Silverton to Animas Forks

IntrepidXJ · 07-12-2009, 11:48 PM

On Saturday morning Amanda and I headed down to Silverton. After setting up camp we made our way down the road that leads from Silverton to Animas Forks that we have traveled many times before. In the past we have explored a bunch of the side trails off of this road (Cunningham Gulch, Eureka Gulch, Picayune Gulch & Placer Gulch), however there were a few that either I have not checked out before, or that were blocked by snow when I attempted them. Our goal for this day was to check out the rest of those trails.

We started off in Arrastra Gulch. This was a quick one, as it appears that the trail now dead ends at private property pretty quickly.

Look up for the tram at the start of Arrastra Gulch

There still are some nice views from this short trail

Before heading back out to the Animas Forks Road, we took the trail up to Little Giant Basin.

Headed up to Little Giant Basin

Tram tower

Sealed up King Solomon Mine portal

Big Giant Mill

IntrepidXJ · 07-12-2009, 11:48 PM

Gold Lake at the end of the trail

On our way back down, we stopped to check out the Black Prince mining camp.

After making it back down, we headed over to our next destination: Maggie Gulch.

Headed up into Maggie Gulch

Looking back

Some ruins at the end of the trail

IntrepidXJ · 07-12-2009, 11:48 PM

Stopped by this waterfall on the way back down

Our next destination was the next gulch north; Minnie Gulch. Amanda drove my Jeep on this one, so I could relax.

Caledonia Mine boarding house

Cabins along the trail

Further up Minnie Gulch

Waterfall along the trail

Two-track at the end of the Minnie Gulch trail

IntrepidXJ · 07-12-2009, 11:48 PM

Burns Gulch was our last side trip before reaching Animas Forks.

The trail up to Burns Gulch

Burns Gulch

The trail passed a few mine shafts

End of the road

Animas Forks off in the distance

Lots of flowing water in this gulch

Headed back down

IntrepidXJ · 07-12-2009, 11:49 PM

Before heading back towards Silverton to finish the last trail along the Animas Forks Road we hadn't been on, we stopped at Animas Forks again to take some more photos. Here's a few...

IntrepidXJ · 07-12-2009, 11:49 PM

Before heading back to Silverton, we had one more trail to explore. This one was right outside Silverton and headed up Swansea Gulch. It turns out the most interesting parts of this trail were right at the beginning, but it was still a nice steep drive to the sudden end of the trail.

Much of the trail looked like this. It was steep much of the way and never got above tree line, so there were no good views down onto Silverton.

The one open spot near the end of the trail

Lackawanna Mill with Silverton in the background

Animas River

After having dinner at Romero's we still had a little daylight left, so we headed up to Clear Lake.

IntrepidXJ · 07-12-2009, 11:49 PM

Amanda took this one

Full photo galleries: http://myxj.net/g2/v/2009_adventures/silverton_animas

COSXJFAN · 07-13-2009, 08:32 AM

As always Randy, beautiful shots!! Looking at your pictures makes me want to get out SOOOO bad!! Soon enough I reckon...

JakeWI · 07-13-2009, 11:03 AM

those are some real great pics

IntrepidXJ · 07-14-2009, 10:01 PM

Playing around with some of my Animas Forks photos

COSXJFAN · 07-14-2009, 11:17 PM

The B&W makes it look great. It looks like it was taken a long time ago!!

prerunner1982 · 07-15-2009, 02:08 PM

I love that area. I wish I could have spent more time on the trails up there. Maybe when I am back in Durango helping my father move back to hell....er Oklahoma (has been 105* here the past couple of days) I can convince him to take his Chevy pickup up there, since they aren't really hard but more scenic.
I know he wouldnt take the truck down Black Bear though... which is the trail we ran when I was up there last in his CJ7. We also ran Ophir Pass to get back to the highway.

smitysjeep4x4 · 07-16-2009, 06:56 PM

nices wheeling pics where is this at man looks aswome

OAS · 08-09-2009, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prerunner1982

I know he wouldnt take the truck down Black Bear though... which is the trail we ran when I was up there last in his CJ7. We also ran Ophir Pass to get back to the highway.

Not meaning to hijack, but ive been thinking about doing Black bear pass.
Some people have told me it's pretty tough, others say it's a cakewalk for even a stock XJ.
Anyone got info or experience as to how bad it REALLLLY is?
Been thinkin maybe do it with the dirtbike first, then the XJ if it's not that bad.
(the xj has the "upcountry" package with factory ls rear and 30" AT's)

I'd hate to get 1/2 way down and end up stuck!

Great pics by the way OP!

