THIS is one of my dreams, too. To ride the Rockies! Someday...................... For now, I have to be content with the mountains on W.Va., Hatfield/McCoy Trails!

 

Hey Fellas...
Hoping you guys can help me out.

We're planning a trip to Lake City this weekend and doing the trail on that side of the mountain.

But since we're down there, I'd sure like to hit up Black Bear Pass. Is there anyway to get to the Black Bear Pass trailhead from Lake City on ATV?

Actually, it looks like if I can get to CO Rd 14, Red Mountain Pass trail (I think), from Lake City on ATV, then I think I'm good. I'll just have to decide whether I want to cross Hwy 550 to get to the other side onto the trailhead for Black Bear Pass.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

I try to go to lake city every year, headed that way the 2nd week in Aug. This year so if any body gonna be up there then hit me up and we will hit some trails together. Now the answer to your ? Is yes but it is a long ride from lake city. And if I had a map with me I would tell you how to get to it. I do know however that it will take you a long while to get there so be prepared to spend all day out on the trail. Have fun and good luck.

 

Hey Cbrandon...
Could you get your hands on a map and maybe give me the the turn by turn... ?

We'd really like to stay in Lake City near Mill Creek Campground. But so far, I don't see how I can get to Black Bear Pass trailhead from there.

We are willing to put in a long day. We usually put in anywhere from 6-8 hours a day anyway.

Let me know... I'd sure appreciate it. We leave Thursday morning for the trip. Thanks in advance!

My number is three-zero-3 33-zero 3-eight-four-5 if it will be easier to call me.

-Leo

 

If I can find my my I will get you the directions. Tomorrow (Wed.).

 

We just got back from Rampart Range between Colorado Springs and Denver. I believe the highest we rode was around 9500. I did not rejet my Kaw 400 Prairie, nor did I reclutch it, and the 250 Honda EX was untouched. We are in Lincoln NE so suspect elevation is similar for you. I didn't have any problems.

I've rejetted the other times we've been out because we're riding 9-13,000 and I noticed sputtering on the Kaw when climbing trail full throttle and going like 3-5mph.

Rampart is surprisingly rock free whereas Taylor Park, Buena Vista, Camp Hale were very rocky and in places very rough.

If you're prone to altitude sickness, try to sleep below 8000 the first night, then you're probably ok.

Taylor Reservoir is popular for fishing, as is the stream entering and exiting it. The surrounding area is very scenic but limited lodging and endless camping. Trading Post at Taylor Park has cabins for rent and fuel and grocery and food. Crested Butte or Gunnison or Almont are like 30-40 minutes away.

The Buena Vista side of the mtn has a lot of trails too, and motels, food, and I believe fishing on the Arkansas River and is about 60-90 minutes closer since you don't have to go over cottonwood pass which has gravel road down the west side.

 

Sorry I didn't get you directions I absolutely could not find my maps. But I'm sure if you ask the guys at the atv shop/ dad station they could show you how to get there have fun and good luck.

 

Grand Mesa Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests- OHV Riding

and if you can't get to that map this link will allow you to select the area and then select the map. There are two ranger districts near lake city so you may need to look at both.

Region 2- Recreation

and seeing that long link, I'll give you the first link which allows you to go to the two above pages.

Region 2 - Maps & Publications


Well, the links looked long when I copied them. Now they look good and they work.