Looking for Trails in Estes Park Area

Kugellager · **Posted:** Sat Apr 29, 2006 10:50 am

My girlfriend and I will be taking a long weekend trip to Estes park (Colorado) in a couple of weeks and I will be allowed to do a little 4-wheeling one day. She has never been wheeling and I don't want it to be too crazy.

I'm looking for a trail that will require the use of 4-wheel drive but one that I can do with only us. Basically something that is fun but SAFE for us to do alone is the key to what I am looking for. Also rememeber it will be early May and there will be a lot of snow in some places.

My vehicle capabilities are as follows: Frankenlift, full armor, 245/75 R16 GY MT/R, hijack, manual trans and OPEN differential, CB and FRS/GMRS radios.

My capabilities: Novice

I have read about FR 118 just to the east of Estes and it seems like it would be easy/fun enough. I am not familiar with the area so any tips/suggestions/trail recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

John
];')

Skyjump136 · **Joined:** Tue Jul 05, 2005 6:50 pm **Posts:** 1633

I'm aware of trails on the other side of RMNP, but I haven't done anything around Estes Park. Do some exploring and let us know what you find!

Also check www.4x4trails.net (site seems to be down currently) and www.traildamage.com for ideas.

btolle · **Posted:** Sun Apr 30, 2006 10:55 am

See information on Old Fall River Road at http://www.nps.gov/romo/visit/weather/scenicdrives.html

4WD is not even necessary but it is a beautiful drive. Take a picnic lunch with you. The scenery is spectacular.

Tokyojoe · **Posted:** Sun Apr 30, 2006 1:37 pm

I drove Fall River Road in a CELICA! Low to the ground. It was bumpy but do-able.

Bill: Missed ya at Moab this year. I hope you are doing better.

Kugellager · **Posted:** Sun Apr 30, 2006 7:06 pm

Yeah but the only problems with either of those is that they will be closed...Neither opens until around Memorial day...too much snow...Doing my research on other options though

I will report back anything I find.

John
];')

bfillmer · **Joined:** Sun Apr 02, 2006 4:35 pm **Posts:** 9

You should check out Bunce School Road. I've done it twice now, both times with just a friend in the Jeep with me, and I've got a similiar setup to the one you have. In fact, if you want some company I could probably make it up there. It's not a super technical trail. The entrance by the school is the only one open this time of year, I talked to a ranger last week, he said they wouldn't open the Peaceful Valley end until mid-May. There are plenty of places to turn around so it's not a big deal.

Here's a link to a good description:

http://www.traildamage.com/trails/index.php?id=123

Bryan

Kugellager · **Posted:** Sun Apr 30, 2006 7:46 pm

I like the way that looks. There is that one spot with the puddles and the cobbles in the photos. Looks a little tricky but totally do-able.

Tough Spot

Is that the toughest spot?...assuming there is no snow when I go? I'm looking for something with a couple of areas like that...but not too much more than that...looks like fun.

John
];')

bfillmer · **Joined:** Sun Apr 02, 2006 4:35 pm **Posts:** 9

That's about as tricky as it gets. The first time I did it there was still snow on the ground, it was actually a bit easier that time. There are a few rocky uphill spots that were nice and smooth when the snow was down. I don't think you will have any problems, I'm a fairly novice offroader myself and never ran into anything that I thought the Jeep couldn't handle. One thing to look out for is the ATV & motorcycle guys. There are always a few up there on a weekend. At least you'll have help if you do manage to get into trouble!

Looking for Trails in Estes Park Area

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