IntrepidXJ · 08-09-2009, 06:46 PM

Black Bear would be fine for a stock XJ. It's not a difficult trail.....it's just a steep and narrow trail with little room for error. There are not really any obstacles on the trail....just some tight/steep switchbacks at the top.

Some photos from my trip last year: http://www.myxj.net/blog/476

Quote:

Originally Posted by OAS

Not meaning to hijack, but ive been thinking about doing Black bear pass.
Some people have told me it's pretty tough, others say it's a cakewalk for even a stock XJ.
Anyone got info or experience as to how bad it REALLLLY is?
Been thinkin maybe do it with the dirtbike first, then the XJ if it's not that bad.
(the xj has the "upcountry" package with factory ls rear and 30" AT's)

I'd hate to get 1/2 way down and end up stuck!

Great pics by the way OP!

07-12-2009, 11:48 PM	#1
IntrepidXJ Seasoned Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Grand Junction, CO Posts: 386 My Photos 2000 Cherokee Year: 2000 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 Transmission: AW4 Transfer Case: 231 Front Axle: D30 Rear Axle: 8.25 Tires: 32x11.5 Bighorns Lift Specifications: Approx 5"	Silverton to Animas Forks On Saturday morning Amanda and I headed down to Silverton. After setting up camp we made our way down the road that leads from Silverton to Animas Forks that we have traveled many times before. In the past we have explored a bunch of the side trails off of this road (Cunningham Gulch, Eureka Gulch, Picayune Gulch & Placer Gulch), however there were a few that either I have not checked out before, or that were blocked by snow when I attempted them. Our goal for this day was to check out the rest of those trails. We started off in Arrastra Gulch. This was a quick one, as it appears that the trail now dead ends at private property pretty quickly. Look up for the tram at the start of Arrastra Gulch There still are some nice views from this short trail Before heading back out to the Animas Forks Road, we took the trail up to Little Giant Basin. Headed up to Little Giant Basin Tram tower Sealed up King Solomon Mine portal Big Giant Mill __________________ Randy Langstraat .: myXJ.net \| adventureJK.com :.

07-12-2009, 11:48 PM	#2
IntrepidXJ Seasoned Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Grand Junction, CO Posts: 386 My Photos 2000 Cherokee Year: 2000 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 Transmission: AW4 Transfer Case: 231 Front Axle: D30 Rear Axle: 8.25 Tires: 32x11.5 Bighorns Lift Specifications: Approx 5"	Gold Lake at the end of the trail On our way back down, we stopped to check out the Black Prince mining camp. After making it back down, we headed over to our next destination: Maggie Gulch. Headed up into Maggie Gulch Looking back Some ruins at the end of the trail __________________ Randy Langstraat .: myXJ.net \| adventureJK.com :.

07-12-2009, 11:48 PM	#3
IntrepidXJ Seasoned Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Grand Junction, CO Posts: 386 My Photos 2000 Cherokee Year: 2000 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 Transmission: AW4 Transfer Case: 231 Front Axle: D30 Rear Axle: 8.25 Tires: 32x11.5 Bighorns Lift Specifications: Approx 5"	Stopped by this waterfall on the way back down Our next destination was the next gulch north; Minnie Gulch. Amanda drove my Jeep on this one, so I could relax. Caledonia Mine boarding house Cabins along the trail Further up Minnie Gulch Waterfall along the trail Two-track at the end of the Minnie Gulch trail __________________ Randy Langstraat .: myXJ.net \| adventureJK.com :.

07-12-2009, 11:48 PM	#4
IntrepidXJ Seasoned Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Grand Junction, CO Posts: 386 My Photos 2000 Cherokee Year: 2000 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 Transmission: AW4 Transfer Case: 231 Front Axle: D30 Rear Axle: 8.25 Tires: 32x11.5 Bighorns Lift Specifications: Approx 5"	Burns Gulch was our last side trip before reaching Animas Forks. The trail up to Burns Gulch Burns Gulch The trail passed a few mine shafts End of the road Animas Forks off in the distance Lots of flowing water in this gulch Headed back down __________________ Randy Langstraat .: myXJ.net \| adventureJK.com :.

07-12-2009, 11:49 PM	#5
IntrepidXJ Seasoned Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Grand Junction, CO Posts: 386 My Photos 2000 Cherokee Year: 2000 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 Transmission: AW4 Transfer Case: 231 Front Axle: D30 Rear Axle: 8.25 Tires: 32x11.5 Bighorns Lift Specifications: Approx 5"	Before heading back towards Silverton to finish the last trail along the Animas Forks Road we hadn't been on, we stopped at Animas Forks again to take some more photos. Here's a few... __________________ Randy Langstraat .: myXJ.net \| adventureJK.com :.

