New to Colorado, looking to hit the trails!

[TxCowgirlInCo]

Hi everyone!

I wanted to introduce myself. I'm a new transplant from Austin to the Denver area. I used to be an AVID off road-er with a fully outfitted 4Runner until a serious mountaineering injury caused me to undergo spinal surgery. Following surgery I ended up finding out that I had chronic Lyme and was subsequently out commission for almost 5 years. However, I've just been cleared by doctors to resume my trail chasing and what better place than here in Colorado!

Sadly, I currently I only have an '06 stock 4Runner w/all terrains (2wd only as I wasn't sure if I'd be able to partake in trail running again) but am anxiously looking to add a Rubicon as a weekend play vehicle. Seeing as how I've never owned a Jeep (only Toyota's) as an off-road vehicle, I'd really like to meet other enthusiasts who use their vehicles in the same way I plan on using mine, so I have the most knowledge and advice when I purchase mine in the next 2-3 months. I have been going out and running some of the lower rated trails and have done ok, but am very anxious to upgrade and push the boundaries of flexing with a disconnecting sway bar and having lockers. I'm learning that most trails here in CO are 4x4 necessary, so of course I'm limited on weekend runs for now, but I've been told I'm a great co-pilot & navigator/spotter by a few friends I've run some trails with recently. I heard this was a great community to meet some other gals that like playing in the mud and seeing as it's a rarity to meet other gals with the same...outdoor proclivities as me, I thought it'd be a good place to meet other 4 wheel enthusiasts.

Lastly, I'm very into camping and all other things outdoor (and I work from home) so I'm always ready to take a last minute trail out or head to a primitive camping site, even mid-week, if anyone wants to hit the trail but not be solo. Looking forward to exploring some more winter sports, especially snow-mobiling as it's not something we ever got to do in central Tx.

So if any of you know of any trails/forest service roads that are passable in a stock, 2wd 4Runner just to go exploring and see the scenery, I'd be really grateful if you shared. Hope to meet all of you on the trail soon!

~ Leila

I'll update my avatar as soon as I can get pics of Aphrodite (my 4Runner) and pics of the 'soon to be' Artemis (Jeep)

[dr350jja]

Welcome to the group. Here's a couple trails you can do with that vehicle:
http://www.traildamage.com/trails/index.php?id=110
http://www.traildamage.com/trails/index.php?id=74

[The StRanger]

welcome to the dark side'''
We have cookies !!!

[TxCowgirlInCo]

Jim,

Thank you so much for those suggestions! I'm very much looking forward to trying those trails out! Have you run them? Any idea if CB's work in the mts? Hope you had a fantastic weekend!

Leila

[jayson44]

welcome! there's more than a few of us Jeep guys, so ask any questions you have in the Tech forum and we'll be there to help.

J.

[TxCowgirlInCo]

Looking forward to 'descending into the dark side'!
I'll bring the milk!

[TxCowgirlInCo]

Thank you Jayson. I'll wander over to the tech forum and start asking! Much appreciated!

L

[Brad]

Welcome!

[dr350jja]

TexanInColorado previously posted:

[TxCowgirlInCo]

dr350jja previously posted:

[Jim]

Welcome to the group!

It sounds like you have a common sense attitude towards trail difficulty / getting in over your head - no matter the rig that seems something good to have.

Yes, several of the trails seem to be more difficult since the rains of the fall of 2013.

As for radios, CB is by far the most common with FRS & HAM (there are a few HAM folks here) distant. There are probably more folks who have no radio than those with HAM capabilities. IMO, radios are a convenience and are not a requirement on good days (everyone is in sight / each person is responsible for the whereabouts of the person behind - keep them in sight / stop & wait / go back if not in sight).

We have a "rescue list" (look in the trail forums area) that can be downloaded. It's a list, by geographic area, of members (and their contact info) who are willing to lend a hand should someone be in need (for those times folks go solo and something happens). As it goes both ways, if you're willing to lend a hand, you can put yourself onto the list. I believe it is a RARE event for it to be needed.

Enjoy the good group of wheeling friends. There are several "weekday capable" folks here as well in addition to multi-day camp folks.

[TxCowgirlInCo]

Thank you! It's amazing what growing up will do for one's responsibility level . When I first got into wheeling at 18, I had the stubbornness and bravado of any teenager and would frequently hit the trails solo and often tried to take my '01 Dodge 1500 anywhere I saw Jeeps going! It really is a wonder I wasn't hurt. However, after becoming a Wilderness paramedic and teaching primitive survival skills and learning just how inhospitable mother nature can be, I grew a healthy level of respect!

Good to know that most of the group is on CB's. Since I've already got a fixed mount and a few handhelds, we'll just stick with that then, esp with the concept of always having other vehicles in sight. I love the idea of 'The List' I will definitely go check it out and add myself.

I'm always ready to hit the trail at the drop of a hat, so if anyone wants to hit the trail anytime, just let me know. So looking forward to meeting everyone and attending a trail cleanup. What a great way to give back!

Thanks again!!!

[Jim]

A prior comment tickles the mind: How is wheeling in central Texas different than here in Colorado???

[xaza]

Welcome to the group

[Hypoid]

Welcome aboard!

[Chris]

Welcome to Front Range Leila, forget a Ruby and get a 4x4 Toyota.

[Jim]

FTFY: Welcome to Front Range Leila, forget a Ruby and get a 4x4 Toyota Hybrid.

[Chris]

Jim previously posted:

[javaman34]

Welcome to our little slice of Heaven.

[Brucker]

Welcome