Red Tail RV Trips

Easy day, Bob and Liz leave on Saturday so this is a short off road trip to Yankee Boy Basin and the Coors waterfalls. We rode with Dave and Katie as I did not want to drive my car until I have new tires. The falls were magnificent as usual. To get there we had to drive to the town of Ouray. After visiting the falls we returned to Ouray and the ladies did some shopping. Back to Silverton and a very relaxing evening.

This is the long trip day. We left Silverton at 0900 and headed to Animas Forks where we joind up with the trail that leads to Engineers Pass (12,640). We were ahead of most traffic so the trail was not crowded. As we neared the Oh Point scenic view area a startling surprise. We had pulled to the right to let a jeep pass downhill and evidently caught a rock on the sidewall of the right front tire. PSSSSSS went the air and a flat tire resulted. Kept climbing to a flat spot about 30 feet ahead and then proceeded to change the tire. Rest of trip went very well to Lake City. There a stop for ice cream was in order.

On the return trip we toon Cinnamon Pass, (12,440). This is a much easier pass to cross the mountains on. We did see a deer and several marmots on this leg. We arrived back at Animas Forks and then proceeded back to Silverton.

Upon arrival at Silverton I checked all the tires. Several had chunks of rubber missing and to top it off, the spare was a different size that the running wheels. Ford will have some explaining to do.

Boni was leaving today to head back to the Vail area. After she departed we started up Kendall Mountain. It is located right behind the RV park we are staying in. It is not a popular trail, although it is very challenging and scenic. Ascending up the various shelf roads we again reached heights of over 12,000 feet. At the top we had cineramic view of Silverton and the three valleys that lead to it. We could also see several of the other trails we have traversed in the last few days. While there we were able to watch the steam train from Durango arrive at the station in Silverton. Arriving back in Silverton after some 2+ hours of off roading, the rest of the afternoon was spent relaxing in the sun.

We were now joined by Dave and Katie. Today we head to Animas Forks to take two of the most beautiful trails in the area. Starting on California Gulch we climbed to over 13,000 feet on shelf roads and amid the brilliant colors of the mountains. Lots of flowers in bloom, several Marmots scurring around. This was the first experience for Dave to drive in the mountains and he did very well. At the west base of California Gulch we started up another trail called Corkscrew. Again this took us to altitudes over 13,000 feet with views unbelievable. Not a cloud in the brilliant blue skies of Colorado presented us with scenes you would never belive unless present. Corkscrew gets it name from the descent on the western end of the trail. You must negotiate a series of tight turns as you descend the mountain.
Once back on the highway we headed back to Silverton in anticipation of our dinner at the Pickle Barrell, a well known establishment for prime rib and dessert.

What can I say, another beautiful day. We headed out for the Buffalo Tramway just off of the Stoney Pass road. This took us up to over 12,000 feet again to the top of the Buffalo Tram that transported ore from the mines to the processing mill in the valley. Much of the building was still intact. It is hard to imagine how all the building parts and equipment was brought to this height and assembled.

After the Buffalo trail we headed to Picaune Pass and Placier Gulch. Again, several old buildings were there for us to explore. Nearing the pass we saw the tent the Basque uses and his herd of sheep on the hill side across the valley. Did not see him or his dogs, but there were over 500 head of sheep grazing. After decending thru Placier Gulch we drove thru Animas Forks, once a thriving community.

Woke to a beautiful morning, not a cloud or drop of fog in the area. This was a day off as we have hit the trails the last few days. Jon and Marie departed for home and we along with Bob and Liz just relaxed around town. Shopping was in order for the women. Boni arrived from Avon.

FOG-FOG Woke in the morning and the entire valley was socked in with fog. But, thank goodness, by 830 it was rapidly starting to burn off and proved to be a very nice day. Today we have three rigs to head into the hills. We had opted to take Ophir Pass to the west connecting up with highway 145 into Telluride. The trail was extremely scenic with a few rough spots that had washed out during the winter. At Telluride we went to the city park for our lunch break. Then, after eating, we headed out the north side of town towards the Tom Boy mine remains and Imogene pass. The summit of the pass is 13, 373 feet. Being Saturday, the trail was busy in both directions. The weather was great, but as we approached the summit the wind began to blow. Going down the other side we connected with the Yankee Boy trail, (we will do that later) and proceeded into Ouray and back to Silverton.

A relaxing social hour was held and then dinner at the Pickle Barrel, a great prime rib place.

SILVERTON, nestled in the San Juan mountains at 9305 feet. Bustling town in the summer and nearly closed in the winter as they get feet of snow not inches. Had planned to leave for some off road trails at 0830 but the clouds and fog delayed us until 0900. Headed North to Animas Forks, an old gold mining district. From there we took California Gulch to the West, On this trail we pass over California Pass (13,273) and Hurrican Pass (12,790). We then joined Corkscrew trail, still heading west. This continues to go up and down and crosses a pass at 11,970. Finally we reached the main highway and turned south towards Silverton. We decided to take U.S. Basin trail, a short diversion on and back on to the main road. It started to rain while doing this and the road was slippery in places.

Relaxed after returning to home base and then headed to the Brass Band Concert. This is the 28th year that the Great Western Rocky Mountain Brass Band has performed in Silverton. The members are volunteers that come from all over the United States just to play here. They practice for a week and then give 3 concerts, Fri-Sat-Sun. Expecting a home town band atmosphere, we were totally shocked. The concert lasted for 3+ hours, playing lots of patriotic songs and giving a salute to Abe Lincoln. The program only showed 9 selections, however there were at least double that if not more. It was a great evening.

Up early and out of Buena Vista heading for Silverton. Heading over Monarch Pass (11,312 ft) then on thru Gunnison and in Montrose. Stopped there for supplies, including diesel. Get a $.10 discount with the card, NICE. On South into Ridgway and finally Ouray. Then the beautiful drive up the canyon with sheer walls on both sides. One side the are up and the other side they are down. Finally getting into Silverton midafternoon. Met up with our friends that were already settled. Went to dinner and then a short trip up the trail behind the RV park.

Time to leave Tiger Run Resort, didn't really want to but the summer moves on. Headed South towards Alma, Fairplay and finally our destination for the night, Buena Vista. The drive took us up to 11,650 feet as we crossed Hoosier Pass just North of Alma. We had hoped to stop at Alma and take a side trip to the top of Mt Bross. This is one of the 4 mountains over 14,000 you can drive to on a trail or road. Unfortunately the land owners have stopped all traffic across their property. Not even the hikers can scale the mountain.

We were amazed at all the new building that had taken place since our last visit to the area some 4 years ago. There are dozens of 'cabins' all of which have mulitple garages, many decks and lots of windows. The economy seems to be doing well in the area.

The campground at Buena Vista had really been improved since our last stay. New slots, new grass areas and long pull thrus.

Another beautiful day, starts out about 36 degrees and warms to 85 during the day. We took out bikes to Frisco and rode the paved trail to Dillon, about 3.5 miles. This trail was around the edge of Dillon Reservoir, a very large body of water. Arriving at Dillon, we had lunch at the marina and planned to ride the water taxi back. WRONG, it was Tuesday and the taxi did not operate. Instead we took the free Summit Shuttle, a bus service that goes all over Summit county. There were bike racks for our bikes and the route showed us more of the area. Great ride.