Contributor III
Enthusiast III
Member III
I've done it a number of times in my Chevrolet Avalanche.. I've done nearly all the popular trails in that area in this truck.
Contributor III
Awesome! Thank you!
Contributor III
Any portions that are particularly sketchy?
Member III
The Animas Forks / Silverton side of Engineer right below the pass is pretty steep. I wouldn't want to do if muddy. However, this loop is a main tourist attraction and is maintained more than you might realize.
Contributor III
Thank you for the info! Late July would most likely be our window for travel, coming from Louisiana.The Animas Forks / Silverton side of Engineer right below the pass is pretty steep. I wouldn't want to do if muddy. However, this loop is a main tourist attraction and is maintained more than you might realize.
The section of Engineer from Animas Forks towards Ouray (sometimes called Mineral Creek) is less maintained and more technical. An un-lifted truck is more likely to scrub on a few rocks here.
No trip to the area is complete without a run over Imogene Pass plus I'd highly recommend doing California Pass/Hurricane Pass/Corkscrew Gulch.
Here's a great resource. Be sure to look at the nearby tabs to see all the adjacent trails. Download their gpx files into something like Gaia if you're not doing that already.
Engineer Pass Road, Colorado | GPS Map, Photos & Reviews
Engineer Pass is well known as part of the iconic Alpine Loop trail network in the high San Juan Mountains. Many roads criss-crossing over the peaks were established during the late 1800s to support mining operations seeking gold, silver, lead, and other ore deposits. These trails provided...www.trailsoffroad.com
One mistake many make in visiting this area is not realizing the window for these trails being clear is so narrow. July, August and maybe September are your best bets. If you come early in the season (June), keep an eye on this status page to ensure your destination is clear: Colorado High Country Status - Trails Offroad
If you are interested in any company, share your plans and invite others. You might find someone to travel with...including myself.
Member III
Enthusiast III
Contributor III
Awesome! Thanks so much for the info!You'll be fine. My truck is totally stock. I just air down and often disconnect my sway bars. Don't underestimate how much you can improve your ride by airing down.
I would avoid Poughkeepsie Gulch and Black Bear Pass unless you've done your homework.
You might consider coming into or leaving the area via Stony Pass. That's a great overlanding route that is often overlooked.
BTW, I'm from LA too.........(Lower Alabama).
Influencer II
Contributor III
So when you guys talk about airing down, what pressure do you recommend? My truck currently calls for 41psi in the stock tires that come with the Trail Boss.
Influencer II
There are a lot of variables in determining what pressure to run (size of tire, model of tire, weight of vehicle, terrain, etc), so some of it is just going to be trial and error. As for the general pressure for the main trails, it should't take much, but there are a lot of 'pointy' rocks, and many people get flats with their tires at full inflation. If yours calls for 41, I would think 30 or so would be enough for that. Now, if you're lowering it for better traction and you have been spinning, you might want to go down to 20-25. Start higher and work your way down as needed. In other words, if you start at 30 and are spinning still, drop to 27, then 25, etc.. The goal being only lowering as much as necessary.
