Henrythewound
05-14-2008, 10:52 AM
I'm looking at possibly taking a few backcountry trips to the AZ strip, Canyonlands, and possibly even some of the more popular trails in Colorado (Ouray/Telluride area). My idea of backcountry is probably tamer than some of yours, I'm thinking of 4WD trails but not any real rock crawling or trails where I am likely to receive body damage. I have a 2000 4Runner w/ 265/75s, sliders, ans a SS 7.1, so I believe it's more than capable of handling the trails I am interested in. I do not have a roof rack other than the stock Tioyota version and both front and rear bumpers are stock.
My concerns:
1) Need a decent way to carry some extra gas. Is there a stock-friendly method/bumper mount for carrying an extra gas can or two?
2) I would like to take my mountain bike but I think the hitch-mount I currently use could result in bad things for the bike if I cross some steep/narrow drainages.
3) I have a wife and 10 month old kid. I can't go too crazy with the backcountry driving or get too far away from civilization for more than a few days based on camping difficulties with a little one.
4) one spare tire. I recently posted another thread on repairing a slow leak in one of my tires. I have a repair kit in the mail from WabFab so I'll be semi-capable of fixing small punctures but I wonder if most people carry more than 1 spare just in case.
Any opinions on exploring these areas? I know many have done the White Rim Road in Canyonlands, that's my plan too. Wasn't there a thread by someone on here w/ a ton of pics?
I know very little about the AZ strip other than what I saw on a Desert Speaks show. It looked very remote, extremely beautiful, and I am now obsessed with heading out there.
Lastly, I know the trails between Ouray and Telluride are very popular. I am a bit freaked out about heading out there alone, especially on those switchbacks. I recall seeing many other roads to small towns near Ouray and Silverton as well. I would like to check some of those out as well. Any ideas?
These trips can be any time of year, I suppose I need to plan around snow in all of these areas. Is the AZ strip cool enough to enjoy in the summer? I live in tucson so heat is relative, although 110 is still damn hot to me.
Thanks,
Joe
My concerns:
1) Need a decent way to carry some extra gas. Is there a stock-friendly method/bumper mount for carrying an extra gas can or two?
2) I would like to take my mountain bike but I think the hitch-mount I currently use could result in bad things for the bike if I cross some steep/narrow drainages.
3) I have a wife and 10 month old kid. I can't go too crazy with the backcountry driving or get too far away from civilization for more than a few days based on camping difficulties with a little one.
4) one spare tire. I recently posted another thread on repairing a slow leak in one of my tires. I have a repair kit in the mail from WabFab so I'll be semi-capable of fixing small punctures but I wonder if most people carry more than 1 spare just in case.
Any opinions on exploring these areas? I know many have done the White Rim Road in Canyonlands, that's my plan too. Wasn't there a thread by someone on here w/ a ton of pics?
I know very little about the AZ strip other than what I saw on a Desert Speaks show. It looked very remote, extremely beautiful, and I am now obsessed with heading out there.
Lastly, I know the trails between Ouray and Telluride are very popular. I am a bit freaked out about heading out there alone, especially on those switchbacks. I recall seeing many other roads to small towns near Ouray and Silverton as well. I would like to check some of those out as well. Any ideas?
These trips can be any time of year, I suppose I need to plan around snow in all of these areas. Is the AZ strip cool enough to enjoy in the summer? I live in tucson so heat is relative, although 110 is still damn hot to me.
Thanks,
Joe