Planning to do this solo in late August and this is super helpful to scout the trail and know there is a bypass in case there isn’t anyone around to help spot or winch if needed. Awesome video! Thank you!
Thanks for watching! Hahaha. That has to be one of the loudest trails as far as rocks and ice go. I was real happy to be leading because I got to break the ice! Those rocky hills were really loose and they were making a ton of noise. Thanks for the compliments! - Geoff
@@Colorado4x4 It's like popping bubble wrap. You just can't bear to stop. I had this road on my radar but it was not something I could navigate on my 150cc scooter. I am instead travelling in my 4x4 tacoma towing it behind rv and will be doing basically most trails in area. Currently trying to figure out where and how to tie into my schedule because I plan to be doing trails daily. I really hope to tack it onto something else to keep my schedule rigid. Based on video description it says you had to turn around. How long do you think this trail would take you if you did not? I hope to bypass "the wall" and somehow boomerang back to doing red pass drive from 550 south to north. Problem is that all those other days I will be doing full day riding. Maybe I can do "there and back again" same day when I plan to do the "ouray via ferrata" attraction, albeit I figure that would take me half a day too. Hmm.
@@moretoliving2236 have you wheeled in the San Juan’s before? Stock Tacoma or modified at all? I’ve got suggestions! How many days and what time of the year will you go?
@@Colorado4x4 I am from across the country. Florida man here. I have offroaded since 2009 in my 2008 tacoma trd 4x4 and my 2016 tacoma SR5 4x4. This one sits on 33s and has a 2.5 inch lift. Next year I am trading that in and getting a jeep to put on 35s, regear etc etc. I have offroaded in my neck of the woods probably at least a few thousand miles in former mine lands so I am somewhat used to towing a kayak trailer through off road to go kayak in some remote spot. Sure Florida is no Colorado but same principles apply. In a little while I am embarking on a 9000 mile RV trip towing my tacoma on a trailer. I will be cutting "out west" teeth first in Moab, then in Colorado, then back to Utah and Arizona. I plan to put 3,800 miles off road between all the trails. I have plans to hit up most trails around Ouray/Silverton. I was going to take my bike but managed to break my foot a month ago so opting out for a vehicle instead. I spent quite a bunch of time in Appallachian mountains hiking and driving around on mountain gravel and rocky roads so at least I have some exposure. By time I actually get to million dollar highway I would have already done many non rock crawling trails in Moab so it will be a slow and steady process once I get to San Juans. For a trip of this magnitude I am offroading 129 days total across 3 states and then returning back home. In 2022 I will switch to a jeep because its flat tow capable behind RV. My taco has to be trailered because driveshaft disconnect was not a viable option for me.
@@moretoliving2236 that is so awesome!!! I envy you. That should be one heck of a trip. A lot of miles but it will be worth every part of it. I’ve got a handful of Moab videos and other Colorado videos so check them out too. You will be 💯 fine in your current Tacoma. No issues there. As far as the San Juan’s go: we haven’t gotten a ton of snow this year so I’m hoping that the trails open up sooner than they did last year. The year before last was bad for snowpack and last year was about normal. This year seems less than last year so it should make for a good wheeling season. There really isn’t a single trail that I don’t like in the San Juan’s. First off I recommend picking up the Charles Wells guidebooks for Moab and Colorado (get the south of I-70 version). His books are great and have all the trail info you need. Around mid-June is when the San Juan trails should open is my guess for this year but it could be later. Bushducks.com usually has good pass status. Ophir Pass from 550 to Telluride and then Imogene Pass back to Ouray is an awesome day. You could take Black Bear to Telluride and then Imogene back too if you want more of