Colorado BS Thread

Skiing copper tomorrow am.

 

This is why I don't ski on Saturdays. So I made this for all you front rangers.

 

It once took me 6 1/2 hours to go from Dillon to the tunnel.

 

That's awful. Hopefully you got some good pow. I'm pretty sure I could walk it faster.

 

It was a good snow day, but not worth the 9 hour drive back to Denver. That changed the way I do weekend warrioring…during high season I won’t leave any later than 5:30am to head up and won’t stay on the mountain past 11:45.

 

Totally get that. I live here and why I work Saturdays for this reason alone. I do end up missing some good pow days but don't mind missing the crowds that go along with skiing on Saturdays. Sundays tend to be my kid skiing days so even if it's a bit busy it does thin out in the afternoons. That photo was taken and then posted in the FB group "one mans junk" so I figured I'd share it here and make a little fun of the weekend warriors commute.

 

Hello Colorado people. Long time listener. First time caller. I'm thinking about road tripping TN--->Moab in April. Stopping in Arkansas for the eclipse. My question is about I70. I have a friend in Granby, CO I'd like to stop and see. Is 70 gonna suck in April? I know it can get bad in the winter and I don't mind driving in snow but wasn't sure if it shuts down often due to wrecks.

Also, I want to explore some of CO along the way but I'm assuming April is still pretty much winter in the higher elevations right? Too cold for camping in the San Juan's? We don't have a diesel heater.

Gracias!

 

I70 should be fine, but there are probably better ways to get across the state from Granby...assuming they're open

and yes April is still very very much resorts open ski season and backcountry has a couple of months left.

the Rocky Mountain Toyota Roundup in the San Juans is in JULY and you'll probably still see patches of snow even into August/September

 

70 is generally open and clear year round except when accidents and storms can close mtn passes for a few hours at a time. Depending on storms tracking through the area you should be fine getting across the state and through the mountains but have an outliers chance of getting held up due to pass closures if a big storm hits. You're likely fine though. Camping in Moab will be much more comfortable and accessible than any high country in CO. Feel free to DM me if your looking for any updates. I live in the mountains off 70.

 

We ended up booking a hotel in Keystone starting April 9th. Do you know if I'll need chains? I know they can be required certain places and I don't own any. We'll be there two nights before continuing on to Moab.

 

Traction law from 1 Sept to 31 May is now always active on I-70 meaning minimum tread depth of 3/16th or have 4WD/AWD. If a 2wd vehicle you need chains or those snow sock things.
It's possible during a bad storm that CDOT will implement a chain law for passenger vehicles. Not likely, but possible. So even with 4WD/AWD you're still required to have chains or "approved alternative traction device". Spring snows don't generally last longer than a day so it might just push your plans +/- 12 hours or so
It's really hit or miss in Colorado, just keep an eye on the forecast.

More info here:
https://www.codot.gov/travel/winter-driving/tractionlaw

 

Got a set of chains(or similar) that you like? I've never had a need to own any in TN.

 

I've never owned a pair and lived in Colorado my entire life ha. Well mostly. If a snowstorm requires the chain law go in affect, traffic will likely be at a standstill anyway. Personally if it was me and I can't move my schedule around I'd go the cheaper route just to have them with me. Chains for larger tires can get pretty pricey. However if you feel more comfortable having them, maybe someone can chime in with recommendations

 

Well said. Pretty much everything you need to know is outlined here. If I were you I wouldn't worry about chains if you have 4x4 or AWD. I also have never owned chains as a CO native and well over 20 years of that time has been in the mountains.

 

I live about 15 minutes from keystone. Are you planning on skiing at all? Hit me up if you need any help with anything.


Moab is a good time in the spring. A lot of us mtn folk head to the desert in the spring before the scorching summer days. Mtn biking and hiking will be at its best. But I also start bitching about the heat once the dial hits in the mid seventies.

 

well that sucks, chains will not fit on my Tundra. I guess while living there we will be using the 4Runner

 

I thought your tundra was a 4X? You don't need chains if you have 4x and 3/16" tread depth. or at worst case, a set of snow rated tires with 3/16" tread depth still alleviates you from chains required. Commercial trucker however have a whole different set of rules.

 

Now we are talking! I have been busy with soil samples, building codes, permits, etc. I have not got around to reading the laws about that yet. I have been reading a lot about hunting and was disappointed when reading I need to have 160 contiguous acres to hunt on your own property. I don't mind buying the tags to hunt on my property but I would have thought 42 acres would have got me there but nope.

Thanks for the clarification, yes 4WD with 37" tires and mega thread depth

 

Hunting laws still amaze me when your talking about a parcel that big. Have fun with the build. It's beautiful country on the western slope where you landed. Damn code and permits are always what slows the process though.

As far as traction laws 4x and tread depth supercede your need for chains. That's why I've never owned a set.

 

Thank you. I'm not sure about skiing. I've only been snowboarding a few times. We just needed a place to stop but we're staying two nights. Is there anything in the area you recommend we check out? Any good trails I can take my truck on or other things we should try? We've only been to Colorado a few times but never this area.

 

The trails in this area are usually limited that time of year. There are some options for getting away from everyone though on your feet. I'll keep an eye on snowpack and update as necessary. For sure there are lots of things to do, but not a lot of access to wilderness due to snow in typical years. This year however, is atypical.

Are you coming with wife? Kids? Helps me think about things to do for you...

 

Just my wife and I. Good point about the snow pack. I see many of the trails and roads in the area are closed until May.

 

Most trails/Forest Service roads are inaccessible this time of year at higher elevations from the front range on. Lots of access for snow shoeing possibilities which is free and no long lines.

 

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/whiteriver/home/?cid=stelprdb5328680


Lots of good information here for the white river national Forrest service roads and their opening dates.

The further west you travel will open up more options. Have you looked at the trail from gateway (John brown canyon) to Moab? It's possible that maybe open by early April depending on how much snow we get in March. I've traveled it on a dual sport as early as mid April before. Anyhow, lower elevations on the western slope will open up access more that early in the spring. It's not a tough trail at all, more like a road now that it was graded a number of years back. But it's a beautiful drive into the Moab area and brings you out on hwy 128 where you can catch pavement and follow the Colorado river into moab. You'll pass a number of campgrounds on 128, most of which are first come first served.

https://coloradooverlandroutes.com/gateway-2-moab/

 

No I haven't. Being from TN I don't know that much about your area. I'll see what I can find on it.

 

I'll keep my eyes on snowpack for you. Really depends on our March snow totals to see what if anything is open.

 

We are headed to the property first week in April and it looks like we are missing the snow, at least the big snows they have gotten

 

Quite easily possible to get heavy wet snow in early May.

 

Very true. One time I had my raft trailer all loaded up to go float through Gates of Ladore and when I woke up the next day there was over 15" of snow on the ground. I had to dig it out just to back up my truck unto the hitch. That's the thing about living in the high country. It's part of life and you don't let it slow you down. As they say up here; the weather is never bad, you probably just didn't dress appropriately.

 

I'm just worried about I-70 being at a standstill. I follow a page dedicated to it and it seems shut down almost daily in the winter.