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Alpine Loop in a full size truck camper?


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#1 smlobx

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Posted 27 December 2018 - 12:47 AM

My 30 YO son recently told me he wants to get into Overland travel and asked Terri and I to take him and his wife (Sam) somewhere where she could gently be exposed to this mode of travel.

Our tentative plan is for Terri and I to drive to Durango and meet them. We would then go to Silverton where we would rent them a Jeep from Faradays (sp?) and spend a couple of days slowly doing the loop, perhaps staying in Lake City. We would then go back to Durango and rent another type of vehicle for them and we would explore Mesa Verde and the surrounding area as Sam is very interested in older civilizations...

My first question is would my F-350 with my camper be able to do the loop or should I rent a Jeep as well?

Are there better options that I haven't thought about?

My son is very accustomed to adverse camping having spent a considerable amount of time in the "Sandbox". Sam completed the Spartan Race last year when Evan was on one of his deployments so she's no slouch either...but most of her worldly travel has involved hotels etc.

Thanks.

Picture of my rig for reference...

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Edited by smlobx, 27 December 2018 - 12:50 AM.

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Eddie
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#2 rando

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Posted 27 December 2018 - 02:37 AM

As long as you have some off-road experience, I don't think you will have any issue on the Alpine Loop (Engineer and Cinnamon Pass) in an F350, it is basically a dirt road.   The biggest issue will be passing the hordes on the narrow spots - so it may be wise to take your jacks off.   Some of the other roads in that area (Black Bear, Imogene etc) would be fine for a jeep, but a bit much for an F350. 

 

That said, if you are headed that way in the peak of summer, the Alpine Loop may be best avoided unless you have a good tolerance for crowds.   It has been very much discovered and during the summer holidays it tends to be over run with Texans on rental side-by-sides (aka redneck golf carts).    There are some quieter areas on the Telluride side of the mountains, and some nice remote areas around Canyon of the Ancients and Hovenweep NM, both of which have Mesa Verde like ruins without the crowds. 


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#3 Durango1

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Posted 27 December 2018 - 04:23 AM

X2 what Rando said on the crowds. When we were up there in August the cops literally had a speed trap set up at the Animas City ghost town! The sheriff told me they were clocking 2,000 vehicles a day through there. (Mostly ATV rentals but a LOT of idiots insanely driving jeeps a break-neck speed to 'do the loop' in less than one day!)

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At the very least go after Labor Day (still not uncrowded) to avoid the insanity. And yes, your set up (w/o jacks) should be fine if you drive sanely. (We did it with a heavily loaded Ram 2500 and a Hawk slide-in with no problems.)

 

But as Rando said there are so many other places that are just a scenic with virtually zero traffic. The South San Juans to the east of Pagosa Springs come to mind. Or at this classic campsite just past Bolam Pass down by Purgatory less fewer than ten vehicles passed us on the main road in three days!

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Edited by Durango1, 27 December 2018 - 04:24 AM.

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#4 smlobx

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Posted 27 December 2018 - 08:13 PM

Thanks guys for the honest comments.

I believe I have a decent amount of experience and Evan is a certified recovery specialist for the Army so if we run across any Bradley vehicles he can help out! But seriously, could you provide more info the South San Juans and Pagosa Springs?

The pictures didn't come through for me...
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#5 Happyjax

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Posted 27 December 2018 - 10:02 PM

I could not see the pictures either :)


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#6 Advmoto18

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Posted 29 December 2018 - 02:10 AM

Eddie

 

Lynn and I did the Alpine Loop in our F-350/FWC with no issues.  Just go slow, especially in certain areas. 

We went in early summer after the snow melt.  There were some deep rutted areas but no problem traversing.

There are some sketchy off-camber portions that might give you pause.  Your rig's CG and GW is a bit higher than mine.  As I recall, there were a couple of areas that had a fair amount of off-chamber traverse.

 

I wouldn't list the Loop as a "dangerous road" but certainly unforgiving if you aren't paying attention. 