a challenge. Black Bear isn’t difficult it’s just a shelf road. And then all the trails in the Alpine Loop: Mineral Creek, Poughkeepsie, Corkscrew, Hurricane are a fun day. You could probably make it up the far right side of the wall if you air down enough and not sure if you have a rear locker. I did most all of the San Juan trails except for Poughkeepsie in my 2004 Tacoma back in the day and never had to use my rear locker. Engineer Pass from the Alpine Loop or from Silverton on over to Lake City and then come back over Cinnamon Pass is an epic day. It’s long but worth it. Man I’m getting excited to go down there as I type this! What else? There’s a ton of other cool out and back basin type trails that are cool too there. But I mentioned the main trails that are awesome. I’ve got an older video on here where me and my buddy took his stock 1972 Bronco on a lot of these. That gives a good timeline. As far as Moab goes: it’s awesome! One of my favorite places. I would first start with Fins N Things to get a feel for it. Traction abounds. It’s so amazing. I don’t have a video for Fins N Things but stay tuned. I might film it next weekend. Just never filmed it. Hit Hell’s Revenge too. It’s my absolute favorite trail there and we do it almost every time we go. I’ve done it so many times and it never gets old. Most of these trails have a lot of traffic so don’t worry too much about going alone. There’s always someone there to lend a hand if you need it. Elephant Hill is super cool too. There’s some awesome camping out there. There’s too much to list but this should wet your whistle a little bit! Let me know if you need anything else and let me know how your trip goes! Maybe we will see you on the trail. - Geoff
The Wall is a funny obstacle. It's usually challenging for people, but sometimes people hit just the right line and drive right up it without even spinning a tire. Crazy. Thanks for the video!
That was my first time running it. Wish I would have gone down to 10 psi on my tires and I would have had a better chance. I do not like these Cooper ST Max tires very much.
I knew that FJ could keep up you Jeep guys 😉. But for this flatlander, me and my FJ are like water, we seek the path of least resistance! The bypass it would have been. Enjoyed your windshield tour of this trail.
Thanks John! Jerry always does great in his FJ. Check out one of my latest Hell’s Revenge videos. He is in there tearing it up, and also on Top of the World trail
@@Colorado4x4 will do. Us FJC owners do know the benefits of a short wheelbase 4WD. Keeping it in the family, I’ve got an old school ‘77 FJ40 Landcruiser I use around our place. Enjoying your channel!
It’s awesome! What a cool FJ40. It’s in really great shape! You might like this too 1972 Ford Bronco Offroad in Colorado - Will it run at elevation? Engineer Pass, Ophir Pass & More ua-cam.com/video/_s1aDqF1JbM/v-deo.html
I have a 2016 hardrock and have driven a number of passes and side roads in the Ouray area and sometimes I wonder if it really is best to lower your tire pressure. I understand the concept that it is supposed to grab better but my experience is that by not lowering the pressure the tires are stouter/taller and crawl over the rocks better. Maybe it's just the fact that I have a hardrock with a manual transmission but I can slowly crawl up the rocks with no wheel spin. This is my 3rd wrangler and by far the best at rock crawling. If you look at some of the people that used to four wheel in the mountains back in the 50s/60s they used narrow tires and didn't lower the pressures and could go anywhere (btw I grew up in Leadville/Salida Colorado and have been 4-wheeling since I was a child; with my dad driving an old willys station wagon on shelf roads that had the tires hanging over the edge). I'm also a rockhound and drove up and down the Mount Antero road (by Nathrop Colorado) probably 60 times and never lowered my tire pressure even when going to the end of the road. There are some very similar features to Poughkeepsie towards the top of Antero. If the tire is at full pressure it may help by having the treads standing at the designed height... Great video though. I'll be there in a few days checking out the aspens.
