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Crags in CO that require off-road access

Original Post
Carl Marvin · · Boulder, Colorado · Joined Nov 2013 · Points: 105

Hi all!

I hope this isn't a strange request. I'm in the midst of building a vehicle for mild-medium offroading, and getting pretty excited to use it.

I'd like to take some trips this summer that combine climbing with offroading.

So, what (if any) areas/crags in CO require some relatively mellow/medium offroading to get to? I'm looking for stuff that's more out of the way and free from crowds...preferably with camping!

Thanks in advance!

Greg D · · Here · Joined Apr 2006 · Points: 883

The road into Eldo is pretty rough right now.

Glenn Schuler · · Monument, Co. · Joined Jun 2006 · Points: 1,330

The back way (from the East) into Big Rock is pretty burly since the Hayman fire. Awesome camping at the shoulder behind it or further down the hill right along the South Platte river. (more burly)
There will most likely be other 4 wheeler types down there but not what I would call crowded.

Mathias · · Loveland, CO · Joined Jun 2014 · Points: 306

The Ironclads was pretty rough to get to.

goingUp · · over here · Joined Apr 2013 · Points: 30

depends on how you want to get in there, but some of lime creek can be rough ish early season (still a 2 wheel drive road, but jeeping it is fun and much faster)
i dont know the names of the crags but there is a few trad and sport wallks over hagarmans pass... if you drive it from leadville its beefier 4wd is a must, this is also the fast way (direct) to rudi reservior, and the frying pan is AMAZING!

MountainSean Foege · · Indian Hills · Joined Jan 2015 · Points: 10

I too am looking for these types of areas. Want to to some backcountry driving and camping near some decent climbs. With all these forest roads there has got to be some good stuff way back in the hills that just doesn't get much traffic. Maybe we need to set up a team to start scoping some areas out. I know I'm always looking when I go offroading.

Mark E Dixon · · Possunt, nec posse videntur · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 974
Greg D wrote:The road into Eldo is pretty rough right now.
The BRC parking lot is getting pretty sketch too.
Eldo Love · · Mancos,CO · Joined Sep 2012 · Points: 125

Telluride, Ouray, Silverton, Lake City. You could link it all together driving over a hundred miles without touching pavement. Oh and some of my favorite climbing in the state.

Scott McMahon · · Boulder, CO · Joined Feb 2006 · Points: 1,425
Mathias wrote:The Ironclads was pretty rough to get to.

Did it get bad?
Mathias · · Loveland, CO · Joined Jun 2014 · Points: 306
Scott McMahon wrote: Did it get bad?
Someone else was driving, a Nissan Titan I think. I know my Sooby wouldn't have made it, the ruts where enormous. People were fourwheeling on the road. From what I remember it didn't *get* bad, just started bad and continued to be that way.
Eric Klammer · · Eagle, CO · Joined Oct 2012 · Points: 2,070

Most the domes scattered between Steamboat Springs and Kremmling require some sort of driving on FS roads.

The "plateau" N of Glenwood Springs is littered with a labyrinth of decent to rough dirt roads. Caving, adventurous hiking, and probably chossy climbing await.

Scott McMahon · · Boulder, CO · Joined Feb 2006 · Points: 1,425
Mathias wrote: Someone else was driving, a Nissan Titan I think. I know my Sooby wouldn't have made it, the ruts where enormous. People were fourwheeling on the road. From what I remember it didn't *get* bad, just started bad and continued to be that way.
Good to know...I got a jeep, but the only part that I remember being bad was the initial little 4x4 section after the main "lot". Makes sense after the increase in traffic that things could only get worse.
MountainSean Foege · · Indian Hills · Joined Jan 2015 · Points: 10

What's a good place we could drive to and park near the crag to camp? Can anyone be more specific?
Thanks!

Cameron Turner · · Eagle · Joined Mar 2010 · Points: 70

Try out Lime Creek

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