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Overlanding in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado: An Adventure Awaits Introduction Nestled in the southwestern corner of Colorado, the San Juan Mountains are a paradise for overlanding enthusiasts and our favorite summer destination. This rugged and remote region offers breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and a network of trails that cater to adventurers of all skill levels. From towering peaks to lush valleys, the San Juan Mountains promise an unforgettable experience for those seeking to explore the wild beauty of Colorado. Join me as we dive into the highlights of an overlanding journey through this stunning mountain range. The Allure of the San Juans The San Juan Mountains are part of the larger Rocky Mountain range and are renowned for their dramatic scenery. Characterized by steep, jagged peaks, deep river gorges, and abundant wildlife, the area is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. The region’s mining history adds another layer of intrigue, with ghost towns and relics of a bygone era dotting the landscape. Overlanding here is not just a drive; it’s a journey through time and nature. Preparing for the Journey Before setting out, preparation is key. We have spent decades exploring the area and can help you plan a route based on your experience level and interests. Our vehicles are well-equipped for most of the Alpine Loop, but some nearby areas such as Black Bear Road should be avoided. As always make sure you have ample supplies, including food, water, bear spray, and emergency gear. Although the area is generally well-traveled it’s not a bad idea to carry an emergency satellite communicator. Given the high elevation and unpredictable weather, it’s wise to bring layered clothing, rain gear, and a reliable navigation system. The Route Our recommended route begins in the charming town of Ouray (pronounced you-ray) known as the “Switzerland of America” and “The Jeep Capital of The World.” From here, we embark on the famous Alpine Loop, a 65-mile route that weaves through some of the most scenic parts of the San Juans. Ouray to Engineer Pass Starting in Ouray, we head south on Highway 550 before turning onto County Road 18 towards Engineer Pass. This trail is challenging, with steep, rocky sections and tight switchbacks. However, the effort is rewarded with stunning vistas and a sense of accomplishment as we reach the summit at over 12,800 feet. Engineer Pass to Lake City Descending from Engineer Pass, we continue to the quaint town of Lake City. This stretch of the trail offers a mix of forested areas and open meadows, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife. Lake City, with its historic buildings and welcoming atmosphere, is a great place to rest and refuel. Lake City to Cinnamon Pass The next leg of our journey takes us to Cinnamon Pass. The ascent is less technical than Engineer Pass but equally scenic. The trail climbs through alpine tundra and past remnants of old mining operations. The summit provides panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, a perfect spot for a photo break. Cinnamon Pass to Silverton From Cinnamon Pass, we descend into the historic town of Silverton. This former mining town is a treasure trove of history, with well-preserved Victorian buildings and museums that offer a glimpse into the past. Silverton is also a great base for exploring nearby trails and attractions. Camping and Exploration Throughout the San Juan Mountains, dispersed camping is allowed, offering the chance to immerse yourself in the wilderness. Popular spots include the areas around Animas Forks, a well-preserved ghost town, and the base of Engineer Pass. Remember to follow Leave No Trace principles, respecting the pristine environment and minimizing your impact. Fire bans are not uncommon during dryer spells so please make sure you check current conditions and always put your campfire out completely even if you’re only leaving for a short period of time. For those seeking additional adventures, the San Juans offer hiking, fishing, and even hot springs. Trails like Ice Lakes and Highland Mary Lakes provide excellent hiking opportunities, while the Animas River is perfect for fishing and relaxing by the water. Conclusion Overlanding in the San Juan Mountains is an experience like no other. The combination of challenging trails, stunning scenery, and rich history makes for an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned overlander or a novice looking for a new challenge, the San Juans offer something for everyone. So, pack your gear, prepare your vehicle, and set out on an adventure that you’ll remember for a lifetime. The San Juan Mountains are waiting to be explored. View the full article