Thanks for watching Don! Mine is a 2016 Hard Rock as well. A lot of it has to do with tire compound. You saw Camron climb up it and he was at 10 psi but his tires are way softer. These tires I have are pretty slick compared to a lot of other tires. I’ve been wheeling those trails down there since in the San Juan’s 2001 and never used to air down. I never thought I really needed to. I agree that most trails don’t even require airing down. The hard line on the wall does as it’s pretty slick. I mostly air down just for ride comfort too as it keeps the kids and wife happier because it’s not so bumpy. Thanks for watching! - Geoff
You could probably do it but you will scrape a little bit. There is a bypass to The Wall. I just wouldn’t do it alone. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻. My buddy Jerry took his stock Toyota FJ Crusier on it
That camera is so sharp and the video was stunning! I hope we can wheel together, but I bet you’ll be like what the heck psi are you running at? Ummm, 20 lol
Thanks Dewie! I got a new GoPro Hero 7 black and the picture is so good. The battery life sucks so I just bought an external power plug for it and will test it this weekend in Moab. Will see how it does! Yes man we will hit some trails next season. We will hit Ram off-road park too this winter. Let’s do it. As far as tire pressure goes, it seems like everyone has “their number” and tries to apply that magic number to every single make of tire that is out there and it just doesn’t work that way. These Cooper tires I have theve got super stiff sidewalls and 10 pounds is the right number for them. I’m a little weary about 10 psi on them because the last Moab trip we did I popped a bead on the Escalator. My old 33” Duratracs would start farting at 15 psi and they had pretty soft sidewalls. My buddy Jerry in this video in his FJ was at 20 pounds and that was perfect for his tire and wheel size. On my old YJ crawler 10 pounds barely made the 38” Falken MTs bulge at all! 5 pounds was perfect for them. McVey leaves his tire at 25 pounds on the street and the trail because he hates airing down and airing up. 😂😂😂 My buddy Coy runs his 35” Toyo MTs at 10 pounds and they barely bulge. I don’t subscribe to just a set number, whatever works best for that tire 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
We are headed to Colorado this summer and are planning to do the Alpine Loop. We have stock Rubicon Gladiators. One of us is on 33s and the other is on 35s. Could we do Poughkeepsie Gulch if we do the Wall bypass?
@@Colorado4x4 by stock does that also mean 33s ? Will be trying this one with my JT-R w/35s ...Also i know of the bypass well before the wall but is there also a bypass right at the wall ? kind of looks like someething to the far left when facing up the wall ?
The JT in this video is a stock JT Rubicon on the stock 33” Falken MTs. You’re right, the official bypass to the Wall is a ways before you get there. Once you get to the parking area at the bottom of the wall, there is no bypass or super easy line. The line we went up in the video is the far left side and I think it’s the hardest line. It’s definitely the longest and steepest. The middle line is a short little chute that looks difficult and probably would cause some good body damage if you slip off the slickery rock (which is likely). The main, or easiest line (in my opinion) is on the far right. I think any rig with lockers, 33s, a little bit of travel and a decent driver could make it up the far right side. I always say give it a shot. Your rig is plenty capable to do any line there. Give it a try and if you can’t get up it just pull cable. With a little determination you will succeed, 99 and 3/4 percent guaranteed!!!! - Geoff
Pause the video at 36:24. From left to right. Camron is standing on the far left and that is what he drove up and what I tried to drive up. Right in the middle of the frame you can see a person wearing a turquoise jacket. The little chute line is to the left of her. The easiest line is on the far right. It looks smooth compared to the other stuff
Planning to do this solo in late August and this is super helpful to scout the trail and know there is a bypass in case there isn’t anyone around to help spot or winch if needed. Awesome video! Thank you!
Thanks Ron! It’s a really great trail! Have fun! - Geoff
Man the sound of every little rock under the tires, the ice breaking... such music to my heart. It just compliments video so so well.
Thanks for watching! Hahaha. That has to be one of the loudest trails as far as rocks and ice go. I was real happy to be leading because I got to break the ice! Those rocky hills were really loose and they were making a ton of noise. Thanks for the compliments! - Geoff
@@Colorado4x4 It's like popping bubble wrap. You just can't bear to stop.
I had this road on my radar but it was not something I could navigate on my 150cc scooter. I am instead travelling in my 4x4 tacoma towing it behind rv and will be doing basically most trails in area. Currently trying to figure out where and how to tie into my schedule because I plan to be doing trails daily. I really hope to tack it onto something else to keep my schedule rigid.
Based on video description it says you had to turn around. How long do you think this trail would take you if you did not? I hope to bypass "the wall" and somehow boomerang back to doing red pass drive from 550 south to north. Problem is that all those other days I will be doing full day riding. Maybe I can do "there and back again" same day when I plan to do the "ouray via ferrata" attraction, albeit I figure that would take me half a day too. Hmm.
