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Four-wheeling:
If, as we were when we first visited Ouray in '97, you're a bit unsure about Jeeping, and driving yourself or taking tours, read on. We'll try to give you the background you need to make the right choice. What isn't in question, and what you should know up front, if you're in Ouray, you'll want to get up into the mountains ... or you came to the wrong place.
In the driving portion of Ouray Activities we've noted some 'car trips' you can enjoy, along with a few tips on driving the mountain roads in the area. In Excursions you'll find several enjoyable trips to make in either a sedan or 4WD. |
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 ost of our favorite 'ghost towns' (relics of villages, mines, mills, railroads and
the like) are reachable in ordinary family vehicles. You'll probably find a visit to
several of these among your favorite things to do in the San Juans. Sometimes a little
easier in a 4WD, but most, as we say, can be done in your car.That said, we do enjoy driving the trails about as much as visiting the relics of the past. You'll find the following introduction to 'Jeeping' helpful in getting you started. And if you are new to the activity, do check out our 4WD Tips.
We've done Hurricane many times now and wonder how we missed the trail. Although, it is a bit obscure and a more careful reading of the map would have saved the day. Don't go into the mountains without a map.
Even if you sniff at riding as opposed to walking in the mountains, give Jeeping a try. If you're late-middle-aged as we are, San Juan walks turn into honest-to-goodness hard, vertical hiking. With no fixed mountain transport available, it's walking all the way from trailhead to trail's end ... or ride. At that, many of the more interesting hikes require a high-clearance vehicle to get to a good starting point. If you have ecological concerns about Jeeping in the wilderness, remember that most of these trails were cut a century ago for mining access. Most of the off-roaders are as concerned about not marring the fragile Alpine tundra as any environmentalist and scrupulously stay on the existing trails. And disregard any notions you might have about Jeeping being an exercise only for 'mountain men' full of testosterone, with their Jeeps laden with winches, Hi-Jacks and tow ropes. That applies to some, but even here, most, if not all, do it responsibly. For us the attraction is not the danger and skillful maneuvering out of tight spots, but the mountain scenery, the marmots and other wildlife, and the chance to explore rapidly disappearing mines, mills and ghost towns.
A low-slung family car, SUV (or even most 'trucks') with "all-wheel-drive" won't do the job on steep sections. If you've not driven in the mountains off-road before, please read our tips before starting out. Even if you have some off-road experience, take a look at these reminders anyway; there are few parts of the country with similar trails, ecology and history. It deserves to be treated with care.
The Wrangler is basic but very capable and agile. A short wheelbase, high clearance and high approach and departure angles make trail driving much easier. Short of a Humvee or a custom job, it's probably the best there is for these trails. We recommend asking for a rental with the sides down, but that's a personal decision. Switzerland of America Tours and Colorado West were recommended equally to us by knowlegable locals. We chose Switzerland of America. The vehicles were new Wranglers and Cherokees in excellent condition. The staff were friendly, knowledgeable and helpful to Jeeping neophytes. They generously suggested scenic routes and provided detailed mapping. (1-800-432-JEEP (5337), or 1-970-325-4484). New owners in 1999, highly regarded by local residents, and reputed to be extremely 'customer friendly'. Colorado West (1-970-325-4014 or 1-800-648-JEEP) features Wranglers and comes well-recommended. If you're taking a tour there is a difference between the two operators. Switzerland of America uses open vehicles; Colorado West uses enclosed Suburbans. We would choose the open vehicle ourselves, as we like the feel of being out in the mountains, even if riding. Others may feel a bit more comfortable on narrow mountain roads in an enclosed vehicle, or may worry about the possibility of rain. By the way, the number of rental vehicles in town is relatively small; advance reservations may be helpful.
It May Be Addictive! Jeeping RoutesWith hundreds of miles of trails, there are many options. We've listed a few of the more popular and scenic routes. Four-Wheeling Resources
San Juan Visitor InformationOur Favorites Trip Tips and Tools Copyright © 1996-2001 E.J.
Gehrlein Traveling |
o best enjoy this majestic wilderness you've got to get into
it. With no cable cars, funiculars or cog rails, you can get into the mountains only by
walking or four-wheeling. However you get there, you'll find the views more than
worthwhile when not downright spectacular. If you're an experienced off-roader in remote
mountain areas you may want to jump ahead to the 
uray is known as the
Switzerland of America, and also, with good reason, the Jeep Capitol of America. Ouray
County boasts over 500 miles of back roads into the high
country, and there are hundreds more in the adjoining counties. Level of difficulty ranges
from 'simple in your family sedan' to difficult. The vast majority are easily done.
emember, you're above 8,000 feet
altitude. The weather can change suddenly, reduced oxygen will affect you, and you'll
sunburn more easily. Whether on a rental or a tour, you'll find a brief discussion of what
to expect in 
e found our first day out in the
mountains amusing, and instructive as to the need for good directions or maps.
o near the
top and yet so far. "How about that last track back 50 yards?"
"Unlikely," I said, but we retraced our path and gave it a go. 
impassable snow bank blocked the way.
f you have your
own 4x4 make sure it has high clearance with true
four-wheel drive that includes a "4-Low" gear range, unless you'll restrict
yourselves to the spots we indicate can be driven in your car.
Jeep Wrangler
is the typical rental (4 seats) and a 5-passenger Cherokee may be available. Common rates
are $110/day for the Wrangler and $130 for the Cherokee. Half-day and one week rentals are
available.
or those doing their own driving, we have a few 
