bad tire wise.

Trail is only 14 or so miles long, but sharps and rock fields keep you going pretty slowly. I aired down to ~25 for the main part of the road, then ~18 for the last nasty bits. Got to make use of my new onboard compressor!

A couple of pics. My Bronco close to the top with a gorgeous view, and a couple of the old railroad bridge which is a lot more degraded than the Onx pics show (which is also the case for the trail itself). My rig has some temporary holiday decoration added, hah.

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[Squirrel13]

I love wheeling up there. Just imagine building those trestles back in the day. Same feeling with Ouray/Silverton. Ok Black Bear in the Excursion was a bp raiser in spots but the views never disappoint.

 

[MilesTeg]

I love wheeling up there. Just imagine building those trestles back in the day. Same feeling with Ouray/Silverton. Ok Black Bear in the Excursion was a bp raiser in spots but the views never disappoint.

I grew up near Ouray/Silverton and used to go jeeping (well, international scouting, hah) with my Grandpa all over. Engineer, Cinnamon, California Gulch, Mineral Creek. So many great trails there. That side of my family goes a 3 generations back as mine workers in the Silverton area.

 

[Squirrel13]

I love it out there. The trails let you stumble on things you’d never see near the hustle and bustle of the city.

 

[MilesTeg]

I love it out there. The trails let you stumble on things you’d never see near the hustle and bustle of the city.

Nice! Was on the lookout for Moose, but ironically didn't see any till the return to the city and there was a couple drinking out of a pond in someone's yard, hah

 

[Mortde [SCAMMER]]

Great view

 

[KABQ]

Caught these guys outside of Grand Lake, just a bit north of Winter Park, right in the middle of my Grandma's funeral. My SIL took it as a sign.

 

[bastardsonofelvis]

Don’t get too used to seeing moose — wolves will make short work of them.

Love that blue color, I don’t think I’ve seen a v blue 2dr in person.

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