@@moretoliving2236 have you wheeled in the San Juan’s before? Stock Tacoma or modified at all? I’ve got suggestions! How many days and what time of the year will you go?
@@Colorado4x4 I am from across the country. Florida man here. I have offroaded since 2009 in my 2008 tacoma trd 4x4 and my 2016 tacoma SR5 4x4. This one sits on 33s and has a 2.5 inch lift. Next year I am trading that in and getting a jeep to put on 35s, regear etc etc.
I have offroaded in my neck of the woods probably at least a few thousand miles in former mine lands so I am somewhat used to towing a kayak trailer through off road to go kayak in some remote spot. Sure Florida is no Colorado but same principles apply.
In a little while I am embarking on a 9000 mile RV trip towing my tacoma on a trailer. I will be cutting "out west" teeth first in Moab, then in Colorado, then back to Utah and Arizona. I plan to put 3,800 miles off road between all the trails. I have plans to hit up most trails around Ouray/Silverton. I was going to take my bike but managed to break my foot a month ago so opting out for a vehicle instead.
I spent quite a bunch of time in Appallachian mountains hiking and driving around on mountain gravel and rocky roads so at least I have some exposure. By time I actually get to million dollar highway I would have already done many non rock crawling trails in Moab so it will be a slow and steady process once I get to San Juans.
For a trip of this magnitude I am offroading 129 days total across 3 states and then returning back home.
In 2022 I will switch to a jeep because its flat tow capable behind RV. My taco has to be trailered because driveshaft disconnect was not a viable option for me.
@@moretoliving2236 that is so awesome!!! I envy you. That should be one heck of a trip. A lot of miles but it will be worth every part of it. I’ve got a handful of Moab videos and other Colorado videos so check them out too. You will be 💯 fine in your current Tacoma. No issues there. As far as the San Juan’s go: we haven’t gotten a ton of snow this year so I’m hoping that the trails open up sooner than they did last year. The year before last was bad for snowpack and last year was about normal. This year seems less than last year so it should make for a good wheeling season. There really isn’t a single trail that I don’t like in the San Juan’s. First off I recommend picking up the Charles Wells guidebooks for Moab and Colorado (get the south of I-70 version). His books are great and have all the trail info you need. Around mid-June is when the San Juan trails should open is my guess for this year but it could be later. Bushducks.com usually has good pass status. Ophir Pass from 550 to Telluride and then Imogene Pass back to Ouray is an awesome day. You could take Black Bear to Telluride and then Imogene back too if you want more of a challenge. Black Bear isn’t difficult it’s just a shelf road. And then all the trails in the Alpine Loop: Mineral Creek, Poughkeepsie, Corkscrew, Hurricane are a fun day. You could probably make it up the far right side of the wall if you air down enough and not sure if you have a rear locker. I did most all of the San Juan trails except for Poughkeepsie in my 2004 Tacoma back in the day and never had to use my rear locker. Engineer Pass from the Alpine Loop or from Silverton on over to Lake City and then come back over Cinnamon Pass is an epic day. It’s long but worth it. Man I’m getting excited to go down there as I type this! What else? There’s a ton of other cool out and back basin type trails that are cool too there. But I mentioned the main trails that are awesome. I’ve got an older video on here where me and my buddy took his stock 1972 Bronco on a lot of these. That gives a good timeline.
As far as Moab goes: it’s awesome! One of my favorite places. I would first start with Fins N Things to get a feel for it. Traction abounds. It’s so amazing. I don’t have a video for Fins N Things but stay tuned. I might film it next weekend. Just never filmed it. Hit Hell’s Revenge too. It’s my absolute favorite trail there and we do it almost every time we go. I’ve done it so many times and it never gets old. Most of these trails have a lot of traffic so don’t worry too much about going alone. There’s always someone there to lend a hand if you need it. Elephant Hill is super cool too. There’s some awesome camping out there. There’s too much to list but this should wet your whistle a little bit! Let me know if you need anything else and let me know how your trip goes! Maybe we will see you on the trail. - Geoff
You guys did great, the wheelbase really helped up the left-line.