 

I highly recommending airing down.  A gravel stretch out of Silverton isn't bad (just dusty), but expect rocks later on.

 

If able, make reservations early!  Silverton can get super busy.  We blasted out of Durango early morning.  Ate an early lunch in crowded/busy Silverton.  Then pressed on to Lake City.  Trying to recall where we camped.

 

Lake City is nice but we preferred Ouray.

 

Ouray on the north end is a fantastic little town.  Again, very busy so have reservations if you want to stay or dine in Ouray.

 

Expect ATVs, Quads and dirt bikes to be buzzing around everywhere.  

 

Lots of other wilderness drives in the area that are worth seeking.  As Durango1 mentioned, we saw only a couple of jeeps in the Bolam Pass area.  We much preferred camping and exploring in this area compared to anywhere around the "Loop" due to much less human activity.

 

I know you don't have a winch, and you don't need one for these tracks (unless somethings goes wrong), I still recommend carrying some minimal recovery gear.  A shovel is a must.  I recommend a good snatch strap, tree saver and a soft shackle.  These products will allow someone with a winch to assist you.  However, not too many folks driving jeeps, Tacomas of half ton pickups will have winches/ropes and other gear of sufficient strength to help you out given the weight of your rig.  Why I would carry some gear suitable for my rig's weight.

 

Bill


Edited by Advmoto18, 29 December 2018 - 01:10 PM.

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#7 rando

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Posted 29 December 2018 - 02:34 AM

Bolam Pass and the area around Rico and Dunton (south of Telluride on 145) are nice and less crowded, but still great scenery and great hikes.   The area around Owl Creek Pass NE of Ouray also has some great high mountain hiking (into the Uncompahgres) and much quieter dispersed camping.   

 

What time of year will you be going?  


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#8 smlobx

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Posted 31 December 2018 - 08:36 PM

Thanks Bill and Rando..

I am waiting to hear from my son when his school schedule will allow us to take the trip (he's studying for his Masters in Accounting to get his CPA. We also will have to work around his two week commitment for the National Gaurd).

We always carry appropriate recovery gear when ever we go off-road so hopefully we have that covered.

I'll look into Bolam Pass.
Thank you.

Edited by smlobx, 31 December 2018 - 08:36 PM.

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#9 smlobx

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Posted 16 January 2019 - 11:28 AM

It looks like we'll be going during the second half of June. We'll probably go to Mesa Verde area first then go up to the Silverton area weather permitting and do the Loop as he seems set on it.

Question - is most traffic doing the Loop clockwise or counter clockwise? I don't want to be a salmon!

Thanks.
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#10 Advmoto18

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Posted 16 January 2019 - 01:45 PM

Eddie

 

Mesa Verde is a great park to visit.  Very interesting history both pertaining to the inhabitants and how discovered.  Be sure to sign up and take the many guided walks offered by Rangers.  

 

If you're towing your trailer, you will have to leave it at the park entrance, unless you're staying in the campground.  You can tow your trailer to the campground.  Campground is nothing to write home about;  it's there.  No trailers of any kind are allowed past the campground.  From the campground, near the park entrance, it is about a 20 minute drive up a 2 lane winding road to the visitor's center.

 

One of the best breakfast/lunch cafe and bakery in the rural west is in Mancos, just east of the Park.  The Absolute Bakery and Cafe at intersection of BUS 160 and South Main Street;  beside the Mancos River.  Great bake goods and granola to take to the park with you.

 

While I'm no expert on the Loop.  I didn't really notice a preferred direction of travel;  plenty of jeeps, dirt bikes and ATVs going both directions.  Seems like a lot of folks camping in Silverton take the Loop up to Ouray for lunch and head back down to Silverton via the Loop in the afternoon.  Striking scenery with a different look in both directions.

 

CODOT's dated but still relevant Alpine Loop Recreation Area Management Plan.


Edited by Advmoto18, 17 January 2019 - 12:38 AM.

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