Hi all.
I will be in Breckenridge in a couple weeks with my wife and another couple. Nothing is planned but if I can fit it in I would like to run a trail in the area in my Pat Sport FDII. I have been looking at the traildamage site and I found Mosquito Pass, Mount Bross and Crystal Lakes to be interesting. i was also considering the Swan Lake North fork and St. John's into Montezuma. However, I have read multiple threads in the forums regarding some problems with Pats on certain steep inclines, and of course higher altitude plays a role. I would appreciate any input on the trails mentioned above and if you would recommend those (or have ran them with success) as something I could feel confident I won't have any unforseen problems (related to Pat functionality, not related to the trail itself). I feel a bit worried if I tried one of these that my Pat might just lose power halfway up a steep incline leaving me SOL. Based on what I've read, there is not a clear explanation/solution for some of these experiences. Any input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

I will try and answer some of your questions. For reference I have a '08 FDII with Tomken Machine Rock Rails. I also have a 1999 Cherokee with several modifications. Lifted, 31's, rock rails, Tomken front and rear bumpers, transfer and engine skid, and gas tank skid. ARB in the rear.

I have run some of the trails in the Montezuma, Peru Creek area with both vehicles. In the Patriot I have to be very careful on picking a line to avoid damage. In the Cherokee I just drive through these areas without a lot of looking. Ground clearance on the Patriot is often the concern.

I have experienced the stalling two times. Once on the connection to Radical Hill from the Deer Creek Road as it heads to the Middle fork of the Swan River. The other place was near the top of Cinnamon gulch off the Peru Ck Road.

In trying to determine how you can handle some of these roads/trails you need to consider some things. How much off road experience do you have? Knowing how to get through some of the tough sections is important. Will you be traveling alone or with other vehicles? In a lot of these areas there is no cell phone service. If you get in trouble or stuck without another vehicle you may have a 5 to 10 mile hike to get help. How capable are you at repairs, including changing tires in bad situations. You need to carry more than just the stock jack.

How much damage to your Patriot are you willing to suffer? The areas under the doors are vulnerable. You drive over rocks with the wheels not straddle them. The back bumper just behind the rear wheels can snag on rocks.

I will reopen the post with some info on the specific trails

Mosquito Pass I ran in my Cherokee last September. Could you run it in a FDII Patriot? Yes but you will have a few spots that may be difficult. The west side, Leadville, is very rocky, bumpy, and is steep in some places. I don't know if the stalling will happen but you are at 13,185 ft at the summit. But where I had previous stalling in the Patriot was only at 12,000 ft. And I have driven up Mt Evans to 14,130 ft several times without any stalling.

The roughest section of the pass is on the east side between the summit and the North London Mine. The Forest Service office in Fairplay can update you on the current conditions. There is one large snow drift that usually blocks the pass and it may not have melted until mid to late July. Also I read there are some washouts this year.

Mt Bross has issues with private property. The summit is actually private property and is closed based on info you can find on 14er.com. I would check with the Forest Service office in Fairplay.

Here is what I would suggest. Go over to Keystone and go up Montezuma Road 4.5 miles and then turn left and go up the Peru Creek Road. This is an old mining era toll road and one of the first roads into Summit County. Due to a washout you can only go 3.5 miles up the road. The washout is just past the old Pennsylvania Mill on your right. That is also the turn to Cinnamon Gulch. Park and then hike the rest of the way on the road to the Shoe Basin Mine area. It is an easy hike but you are also at about 11,000 ft. It is a little harder but continue hiking up Horseshoe Basin. If you go the entire one mile you are at the base of Grays Peak, 14,270. Look for the old Argentine Pass toll road on the right side of the basin.

There are a few bumpy sections and rocks sticking up into the Peru Creek Road. These are similar to the easier sections of some of the rougher roads/trails. How comfortable were you driving on these?

A lot of the roads/trails will be ok for 80% of the run. But it is that last 10-20% that may cause damage or get you stuck.

Go to the Border Bookstore in Dillon or you may be able to find it at the City Markets in Dillon or Breck and buy this book. Summit, Gold Rush history of Summit County by Mary Ellen Gilliland. It gives you a lot of history of what you see in going up into some of the old mining areas. In my opinion worth the money.

The Forest Service office in Silverthorne carries the Latitude 40 brand of maps. The Summit County map is good. The Lat 40 maps are much better than the National Geographic/Trails Illustrated which have some areas that have not been updated for over 20 years. The Lat 40 maps are kept current.

Go to the Suggestion/Tech Support section of the Forum. Find the Testing Grounds section. Go back and find my post Picture Test 12/10/08. The picture of my Patriot on the hill is from the climb up Radical Hill south of Montezuma off the Deer Creek Road. The road in the background is the road leading to the Middle Fork of the Swan.

Thank you very much for your time and input. I will definitely give Peru Creek a try before anything else!

I'd be down for a trail or two, and could probably get a couple others to come along, just let me know when as soon as you can. I can bring along the Raider in case we encounter any steep incline issues. BSBC would likely bring his Wrangler too. Just let me know...

Thanks for the offer. If we run anything it will be a last minute decision. I will be with others who aren't as interested in this as me.