Thanks! Yea, you’re right. And his tires hooked up more than my all terrains. - Geoff
The Wall is a funny obstacle. It's usually challenging for people, but sometimes people hit just the right line and drive right up it without even spinning a tire. Crazy. Thanks for the video!
That was my first time running it. Wish I would have gone down to 10 psi on my tires and I would have had a better chance. I do not like these Cooper ST Max tires very much.
Oh and thanks for watching!
Did Poughkeepsie Gulch this past Friday. Beautiful trail!
Nice! Thanks for watching. It is a great trail!
I knew that FJ could keep up you Jeep guys 😉. But for this flatlander, me and my FJ are like water, we seek the path of least resistance! The bypass it would have been. Enjoyed your windshield tour of this trail.
Thanks John! Jerry always does great in his FJ. Check out one of my latest Hell’s Revenge videos. He is in there tearing it up, and also on Top of the World trail
@@Colorado4x4 will do. Us FJC owners do know the benefits of a short wheelbase 4WD. Keeping it in the family, I’ve got an old school ‘77 FJ40 Landcruiser I use around our place. Enjoying your channel!
For sure! My buddy had an FJ40 in high school and I loved that rig. I love old iron! Thanks for sharing and I’m glad you like the videos 👍 - Geoff
@@Colorado4x4 I've got a short video of my FJ40 on my YT channel if you care to check it out.
It’s awesome! What a cool FJ40. It’s in really great shape! You might like this too 1972 Ford Bronco Offroad in Colorado - Will it run at elevation? Engineer Pass, Ophir Pass & More
ua-cam.com/video/_s1aDqF1JbM/v-deo.html
Thanks for the great video 👊👍👏🙂
Thanks David!!!!
I have a 2016 hardrock and have driven a number of passes and side roads in the Ouray area and sometimes I wonder if it really is best to lower your tire pressure. I understand the concept that it is supposed to grab better but my experience is that by not lowering the pressure the tires are stouter/taller and crawl over the rocks better. Maybe it's just the fact that I have a hardrock with a manual transmission but I can slowly crawl up the rocks with no wheel spin. This is my 3rd wrangler and by far the best at rock crawling. If you look at some of the people that used to four wheel in the mountains back in the 50s/60s they used narrow tires and didn't lower the pressures and could go anywhere (btw I grew up in Leadville/Salida Colorado and have been 4-wheeling since I was a child; with my dad driving an old willys station wagon on shelf roads that had the tires hanging over the edge).
I'm also a rockhound and drove up and down the Mount Antero road (by Nathrop Colorado) probably 60 times and never lowered my tire pressure even when going to the end of the road. There are some very similar features to Poughkeepsie towards the top of Antero. If the tire is at full pressure it may help by having the treads standing at the designed height...
Great video though. I'll be there in a few days checking out the aspens.
Thanks for watching Don! Mine is a 2016 Hard Rock as well. A lot of it has to do with tire compound. You saw Camron climb up it and he was at 10 psi but his tires are way softer. These tires I have are pretty slick compared to a lot of other tires. I’ve been wheeling those trails down there since in the San Juan’s 2001 and never used to air down. I never thought I really needed to. I agree that most trails don’t even require airing down. The hard line on the wall does as it’s pretty slick. I mostly air down just for ride comfort too as it keeps the kids and wife happier because it’s not so bumpy. Thanks for watching! - Geoff
Great job
Thanks for watching!
Excellent video! I can’t wait to get back to Ouray and complete this trail next year.
Thanks Jessie! We should hit a trail next season together
@@Colorado4x4 Absolutely ! Would love to! Might even have to meet up at the 4x4 park this winter!
Yes man we can go hit Ram Off-road park in the Springs. Where do you live? We’re in Castle Rock
@@Colorado4x4 I’m in Parker so it is an easy jog down for me as well!
Oh sweet! You’re just right down the road!
Man I need to get out there moved to Nebraska from Alaska and haven't taken my Jeep out yet, Colorado is not far.
Heck yea! We have so many great trails to explore
Sometimes when you are crawling, you have to bump it, that's all.
