We got in a stick situation with some guys while on Mineral Creek and had to help get them back up on the trail. Turns out they were from the same town as us in Texas.
Stony pass was the original trail into the high san juans when gold was discovered by Charles Baker in 1860 ,until the railroad was completed from Durango to Silverton in 1882. I dont know about the claim of best 4wd road in Colorado but it is one of the least used on the rio grande side. The Silverton side is much busier. People should know that there was an attempt by the RGNF to shut down stoney pass to motor vehicles. They intended to close every trail within a mile of the continental divide which would have included the pole creek trail and west lost creek trail motorized singletrack. No details on how that would have worked but fortunately it was stopped by a court ruling about 2019. Blue ribbon coalition was one of the main drivers of the case to maintain access , so they are a worthy recipient of your donations. Tourists come to this area thinking its always been this way, it will always be this way but as a long time resident i can tell you the forest service is constantly looking for ways to shut down access. Dont let it happen.
I will admit that the Stony Pass trail is not as dramatic as Engineer, Ophir or Cinnamon but its lack of crowds makes it one of my favorites. I wanted to take California Gulch to Lake Como this fall but the traffic was so bad that I turned around at Bagley Mill and headed to Utah. The other thing I enjoy is the abundance of campsites which makes for an easy and relaxing two-day adventure. Thanks for your comments and, BTW I am a supporter and contributor to the BRC. Terry More
Hey Terry, Thanks for sharing Stony Pass. That’s one we haven’t done. A buddy just did it a day or two ago. We’ve done a lot of the trails around Silverton/Ouray/Telluride and hope to get back out there again some day. We went about 10 yrs in a row up thru 2018 but haven’t been able to make it since. Where you from? You mentioned 35 miles from Evansville I think. We are in W Ky….
Thanks for the comment - I live in Mount Carmel, IL. I am going to Colorado and Utah the first part of September and plan on doing Tin Cup and Medano before going to the San Juans where I hope to do Imogene. You were lucky to have done the San Juans when you did, they are beautiful but the crowds have made them a lot less enjoyable for me.
@@terrymore1679We used to go mid to late Sept. Schools are back in session by then and crowds are less. Also tried to be doing trails during the week and travel to next destination on weekends We’ve done trails around Sedona and Moab as well. Like I said, hope to get back out there some day but right now my 94 yr old mom is requiring a lot of attention. We took the new JLUR in 2018 but haven’t gotten to try it out lifted and on larger tires. The old Jeep, we put a bunch of miles on it going west and back. Imogene is good and Medano is ok too unless it is raining heavy.
Yes there are plenty of campsites all along the the trail, Brewster Park, especially is littered with sites. The majority of campsites are along the trail but almost every spur trail leads to a campsite. Don't know about the fishing but the trail follows the Rio Grande river. Have fun, great trail.
This is BETTER TV than my cable provider can ever sell me. BTW, If you need a second vehicle ever, I'm your age and have an open schedule. (and a 4X4 too) And I'm Moab trail rated too.
Really well done. Enjoyed your commentary and edit. Just the right length! Beautiful trail. Grew up in the area back in the 60s and 70s and this was one of our favorite trails!
I did that trail around 2001 in a chevy trailblazer. I still think of that trail, very cool. Seemed remote, one stretch in deep woods passes small pond and a momma and baby moose were standing in the water and a beaver was swimming there too. I was by myself and got a little lost/mixed up along the way too.
Thanks, this is a great trail and unlike many of the trails in the San Juan Mountains there isn't a lot of traffic, which makes for a very comfortable drive.
35-inch BFG 315/70R/17 - Teraflex Dual Sport suspension lift - 3" front X 2 1/2" rear. I have been solo for the last 3 years so I don't do anything dumb and 35's are all I need.
I live in CO, was in a Jeep club, the formula seemed to be, get a Jeep Rubicon, lift it, put on 35's tires and aftermarket steel bumpers and a winch and you are good to go. That is what I have now, a 2011 JKUR w/BFG all terrains. I am on my 6th set of BFG all terrains over 3 different 4x4's I have owned. now have 35x12.5"
Shouldn't be a problem, there is only one real tight switchback and it shouldn't be much of a problem. Clearance shouldn't be a problem but 4WD low would help with the up and downhills. Fairly easy trail even when wet.
We got in a stick situation with some guys while on Mineral Creek and had to help get them back up on the trail. Turns out they were from the same town as us in Texas.
neat when it happens a long way from home
Stony pass was the original trail into the high san juans when gold was discovered by Charles Baker in 1860 ,until the railroad was completed from Durango to Silverton in 1882. I dont know about the claim of best 4wd road in Colorado but it is one of the least used on the rio grande side. The Silverton side is much busier. People should know that there was an attempt by the RGNF to shut down stoney pass to motor vehicles. They intended to close every trail within a mile of the continental divide which would have included the pole creek trail and west lost creek trail motorized singletrack. No details on how that would have worked but fortunately it was stopped by a court ruling about 2019. Blue ribbon coalition was one of the main drivers of the case to maintain access , so they are a worthy recipient of your donations. Tourists come to this area thinking its always been this way, it will always be this way but as a long time resident i can tell you the forest service is constantly looking for ways to shut down access. Dont let it happen.
