Show a Newbie the Ropes -- 28 July

[Steve-O]

Hey all,

I've finally got my "new" YJ in good enough condition to go wheeling for the first time. Unfortunately, I only have one available day, 28 July, before I go on a 7-week work trip to Colorado Springs. I'm looking for people who would be interested in going on an easier trail and taking things slower as I learn. Things to note:

1. My YJ is completely stock, tires are in good shape.
2. I do not have a CB
3. Recently discovered my park brake is very weak and I will not have time to fix it before the 28th. If you believe this is a safety issue and a "no-go", please let me know. Otherwise, there will need to be relatively level spots where we stop.

I'm looking for trail suggestions. Not something *too* easy, I want to fire up 4Low from time to time. I'm located in Denver so some quick research came up with Argentine Pass/McClellan Mtn, Deer Creek, and Webster Pass/Handcart Gulch. Again, open to suggestions/travelling farther. Hope to hear from someone!

:cheers:

[Tom]

You don't want to do Webster Pass. It is so narrow that at one point you have the drivers wheel about a foot up the mtn from the road and the passenger tire is on the outside edge off the road with at least 5-600' of vehicle rolling if you run off. I did it once and will not do it again. OBTW I am not generally concerned on shelf roads. Have done many that scared the bjesus out of others with me.

I would suggest something like Kingston Peak or Yankee Hill or both as a starter run.

Parking brake is not a big issue. I've a 2012 JK and it never worked for me until I did a brake job a couple of months ago. Now it kind of works.

I am free on the 28th since I am retired.

Argentine and McClellan are reasonable choices, but if I go are not something I desire to do this time of year. I typically like to do a fall color run up them as the foliage is amazing that time of year.

If we did Kingston-Yankee we would meet up at Staging Area to unload RZR Black Hawk, CO 80422
https://goo.gl/maps/tqEFfggwqEkBBEVd7

That should give you an idea of driving distance for you.

Kingston Peak and Yankee video I shot a few of years ago.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NZ8NSuOsl_k

[Jim]

Recently discovered my park brake is very weak

It's a jeep, they're all like that [at best] (tm)

CB: Not needed but is a convenience to have



Interested, but, I have an appointment for the 28th already set - I'll see if I can push it back a day...

Kingston / Yankee interests me.

If you're not inclined for Webster, how about Red Cone?! (though a bit longer than I care to drive right now)

Webster's still listed as closed - Red Cone's open:
http://www.bushducks.com/tripreps/passopen.htm#webster

[Tom]

It's a jeep, they're all like that [at best] (tm)


Interested, but, I have an appointment for the 28th already set - I'll see if I can push it back a day...

Kingston / Yankee interests me.

If you're not inclined for Webster, how about Red Cone?! (though a bit longer than I care to drive right now)

Webster's still listed as closed - Red Cone's open:
http://www.bushducks.com/tripreps/passopen.htm#webster
I like redcone but too far for me as well.

[Jaycifer]

I’d be interested in doing Kingston/Yankee we planned to do it that week anyway

[Tom]

I wasn't paying attention. I responded to Jaycifer, thought I was responding to Steve-o

Steve-o. If this is good for you post it up as a planned run.

9:30 am is about the earliest I can be at the staging area. 1.5 hr drive for me. For Jim its 1/2 longer drive me thinks.

[Jim]

Schedule adjusted - I'm in for Tues!

[FINOCJ]

You don't want to do Webster Pass. It is so narrow that at one point you have the drivers wheel about a foot up the mtn from the road and the passenger tire is on the outside edge off the road with at least 5-600' of vehicle rolling if you run off. I did it once and will not do it again. OBTW I am not generally concerned on shelf roads. Have done many that scared the bjesus out of others with me.

I am going to respectfully disagree about Webster - I think its a pretty easy drive and for a small YJ jeep it won't feel that narrow. But, yes, it is a narrow shelf road, and that can be intimidating and or an issue as a small driver error or just loosing focus for a minute has big consequences. I'd say Kingston is actually a slightly more challenging trail to drive than Webster due to the road surface, but there is some 'eye of the beholder' to that as well.

There are so many great, relative easy to moderate trails in the area - a few suggestions:
Bill Moore
Jones Pass (probably one of the easiest)
Argentine/McClelland
even our own Devils Canyon (also quite easy)

[Tom]

I am going to respectfully disagree about Webster - I think its a pretty easy drive and for a small YJ jeep it won't feel that narrow. But, yes, it is a narrow shelf road, and that can be intimidating and or an issue as a small driver error or just loosing focus for a minute has big consequences. I'd say Kingston is actually a slightly more challenging trail to drive than Webster due to the road surface, but there is some 'eye of the beholder' to that as well.

There are so many great, relative easy to moderate trails in the area - a few suggestions:
Bill Moore
Jones Pass (probably one of the easiest)
Argentine/McClelland
even our own Devils Canyon (also quite easy)

James, he's a newby with no trails run yet, thats why I said he didn't want to run Webster what with it being so narrow. Imo not a good choice for a first jeep run. Yes, except for the narrow it is a mild trail.

[Tom]

Jaycifer and Jim,
it sounds like for at least the three of us Kington Yankee is good for us. What meet up time is best.

[Jaycifer]

We’re pretty good for any time, seems like 10 is the usual start for most runs but we’re flexible

[Jim]

`gonna be close to 2 hr drive for me (10a would be nice).

Meet where?

[FINOCJ]

James, he's a newby with no trails run yet, thats why I said he didn't want to run Webster what with it being so narrow. Imo not a good choice for a first jeep run. Yes, except for the narrow it is a mild trail.

Fair enough - guess I am on the other side of that coin, as I think its a pretty darn good 1st run (if going with someone else). When we have out of state visitors that are looking for a great place to take their SUV, its one I have used. The biggest concern is issues with passing, so avoid weekend crowds and go early. Its easy driving with spectactuar views etc.....Also use Mosquito pass as well - its just further away and a long day trip. I am a sucker for shelf road with a view I guess....

[Jaycifer]

`gonna be close to 2 hr drive for me (10a would be nice).

Meet where?

I suppose that depends on which one is to be run first, I’ve never been on either of these trails. Which is the preferred way to run each?

[Tom]

I suppose that depends on which one is to be run first, I’ve never been on either of these trails. Which is the preferred way to run each?
Unless meeting at Rollinsville I would say meet at
https://goo.gl/maps/tqEFfggwqEkBBEVd7 and run over to Apex and across to Kingston. My preferred route is counter clockwise.

10am would be good for me.

I would like to hear from Steve-O since he is the one who started this thread.

[Steve-O]

Thank you for all the replies! Took me a second to respond, the forum is blocked on my work computers :lmao:

Kingston/Yankee on Tuesday, July 28th, meeting up at 10 am sounds perfect! I'll put it in the planned runs and calendar

[Steve-O]

There are so many great, relative easy to moderate trails in the area - a few suggestions:
Bill Moore
Jones Pass (probably one of the easiest)
Argentine/McClelland
even our own Devils Canyon (also quite easy)

Thank you for these suggestions,making a note for later!