Yeah I'm glad I didn't go down that trail in August in my WK2 Trailhawk 😲
You could probably do it but you will scrape a little bit. There is a bypass to The Wall. I just wouldn’t do it alone. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻. My buddy Jerry took his stock Toyota FJ Crusier on it
@@Colorado4x4 ok, good to know there is a bypass
You bet. There are a couple of rocky sections but I think with some careful driving and spotting you can do it!
Ho much ground clearance do you need for this?
Not sure exactly but my buddy with us on this video drove his stock Toyota FJ Cruiser on it without issue. What are you driving?
That camera is so sharp and the video was stunning! I hope we can wheel together, but I bet you’ll be like what the heck psi are you running at? Ummm, 20 lol
Thanks Dewie! I got a new GoPro Hero 7 black and the picture is so good. The battery life sucks so I just bought an external power plug for it and will test it this weekend in Moab. Will see how it does! Yes man we will hit some trails next season. We will hit Ram off-road park too this winter. Let’s do it. As far as tire pressure goes, it seems like everyone has “their number” and tries to apply that magic number to every single make of tire that is out there and it just doesn’t work that way. These Cooper tires I have theve got super stiff sidewalls and 10 pounds is the right number for them. I’m a little weary about 10 psi on them because the last Moab trip we did I popped a bead on the Escalator. My old 33” Duratracs would start farting at 15 psi and they had pretty soft sidewalls. My buddy Jerry in this video in his FJ was at 20 pounds and that was perfect for his tire and wheel size. On my old YJ crawler 10 pounds barely made the 38” Falken MTs bulge at all! 5 pounds was perfect for them. McVey leaves his tire at 25 pounds on the street and the trail because he hates airing down and airing up. 😂😂😂 My buddy Coy runs his 35” Toyo MTs at 10 pounds and they barely bulge. I don’t subscribe to just a set number, whatever works best for that tire 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
@@Colorado4x4 McVey is my kind of wheeler lol... I’m definitely down for Ram if I ever get home!
Bro he’s got style. Let me know when you can go and we will make it happen
We are headed to Colorado this summer and are planning to do the Alpine Loop. We have stock Rubicon Gladiators. One of us is on 33s and the other is on 35s. Could we do Poughkeepsie Gulch if we do the Wall bypass?
Yes. You shouldn’t have any issues. The FJ in the video was stock at the time with 31” tires. - Geoff
locking the gate for the winter?
Yea, they shut it down on the same day each year. I can’t remember if it is October 15th or something like that. - Geoff
Terrible spotter, keep to the right on the wall!
Can a non-Rubicon Gladiator do this trail?
I think so. I would wheel it. I would bypass The Wall though. I say “send it!” Have fun! - Geoff
Also, the Gladiator in this video was stock at the time and he didn’t engage lockers except for at the wall.
@@Colorado4x4 by stock does that also mean 33s ? Will be trying this one with my JT-R w/35s ...Also i know of the bypass well before the wall but is there also a bypass right at the wall ? kind of looks like someething to the far left when facing up the wall ?
The JT in this video is a stock JT Rubicon on the stock 33” Falken MTs. You’re right, the official bypass to the Wall is a ways before you get there. Once you get to the parking area at the bottom of the wall, there is no bypass or super easy line. The line we went up in the video is the far left side and I think it’s the hardest line. It’s definitely the longest and steepest. The middle line is a short little chute that looks difficult and probably would cause some good body damage if you slip off the slickery rock (which is likely). The main, or easiest line (in my opinion) is on the far right. I think any rig with lockers, 33s, a little bit of travel and a decent driver could make it up the far right side. I always say give it a shot. Your rig is plenty capable to do any line there. Give it a try and if you can’t get up it just pull cable. With a little determination you will succeed, 99 and 3/4 percent guaranteed!!!! - Geoff
Pause the video at 36:24. From left to right. Camron is standing on the far left and that is what he drove up and what I tried to drive up. Right in the middle of the frame you can see a person wearing a turquoise jacket. The little chute line is to the left of her. The easiest line is on the far right. It looks smooth compared to the other stuff