Basecamp Colorado is Glenwood Springs Colorado

The JQS Trail North and West of Rifle Colorado, 20 minutes west of Glenwood Springs on I-70 is approximately 4 miles northwest of Rifle. This unit embodies Anvil Points, the dominate landscape feature north of I-70 and the adjacent steep and picturesque southeast-facing cliffs of the Roan Plateau. The main road takes off opposite the Rifle Gap road by the bowling alley. It is a dirt road that will climb the cliff face to the top of the Roan Plateau for 4 miles and 1,500 ft. The beauty of this area is all of the side roads. Multiple loops with ups and downs, chances for lots of air. Hot in the summer. This area is popular for motorcycles, mountain bikers, because of access to the plateau it is staging area for horses. JQS was a cattle brand used by H.W. Hallett — a prominent citizen and early founder of Rifle. In 1885, Hallett and a man named William (Billy) Chadwick established the JQS Trail — one of six stock trails that led from the Grand Valley to the top of the Bookcliffs, now referred to as the Roan Plateau.

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Thompson Creek Road provides access for many hiking and biking trails including the following: South Thompson, Lake Ridge Lakes, Mid Thompson, South Branch of Mid Thompson and Dexter Park. This area is primarily used by bicyclists, horseback riders and hunters. It passes through aspen groves and crosses many small streams. In the lower region there is an extensive system of Cross country ski trails in the winter.

The road is accessible to two-wheel drive vehicles until reaching the stream crossing at Middle Thompson unless it is raining. Impassable when wet. Users will need a high-clearance four-wheel drive to cross the stream and for the road afterward. Continue driving 3.9 miles on road #305 until you reach a fork in the road. Take the right fork to access road #306 and Mid Thompson, the South Branch of Mid Thompson, Dexter Park and Lake Ridge Lake Trails. Take the left fork to stay on road #305 to access South Thompson.

Directions from Carbondale: From Carbondale follow road #108 west past the stoplight. Follow road #108 for 7.5 miles and turn left on to Mid Thompson Creek Road #305.

Seasonal Information:
Normally Accessible: May through September (NOTE: Snow may obstruct the trail during the Spring, Winter and Fall months.) .

Continue reading "Thompson Creek Four-Wheel Drive Road" »

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Description - Independence Pass General Forest Area contains a plethora of recreation opportunities within an alpine setting. The elevation at the bottom of the pass is approximately 7,800' and 12,095' at the high point. The western half of the pass road is located in the White River National Forest. The eastern section is located in the San Isabel National Forest.

The western slope of the pass is separated into the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area (to the south) and the Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness Area (to the north). Opportunities for biking, hiking, four-wheel driving, fishing, camping, and motorcycling among other activities exist in this area.

Attractions - This area offers a high concentration of attractions including, scenic Independence Pass, the Lincoln Creek Area, Weller Lake, Difficult Campground, Lost Man Campground, Portal Campground, Grizzly Lake, the Grottos and much more.

Recreation - Some of the numerous recreation opportunities available in this area include hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, backcountry camping, fishing, four-wheel driving, scenic driving, sightseeing, mountain climbing, and viewing the historic ghost-town of Independence. Winter brings possibilities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.

Climate - In the valley bottoms, summer high temperatures extend into the mid 80s, with cool evenings that can often dip into the 30s. Winter lows occasionally dip to minus 30 degrees, though daytime temperatures are often in the 20s to 30s. The relative humidity is quite low throughout the year. Most of the area and its recreation facilities lie at higher elevations where significantly lower temperatures and more precipitation can be expected. Afternoon summer thunderstorms are common. Snow is possible at any time of year in the highest elevations. The high elevation roads and trails are often not clear of snow until mid-July.

Location - This area lies east of Aspen, between town and Independence Pass. The area is accessed by Highway 82 and Lincoln Creek Road.

Directions from Aspen: From Aspen drive east on Highway 82. Independence Pass Road is the same road as Highway 82.

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Description - This area is located immediately east of Aspen. The Hunter Creek Valley serves as Aspen's backyard for easily accessible recreation activities such as hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Attractions - Due to its easy accessiblility from Aspen, the Hunter Creek Area offers several of the most popular trails in the area including Sunnyside Trail, Hunter Valley Trail and Smuggler Mountain Road. Numerous loops are available combining these trails on foot or mountain bike. Smuggler Mountain Road is open to four-wheel drive vehicle traffic to Warren Lakes. The area is also home to McNamara and Benedict Huts of the Tenth Mountain Hut System.

Recreation - This area is very popular for hiking, mountain biking and viewing scenery. Extended trails into the Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness make backpacking an option as well. In winter, Smuggler Road and the Hunter Valley become popular cross-country ski and snowshoeing areas.

Climate - In the valley bottoms, summer high temperatures extend into the 70's and mid 80s, with cool evenings that can often dip into the 30s. Winter lows occasionally dip to minus 30 degrees, though daytime temperatures are often in the 20s to 30s. The relative humidity is quite low throughout the year. Much of the area and its recreation facilities lie at higher elevations where significantly lower temperatures and more precipitation can be expected. Afternoon summer thunderstorms are common. Snow is possible at any time of year in the highest elevations. The high elevation roads and trails are often not clear of snow until mid-July.

Location - This area is located immediately east of Aspen. It includes the Hunter Creek Valley, Smuggler Mountain, Red Mountain and extends into the Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness.

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