Our trip west to Nevada didn’t start exactly as we’d hoped. Before we could leave Virginia, we needed to wrap things up on our rental home and do our final walk throughs with the property management. This meant we needed a place to stay, since we couldn’t be in the house and all of our things were in a container. So we rented a cute little cottage on the York River. However, cute doesn’t always mean a good idea. Well that’s not fair, it was a great place to stay, just not at the time we did it. You see, the cottage was built in the 1920’s and it wasn’t what I’d call thermally efficient. If you don’t know what I’m getting at, it’s a really nice way of saying it didn’t hold heat very well and it was frickin’ cold in Virginia that week! We did our best to stay warm, but ultimately Jennifer and the girls came down with some nasty head colds between the cold nights and all of the running around we were doing trying to get things done. This ultimately affected the first 3 days of the trip. North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama and Louisiana were just flashes in the pan as we blazed southwest chasing warmer weather. We had every intention of stopping in New Orleans along the way, but with highs in the low 30’s and 20mph sustained winds meant it was a no go with sick kids. The first few days were literally spent driving and our nights were spent resting and recovering in hotel rooms. Not a very glamorous start, I know. Things started to change when we hit Texas though. Temps started to warm up as we breezed through eastern Texas, ultimately stopping in the center of the state at San Antonio. Here we rented a VRBO for a few days. This allowed the kids to recover and all of us to do a reset, knock out some laundry and do a little exploring. We’d heard a lot of good things about San Antonio from almost everyone we knew, so we were keen to get out and explore the city. The first day consisted mostly of taking care of life maintenance things like laundry and checking out Jennifer’s car that had developed a hard crank/start issue somewhere along the way from Virginia. With laundry done and a loose camshaft position sensor connector locked back into place, we were ready to see what San Antonio was about. We started off by visiting the old Pearl brewery as the city had revitalized this district and turned the grounds into an outdoor entertainment/shopping venue filled with little boutiques and eateries. Most of this was closed early in the morning when we visited, but we hear it’s a popular place to chill at in the evenings. Next we made our way to the Alamo district. Starting at the famous River Walk, we made our way along the shops and restaurants until we reached Casa Rio, which was the first restaurant to open its doors on the River Walk back in 1946. The food was amazing and well worth the visit. After lunch, we finished walking the loop and made our way to a place I’ve wanted to visit since I was a kid. The Alamo is an interesting place to experience. This small mission, in the heart of the bustling city, embodies everything Texas. Defiance to the end and bravery beyond comprehension. The shear scale of the Santa Anna’s forces outside of the mission walls is hard to judge with the surrounding buildings and cityscape, but the historical placards and dioramas placed around the site do an excellent job of helping you see past that. What it must’ve been like to be inside of those walls with the constant bombardment and impending doom….. Finishing up at the Alamo, we made a quick trip back to our VRBO to let Zephyr out and take a break before heading back to the River Walk for dinner and a cruise. Yes, we did the touristy thing and took the river cruise at night. It was actually pretty amazing and we learned all sorts of interesting facts about how the river walk was conceived and constructed as well as the history of the buildings and the area. Well worth it in our minds and we highly recommend that if you’re ever in San Antonio, you do the same…. View the full article

A gallery of some of the best shots from the High Point National on June 15, courtesy of Align Media.View the full article

A gallery of some of the best shots from the High Point National on June 15, courtesy of Align Media.View the full article

The earlier schedule on the PAMX website had High Point racing on July 6/7, this race has been canceled and the final round of the Spring Championship will be at Promisedland.View the full article

The earlier schedule on the PAMX website had High Point racing on July 6/7, this race has been canceled and the final round of the Spring Championship will be at Promisedland.View the full article

There’s been a lot going on in our personal lives lately, and that unfortunately has led to a lapse in sharing what we’ve been up to. As some of you may already know, we made a huge decision in late 2023 to move across the country, quite literally leaving everything we knew and loved behind. It wasn’t an easy decision, but then again, when are they ever? The way we looked at it was that the opportunities that awaited us far outnumbered the risks involved. This move would ultimately allow us to grow in both the personal and professional aspects of our lives. So, in January 2024, we packed up our things, said our goodbyes, and headed west to the “Battle Born” State of Nevada. Of course we made an adventure out of it, and check off a couple of states we hadn’t been to yet along the way. So be on the look out for those in upcoming blog posts. View the full article

Video highlights of the 47th High Point National Presented by Sustainable Yard Management, the fourth round of the 2024 Pro Motocross Championship.View the full article

Video highlights of the 47th High Point National Presented by Sustainable Yard Management, the fourth round of the 2024 Pro Motocross Championship.View the full article

An evening of scattered thunderstorms gave way to picture-perfect weather conditions and an ever-changing racetrack on Saturday as the Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, kicked off its East Coast swing with the annual Father’s Day weekend tradition from legendary High Point Raceway. View the full article

An evening of scattered thunderstorms gave way to picture-perfect weather conditions and an ever-changing racetrack on Saturday as the Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, kicked off its East Coast swing with the annual Father’s Day weekend tradition from legendary High Point Raceway. View the full article

Welcome to the Country Club of Motocross for round four of the 2024 Pro Motocross season and the 21st event of the SMX World Championship.View the full article

Know Before You Go: Welcome to the 47th Running of the High Point National. This year's High Point National will serve as the 4th round of racing in the 2024 Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, and the 21st round of the 2024 SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX).View the full article

Pre-Register for WMX and amateur practice + racing at this weekend's High Point NationalView the full article