http://www.meetup.com/Colorado-JeepPeople/events/17229593/

This is a run that every rig can do and would be a great one for any of the new members to test their skills on. It is a 1 or 2 level trail with great views!”

Who's hosting? Curtis

When: 4/30 10AM

Where: McDonalds, gas station, etc, 2911 COLORADO BLVD Idaho Springs, CO

How to find us: Look for the group of jeeps in the parking lot!

Here is the link to the trail with additional details:



http://www.traildamage.com/trails/index.php?id=149



Folks can then grab some lunch in Central City or Black Hawk if they want.

There was snow up there this weekend and the road was not passable, so keep an eye on the event to make sure it's a go before you wait around at the McD's.

btw at the last meet and greet there was a Compass there.
http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/6/5/2/d/600_22525901.jpeg
so it's not like you'll be out of place.

I've driven down that road a couple of times (from Central City down to Idaho springs). It's an awesome trip!

And the thick crust pizza with honey at BeauJo's in Idaho Springs afterward... worth the trip too!

If only it wasn't just a bit too far for a weekend trip, I'd be there.

Just an update, they're adding Russell Gulch Rd onto this trip.

http://www.traildamage.com/trails/index.php?id=150

I ran the trails today and they are open and clear and I don't expect them to be a problem for a FDII Patriot. There was only one section I think a FDI would have problems, but with careful tire placement it could probably make it through. The biggest issue would depend on what kind of spur roads the group goes on. I was turned around twice due to snow on dead end spur roads. I could have probably pushed through the snow with the Wrangler Rubicon but I was out on my own and didn't want to risk it. One of the spur roads, there wouldn't be enough room to turn around if you're back there with a group of rigs so if you're in a FDI you're going to need to figure out a recovery point on the front and rear.

Well time for the trip report... We had 19 vehicles up there, and unless someone was running in disguise with a Wrangler, no one from this forum showed up. The closest we had to a Patriot was a pre-2008 Liberty (KJ) at the stock ride height and street tires.
We ran up the easiest route through Oh-My-God Rd from Idaho Springs to Central City which is just a dirt road. Then went out the backside of Central City, CO to Yankee Hill trail which was a bit more rough, but no problem for the JKs, TJs, and CJs that were on the trip. That lone Liberty (stock with street tires) ran into a small amount of trouble due to a poor choice of driving line. But she just backed up, took a different line and made it through with no problem. There was a later obstacle that had people out and trying to act as spotters, but I ignored them. It didn't look bad to me, but just in case I turned on the lockers and crawled through it without any trouble. The KJ was behind me so I only got to watch her through my review mirror but she didn't have any trouble either. So now for the videos! These were filmed with a GoPro camera in my buddy's JK. He has a 2 inch lift and I think 32" tires, whatever size they are, they are bald. I was right behind him in my TJ so I'm never in the video.

OMG road
VqMk2WGM9Iw

Yankee Hill
gLie7Bj_9es


My opinion; a Pat can easily do OMG Road and a FDII could probably make it through Yankee Hill without any trouble as long as you use a spotter and have careful tire placement.

EDIT: here a link to the photo album of pics http://www.meetup.com/Colorado-JeepPeople/photos/all_photos/?photoAlbumId=1367431

Nice videos, I missed out on those run but I climbed grey rock by Fort Collins instead over the weekend. the pat can do those easy. Ive done tested the pat under some tougher trails and it has performed.

Thanks This gives me a idea of what the Patriot can do.

At first i was like really? My Bike can do that ha ha,Then the second video is more of what i have to deal with during the winter months.

Tough choice 4 runner VS patriot.

I'm still thinking of trip to Colorado this summer. Not sure if I'll have my 08 yet, or an 11 by then. Hopefully we can meet up and try some of those.

I am going to be doing trails all summer off and on depending on the weather and time i have. If you make it all they way out here with your pat I am sure some of the members in colorado would go with you.

Thanks This gives me a idea of what the Patriot can do.



If you haven't seen this already, you might find it interesting.

http://www.expeditionswest.com/equipment/reviews/patriot/index.htm

I am going to be doing trails all summer off and on depending on the weather and time i have. If you make it all they way out here with your pat I am sure some of the members in colorado would go with you.

+1