New to the site, but def. glad I stumbled across this page. I'm wanting advice on driving into Wheeler Geologic Area from those of you who have made the trek. I would make the hike, but I will have others with me that aren't too thrilled with a 7+ hr hike and we are looking to camp overnight, so a hike may be difficult with this much gear. Anyway, how difficult is the 4wd road into Wheeler? I've heard mixed reviews from some that say it takes as little as 2hrs, to others that say it takes around 8hrs?? I will be driving a larger Ford Expedition and I've heard there are some tight squeezes through trees/mud/ruts etc. Also, are the rivers passable this time of year? Any info or previous experiences you would like to share are appreciated. BTW-I don't have too much experience in terms of 4X4ing, so am hoping this would not be too technical in terms of 4X4 skills. Thanks...
Todd Caudle is out shooting pretty pictures and I'm sure will jump in soon. Speaking for Todd, he did the trip last year with no difficulty. As I recall, he was in the ~ 2 hour range. It is June though, so you'd be well advised to call BLM in Creede.
Definitely check road conditions at USFS in Creede. Last June I went the day after the road opened, and didn't encounter anything difficult the entire way, but last year was an anomaly. Judging by what I drove, if the road is wet instead of the bone-dry, powdery dustbin it was last year (it was like driving on roads covered in flour!), or if there's more snow remaining than there was last year, I suspect it will be a more difficult ride. There are definitely rough patches, but none that your Ford can't handle with care. I've seen those reports of an 8-hour drive, and I'm fairly convinced those people smoked a LOT of weed either before they drove the road, or before they wrote about it. Took me two-ish.
Thanks Todd,
checking in with USFS is a great call. I'm just hoping there's enough room to back out and flip a U-turn if there are spots I don't have the cajones to drive through. If the road is dry and passable, I'll just have to take it slow. Maybe I should take some weed with me just in case . Now get back to work Todd and show us some of those "purdy" pictures from Ouray...
Posted by Todd Caudle on June 24, 2009 at 11:30 AM
Jared, the road isn't really like that. There are vast stretches of open meadow that the road navigates through, with the occasional tight-through-the-trees spots. You'll know early on if it's something you don't want to tackle, but I predict you'll have no problems, provided the snow is gone and any muddy sections have dried out. You'll love it, it's quite the fairyland.
Posted by Scott Fricke on June 25, 2009 at 12:02 PM
I've driven the road 4 times and it has never been a problem, not really a difficult road technically at all. I drive relatively fast and have done it in about 1.5 hours before.
Afraid I won't have better advice than above, as I backpacked it the first time, and rode with Darren Kilgore the second time. All the old timers on this site will know what that means. In the super 4Runner, we made it in an hour and five minutes! Seriously, the best roller coaster ride I've been on in years! Took an hour and a half on the way out, in the dark, and that was with a 10 minute stop to look at the incredible display of stars from one of the open area. Fun times!
(that being said, I wouldn't recommend trying to break this time! It's a pretty drive in, and naturally, we were worried about missing sunset.)
Wow, sounds great, hopefully the weather cooperates. I grew up in the SLV and this place is legendary, so I'm excited to finally be making the journey. I don't think I'm gutsy enough to take the Kilgore challenge and try to beat 1hr 5min, but maybe after I throw that 6" lift on my Honda Accord (JK)!! Any advice for camping in the area? We're looking to camp there in Wheeler for one night, then around Creede on Sat. night for the fireworks display. If I'm lucky, I'll take it easy on the barley pops for the 4th and will get up early to catch sunrise around North Clear Creek Falls...It would be fun to get off the beaten path and get in to some of the lesser known places, but that will come later in the summer for me...thank you all for the advice-much appreciated.
Posted by Scott Fricke on June 26, 2009 at 4:28 PM
There are a few tent sites right at the end of the road at the trailhead (about 1/4 mile from the area) There are also numerous other camp sites just off the road all along the way.
Discussion
8 repliesDefinitely check road conditions at USFS in Creede. Last June I went the day after the road opened, and didn't encounter anything difficult the entire way, but last year was an anomaly. Judging by what I drove, if the road is wet instead of the bone-dry, powdery dustbin it was last year (it was like driving on roads covered in flour!), or if there's more snow remaining than there was last year, I suspect it will be a more difficult ride. There are definitely rough patches, but none that your Ford can't handle with care. I've seen those reports of an 8-hour drive, and I'm fairly convinced those people smoked a LOT of weed either before they drove the road, or before they wrote about it. Took me two-ish.
Off to Ouray...
checking in with USFS is a great call. I'm just hoping there's enough room to back out and flip a U-turn if there are spots I don't have the cajones to drive through. If the road is dry and passable, I'll just have to take it slow. Maybe I should take some weed with me just in case
(that being said, I wouldn't recommend trying to break this time!