1st Gens to San Juan Mountains Colorado

A spot on my list of places to visit and thought what would be cooler than a bunch of best gens doing it together.

I have early September in mind. Not to hot, not too cold but just right for Fall colors.

 

I’ll be headed to San G later in the month so I’m out….. sorry brother

 

Uhhh bad timing it seems then…

 

You do you!

 

Always do but sure would’ve been better with you there

 

Not a first gen but I'm going end of July

 

Nice, how’s the weather up there in July?

 

I’m interested. I’ll be traveling in 1st 04 Sequoia. Do you have a route in mind. What’s mods are needed?

 

I can't make it this year. No paid vacation time at the new job til next year. Plus I'm going to try to take unpaid time off to go to Merus in Amarillo with the TX crue around Halloween

 

Hey @Voss - I’ve been a few times so if you need any help planning trails let me know. I’m going back the first week of July - it’s definitely worth the drive.

 

Not sure but maybe…

Adam can tell us what to expect? Noticing July is a common theme among those who know the area. Do you think Sept is risking bad weather? Thanks!

 

Not all the passes are typically completely open until July. Alpine Loop is open...kinda.

The rest of Engineer, Ophir, Imogene, idk about Black Bear but they're a little bit out still I believe. Even in July there will still be snow up top.

 

Sept weather is usually gold here. Kids are back in school so there's likely less people. July weather will be warmer and you'll have longer daylight timeframes. Most passes will be open by early/mid July, black bear being the exception. Honestly black bear is pretty tight for a tundra though. It has some pretty tight switchbacks. We usually don't get our first snow til Oct, with a slight chance of seeing snow in late sept. I've honestly seen snow in the mountains every month of the year though so don't let that scare you. San Juan's are beautiful. Im sure you'll have a great trip.

 

The passes will likely be closed by then. Lots of the trails in the area go up to 12,000-13,000 feet so it’s a small window of time (usually late June - August) they’re open.

The scenery is unreal beautiful. Highly recommend the trip.





https://youtube.com/shorts/ulpCc-qytYE?si=d1goks8ugAB7q24p

 

This is on July 14 one year on Imogene.

 

Now is this tight for a 2ng/3rd gen tundra or tight for a 1st gen tundra?

 

I’d go in a first gen. I’ll probably do it in the 2.5 gen eventually.

 

The San Juans are awesome.

 

San Juans in September is a great plan You may get some snow, but it is generally lovely that time of year. If you get snow, it is unlikely that it be enough to ruin anything. It might change your plans for a day. The aspens will likely be changing, too. You should be able to find some good color at some elevation.

Black bear pass is tight for a truck, in my opinion. Especially a truck with the turning radius of a first gen tundra.

Ophir and Imogene are great, don't miss drives. I haven't been over Engineer.

 

Mineral Creek to California Pass might be my favorite drive in that area but it’s a bit tougher than everything else mentioned. That’s where the waterfall and glacial lake are in the pictures above.

 

I'm going to the San Juans next week with the family. We're staying in Pagosa Springs. It'll be my first time doing true off roading and my truck is still stock, but I'm gonna do some easy trails with the kids. They start cheering when I drive on the grass, so a trail is gonna be a thrill for them. Any trail recommendations close to Pagosa that would be fun, but doable for a noob?

 

Animas Forks might be pushing the “for a noob” part but would be epic for the kids and can be done in a stock 4x4. Follows the Animas up to a ghost town with about a dozen buildings including a jail.

 

How much could be done without sliders? I'd be fine as wine holding down camp, cooking & drinking & just being in the mnts. but could i reach the best campsites on stock tires & not hurt my mudflaps? Are there any top notch spots a pop-up trailer on 14's could make it?

My truck isnt quite ready to play along yet.

 

Man. Fall semester starts September 1st.

I’ve been hoping to do a San Juan mountains trip for the past couple summers. This would be the perfect excuse to go- but missing the whole first week of classes would be really dumb.

 

Honestly I think Broken Arrow isn’t any easier than Imogene Pass. You could get a pop up to a ton of great camping spots and see lots of beautiful scenery. Ophir would be doable in dry conditions for sure.

 

I think we visited this place when we went to pagosa, pretty cool

 

I'll be in taos june 16thish who can swing it that close?

 

A lot of the high elevation passes will still be closed.

 

Still tight. It's the turning radius, not narrow tight walls or anything. Even in your truck. Each person has their comfort zone though. Of everything mentioned here I've done them all. Except I was on a ktm 950 when we did the whole CBDR.

Knowing this @AZBoatHauler has been there a bunch in his 2.5 Gen and probably has better advice though.


https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2R5cLghSWGQ

 

Ive been a few times in summer and also September, which was amazing. Did some hiking, mountain biking, grouse hunting, hot springs and a couple trails in my previous Tacoma. Would love to go back with the 1GT and September might work for me as long as it’s stock-ish friendly.