We returned a week or so ago from a week based in Silverton, Colorado. Even though we have ridden in the Taylor Park/Buena Vista/Crested Butte/Leadville ares, the Silverton/Ouray area is the most beautiful of any we have ridden. There are a couple negatives1)You have to trailer to most trailheads 10-25 miles along the twisty,mountainous "Million Dollar Highway"; (2) Most rides are out & back with few loop options; and finally (3) you will share the trails with many more folks...lots of jeeps and jeep tour groups. None of these drawbacks were deal breakers for us. The awesome beauty of the area trumped all negatives for us!

Our pic's can be seen at:

http://community.webshots.com/user/jimc333

Here was our day by day agenda -
Day 1: Yankee Boy Basin. This was a fairly easy ride, except for the last mile or so above the toliets and the "Coors" waterfall. This final stretch to the basin was fun and challenging, but real doable. On the way up, several real cool old mines and the old townsite of Sneffels. Our plan was to ride Governor Basin and Imogene Pass too, but the monsoon rains won out. It didn't just shower, but poured for several hours. The trail really washed out behind us in numerous places and since we were soaked, even with rain gear, we cut the ride short and went into Ouray for some shopping and sightseeing.
Day 2: Trout fishing in Molas Lake. Again, it showered some on us, but we managed to get our limits of rainbow trout by mid-afternoon. Into Silverton for some shopping and sightseeing... you just gotta' buy the t-shirt and cap!
Day 3: Corkscrew Gulch/Huricane Pass/California Pass. Again, an easy ride with magnificent scenery! The views of the Red Mountains and Lake Como were almost surreal. Many old mines and the town of Animas Forks was very interesting. The monsoons got us again. We waited out most of the downpour in the big two story house in Animas Forks, decided to miss Cinnamon Pass and start back. The wild flowers were in full bloom and beautiful. The sun finally appeared again giving us a few great shots of Lake Como on the way back.
Day 4: Engineer Pass. The beginning of this trail was the most challenging of any we took. A mile or so from the trailhead off hwy 55 near Ouray, it became a very rocky shelf trail with numerous rocky steps, etc. still very doable. Oh Point was an awesome view. Thousands of sheep grazing in this area and near the pass. Again, many old mines and cabins to explore. Once again, the rains poured on us and after trying to wait it out , we turned for home just short of Whitmore Falls. A chicken fried steak at "Handlebars" was in order to cap off the day.
Day 5: Designated Rest Day. We slept late. The sun was out, the sky clear, a perfect day for some more relaxing fishing at Molas Lake. The temperature was perfect with a slight breeze to cool the sun warmed skin. We got our trout limits and played catch&release for a while. We just didn't want to leave. The thoughts of returning to 100+ degree temp's in Tulsa were depressing.

We had a great trip and can't wait to return and explore the areas we missed. Our next trip will be for two weeks...one week is just not nearly enough of this paradise!!

Wildbyon...
We go in that area almost every year and never get tired of it.. It is one of the most beautiful places in Colorado IMO. And, yes one week just gets your warmed up.. One other option, is come in the middle of September. The Aspens make it another world from what you just seen... Here is a link to last September in that same area. Most of the spots you will reconize.

http://www.ccb-design.com/Photographs/Colorado-2006/index.htm

Exposed,
We got a taste of the Colorado fall last year when we stopped off in Leadville for a couple days on our way to Moab. You are right, it is so beautiful with the colors. We will have to try the Silverton area in the fall. We just really enjoy coming to CO to ride in August to escape the OK heat.

I see you're from Katy. I grew up in Houston. You might even know where Cat Spring, TX is? My brother lives there, parents are still in Houston so we get that way occasionally. The traffic is horrible!

Same here, we like the Colorado in September when kids are back in school and less traffic and poeple and ofcourse the heat...

Yeap... Traffic is terrible in some areas. I work on the west side and live in Katy (10 minute drive to work) so really not bad... I have been with the same engineering company for 15 years and hopefully make another 10 to retire. If wasn't for that, I would be back up north in Colorado, Wyoming or Montana or somewhere out of here... I am a minority around here now and don't plan on learning Spanish either...

I've Jeeped that area, you are right, awesome views! I wouldn't like the trailering.

Agreed beautiful area. Used to make an annual trek there, but have not made it the last couple of years.

I couple of trails you missed out on Imogene and Poughkeepsie Gulch. Poughkeepsie gives you a mildly technical section then back to great views.

The views are worth the trailering to me. 10-25 miles? Must just seem like it if your driving slow on 550.

Black Bear has great views, unfortunately difficult on an ATV as it becomes one-way when you get ready to descend the switchbacks to Telluride. It's a better trip in a Jeep so you can hookup with Ophir or Imogene for a return trip.

gregfuller, I know we just scratched the surface of all the trails in the area. We're planning to go back next year and spent two weeks riding the area. Those were a couple of the trails we want to be sure and do. Yes, the trails and views are worth the trailering!

I figured the same thing about Black Bear..better in a jeep so you can loop back home. Is it worth riding BB to the one-way section and then riding back? Even thought about leaving a tow vehicle and trailer in Telluride, but it's a long way by regular highway from Telluride to Silverton!