Rock Crawl Past Colorado's History, EPIC Overlanding Campsite, Wheeling at 13,000ft & Cocktails!

This is part 2 of what I believe is one of Colorado’s best off-road trails, Halfmoon Creek. The first episode had a bit of everything; hiking, fly fishing, alpine lakes, Trails & Cocktails, trout, waterfalls, creek crossings, off roading, tacos, camping and all the normal overlanding fun. Round 2 is a bit more direct and is full of actual 4x4 rock crawling. Once past our campsite (which is worth making this trip for all on its own) the trail cranks up the heat by throwing one obstacle after another your way. Plenty of rock gardens, rock steps, waterfalls, boulders and shelf roads. It is not the most difficult of trails, but you would be walkin’ on the wild side if you dragged a stock Jeep up here. With that being said we left my brother’s Dodge Ram diesel 2500 and my Nissan Titan Off-Road back at camp and we elect Marty the Toyota Tacoma TRD as the expedition vehicle. I do believe all the vehicles in our group could have made it to the end, but this gave me the chance to hop out to film and be the official spotter…which I do a lot of.
Now, don’t let all this talk about gnarly obstacles fool you into thinking this video is one dimensional, as it has so much more to offer. First off, the picture perfect, postcard worthy background that surrounds you the entire time. The area is absolutely stunning. You would be hard pressed to find many trails that serve up a dose of difficulty in such a beautiful environment. If scenery doesn’t do it for you, how about history? The trail is dotted with abandoned mining cabins that are great to explore. The pinnacle of which is a huge structure, Champion Mill, which closed down in 1919. The building offer a peek into the past of Colorado and why we now have these fantastic high-altitude trails.
This adventure ends at about 13,000 feet at another small mining structure. There is a flat area to take a break for lunch and enjoy the views. Yes, the views! It will feel like you are floating on top of the world. You can even look down on the road to Independence Pass. It is worth taking your time to explore your surroundings and check out the old mining equipment left behind.
As I hinted at in the previous episode, this campsite might be one of the best in Colorado, at least if you have a group of vehicles. Before you ask, I can’t give out a pin drop, but you shouldn’t have an issue finding it. It is a large, rather flat meadow that is essentially an island, as it is surrounded by creeks on either side. The way it is situated you will be looking down the throat of the valley, while being bracketed by pine trees and mountain peaks. The location is so perfect, you hardly want to leave. It is great for an overland setup, with everyone getting their own space. Which means this setting makes for the ideal location to enjoy another Trails n’ Cocktails segment. In this one we make a drink called “Skip and go Naked”, which contains summer ale, brown sugar, lemon juice and vodka. Perfect for keeping a large group of folks happy.
As I am sure you can tell, I absolutely love this trail and after watching this video, you will understand why. Catch up by using the links below to check out the first half of this adventure and other recent videos. And Remember, What’s Your GOL?
Halfmoon Creek Part 1 : Fly Fishing, Overlanding, Rock Crawling, Lakes
• Overlanding Rock Crawl...
Overlanding Colorado at 13,000 Feet with Epic Lighting Storm
• Overlanding Colorado @...
Clohesy Lake : River Crossings, Amazing Mountain Lake, Mining Ruins
• Overlanding Rock Crawl...

[@MandaPandaPants]

Epic views and definite pucker points watching y’all maneuver some parts.
I like the addition of the “blooper” at the end!

[@grandeoverland6787]

Glad you didn't find the blooper reel too offensive. I think they drive might have changed his underoos a few times that day. Probably needed a better spotter.

[@SolarProCO]

Great video, I love that trail. I didn't have as much luck with my stock Tacoma but hoping to get back there this summer with my 4Runner. Thanks for the beverage recipe as well, keep them coming! Looking forward to the next video!

[@grandeoverland6787]

Some of those spots in a stock Taco could be a little risky for sure! I first drove the trail in a stock JK 4dr Rubicon a few years back and it had some struggle points for sure. Lots of getting hung-up, getting out, changing the line, rinse and repeat. Hope you and the Runner make it to the top this summer, it will be worth the second effort for sure.

[@DeanJohnson67]

great video! And you are the best narrator w/those "dad jokes an humor"! hoping the "super sweet site" has atleast a 1 night vacancy next week! Likely won't hit the summit as I'll be wheeling alone with an 18 month old dutch shepherd who's not such a great spotter (unless it's some 4 legged creature in his line of sight or sniffer! ;)

[@grandeoverland6787]

Except for the one narrow part where we got hung up a little bit, there are plenty of spots to turn around, so push it as far as you are comfortable, the trail is pretty forgiving. This is probably about the best time of year to hit up Halfmoon. Hope you have a great trip!

[@AZOverland2017]

Nice! Video was vey well done

[@grandeoverland6787]

Thank you. Wish it was as much fun to make videos as it is to be on the trails!

[@Raver_S_Thompson]

great trail. get to see so much of colorado history. It's not as hard or risky as blanca, and not as iconic and pretty as Marble, but it is a nice and lovely trail.

[@grandeoverland6787]

I would agree with that. Blanca is on another level for sure when it comes to difficulty, don't think our rigs could have made it and Marble/Schofield Pass is truly stunning. Halfmoon seems like a good balance and not running into another vehicle the entire day earns it a bonus point for me.

[@jackboeker83]

I love camping in the rain. I did feel awkward writing that because your blooper was playing right when I wrote love. It’s only awkward if you make it awkward. In all seriousness I will look into that trail and might run it this summer when we head that way.

[@grandeoverland6787]

Hahaha, yes! That worked out perfectly. As long as you have the right gear, camping in the rain can still be a blast...but booze tends to disappear quicker! Glad the video sold you on the trail, you won't be disappointed.

[@donpennington2080]

Awesome! The first time we drove to the mine, there was still snow to cross. It was sloping towards the passengers side. Really had to air down and crawl it. Then, a big cloud moved in. Made for interesting photos and videos.
We've been to the mill in our old Z71. But we didn't drive the rough road to the mine.
What are your thoughts on making the cocktail with Crankyanker from the brewery in BV?

[@grandeoverland6787]

Yikes, driving parts of that trail with snow would certainly get your attention, especially once you get past the Mill. I think with the right lift/tire combo a full size Z71 could squeeze up to the mine. Would probably test some nerves at points.
I just tried to go to Eddyline Brewery 2 weeks ago, but their new location down by the river was closed to a lack of staff and the main brewery had a 40 minute wait unfortunately. I think you could make the Skip n' Go Naked with Crank Yanker, but it a much more bold beer and would really change the taste. Only one way to find out if it tastes good!