I will admit that the Stony Pass trail is not as dramatic as Engineer, Ophir or Cinnamon but its lack of crowds makes it one of my favorites. I wanted to take California Gulch to Lake Como this fall but the traffic was so bad that I turned around at Bagley Mill and headed to Utah. The other thing I enjoy is the abundance of campsites which makes for an easy and relaxing two-day adventure. Thanks for your comments and, BTW I am a supporter and contributor to the BRC. Terry More
Great video. Did you see any Side by Side vehicles making the trip across the Pass
Passed one SxS, they ask us about crossing Pole Creek which is about a 1/4- mile past the summit - nasty day and they decided to turn around.
Hey Terry, Thanks for sharing Stony Pass. That’s one we haven’t done. A buddy just did it a day or two ago. We’ve done a lot of the trails around Silverton/Ouray/Telluride and hope to get back out there again some day. We went about 10 yrs in a row up thru 2018 but haven’t been able to make it since. Where you from? You mentioned 35 miles from Evansville I think. We are in W Ky….
Thanks for the comment - I live in Mount Carmel, IL. I am going to Colorado and Utah the first part of September and plan on doing Tin Cup and Medano before going to the San Juans where I hope to do Imogene. You were lucky to have done the San Juans when you did, they are beautiful but the crowds have made them a lot less enjoyable for me.
@@terrymore1679We used to go mid to late Sept. Schools are back in session by then and crowds are less. Also tried to be doing trails during the week and travel to next destination on weekends We’ve done trails around Sedona and Moab as well. Like I said, hope to get back out there some day but right now my 94 yr old mom is requiring a lot of attention. We took the new JLUR in 2018 but haven’t gotten to try it out lifted and on larger tires. The old Jeep, we put a bunch of miles on it going west and back. Imogene is good and Medano is ok too unless it is raining heavy.
Very nice. Are there lots of camping spots? Maybe some fishing?
Yes there are plenty of campsites all along the the trail, Brewster Park, especially is littered with sites. The majority of campsites are along the trail but almost every spur trail leads to a campsite. Don't know about the fishing but the trail follows the Rio Grande river. Have fun, great trail.
This is BETTER TV than my cable provider can ever sell me.
BTW, If you need a second vehicle ever, I'm your age and have an open schedule. (and a 4X4 too) And I'm Moab trail rated too.
Thanks, I will keep it in mind, next trip is in September to Utah and the San Juans.
Thank you. Beautiful country.
Thanks, great trail and its not crowded either, which is why it is one of my favorite Colorado trails.
... really like your camera placement ... one of my favorite trails ... safe travels ...
Thanks, a great trail, the weather was not ideal but, I intend to try it again next fall.
Really well done. Enjoyed your commentary and edit. Just the right length! Beautiful trail. Grew up in the area back in the 60s and 70s and this was one of our favorite trails!
Nicely done. You're inspired me to drive that trail next spring.
Thanks great trail, might want to delay your trip until July, probably won’t be plowed until June.
I did that trail around 2001 in a chevy trailblazer. I still think of that trail, very cool. Seemed remote, one stretch in deep woods passes small pond and a momma and baby moose were standing in the water and a beaver was swimming there too. I was by myself and got a little lost/mixed up along the way too.
Great trail, the San Juans must have been nice in 2001 without the crowds you have to deal with today.
Love videos like this. Planning on doing this trail soon! Thanks for sharing your experience.
Thanks, this is a great trail and unlike many of the trails in the San Juan Mountains there isn't a lot of traffic, which makes for a very comfortable drive.
What size tires are on your Jeep? Looks like it handles everything you throw it into!
35-inch BFG 315/70R/17 - Teraflex Dual Sport suspension lift - 3" front X 2 1/2" rear. I have been solo for the last 3 years so I don't do anything dumb and 35's are all I need.
I live in CO, was in a Jeep club, the formula seemed to be, get a Jeep Rubicon, lift it, put on 35's tires and aftermarket steel bumpers and a winch and you are good to go. That is what I have now, a 2011 JKUR w/BFG all terrains. I am on my 6th set of BFG all terrains over 3 different 4x4's I have owned. now have 35x12.5"
Looks like a nice trip. How do you think a full sized GMC Sierra would fare?
Shouldn't be a problem, there is only one real tight switchback and it shouldn't be much of a problem. Clearance shouldn't be a problem but 4WD low would help with the up and downhills. Fairly easy trail even when wet.
Looks like a great time!
Great trail, worth doing twice.