07-12-2009, 11:49 PM	#7
IntrepidXJ Seasoned Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Grand Junction, CO Posts: 386 My Photos 2000 Cherokee Year: 2000 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 Transmission: AW4 Transfer Case: 231 Front Axle: D30 Rear Axle: 8.25 Tires: 32x11.5 Bighorns Lift Specifications: Approx 5"	Amanda took this one Full photo galleries: http://myxj.net/g2/v/2009_adventures/silverton_animas __________________ Randy Langstraat .: myXJ.net \| adventureJK.com :.

07-13-2009, 08:32 AM	#8
COSXJFAN BROWN CHICKEN, BROWN COW! Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 5,783 My Photos 1987 Wagokee Year: 1987 Wagokee Engine: 4.0 Renny Transmission: AW-4 Transfer Case: NP 242 HD drive shaft Front Axle: HP non-C.A.D. Dana 30 w/ 4.88s (locked) Rear Axle: Dana 44 w/ 4.88s (locked) Tires: 33X12.5-15 Pro Comp MTs Lift Specifications: Hodgepodge 6.5 front 5.5 rear Misc Accessories: custom 2.5" exhaust, cold air intake, homebrew bumpers & armor, winch	As always Randy, beautiful shots!! Looking at your pictures makes me want to get out SOOOO bad!! Soon enough I reckon... __________________ STEELER FAN TIL DEATH!!! BAN OWNERS, NOT BREEDS!!! AMERICAN PIT BULL TERRIERS ARE GREAT PETS!!!

07-13-2009, 11:03 AM	#9
JakeWI CF Veteran Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,325 My Photos 1996 Cherokee Year: 1996 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 HO Transmission: auto Transfer Case: 231 Front Axle: D30 Rear Axle: 8.25 Tires: 31x10.5 General Grabber AT2 Lift Specifications: 4.5 RC Misc Accessories: wisconsin plates :), RC quick discos, CB, Rock Crusher Diff. Covers, Tomken Gas Tank Skid, More	those are some real great pics __________________ 1993 Cherokee (R.I.P) 4.5 Rough Country 5speed 31x 10.5 x15 Dick Cepek Radial FC-II 1996 Cherokee/ 4.5 Rough Country/ 31" General Grabber AT2/ RockCrusher diff covers/ Tomken Gas Tank Skid/CB/ Steering box brace/ GTX hood vents/ Wisconsin Plates/soon to finish-homebrew rockrails and bumpers. Project Northwoods http://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/project-northwoods-3541/

07-14-2009, 10:01 PM	#10
IntrepidXJ Seasoned Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Grand Junction, CO Posts: 386 My Photos 2000 Cherokee Year: 2000 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 Transmission: AW4 Transfer Case: 231 Front Axle: D30 Rear Axle: 8.25 Tires: 32x11.5 Bighorns Lift Specifications: Approx 5"	Playing around with some of my Animas Forks photos __________________ Randy Langstraat .: myXJ.net \| adventureJK.com :.

07-14-2009, 11:17 PM	#11
COSXJFAN BROWN CHICKEN, BROWN COW! Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 5,783 My Photos 1987 Wagokee Year: 1987 Wagokee Engine: 4.0 Renny Transmission: AW-4 Transfer Case: NP 242 HD drive shaft Front Axle: HP non-C.A.D. Dana 30 w/ 4.88s (locked) Rear Axle: Dana 44 w/ 4.88s (locked) Tires: 33X12.5-15 Pro Comp MTs Lift Specifications: Hodgepodge 6.5 front 5.5 rear Misc Accessories: custom 2.5" exhaust, cold air intake, homebrew bumpers & armor, winch	The B&W makes it look great. It looks like it was taken a long time ago!! __________________ STEELER FAN TIL DEATH!!! BAN OWNERS, NOT BREEDS!!! AMERICAN PIT BULL TERRIERS ARE GREAT PETS!!!

07-15-2009, 02:08 PM	#12
prerunner1982 CF Veteran Join Date: May 2008 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 1,533 My Photos 1993 Cherokee Year: 1993 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0 ltr Transmission: AX15 Transfer Case: NP231 Front Axle: Dana 30 Rear Axle: Chr 8.25 Tires: 30x9.50x15 At (off brand) Lift Specifications: stock Misc Accessories: N/A at this time.	I love that area. I wish I could have spent more time on the trails up there. Maybe when I am back in Durango helping my father move back to hell....er Oklahoma (has been 105* here the past couple of days) I can convince him to take his Chevy pickup up there, since they aren't really hard but more scenic. I know he wouldnt take the truck down Black Bear though... which is the trail we ran when I was up there last in his CJ7. We also ran Ophir Pass to get back to the highway. __________________ Jon AKA "Stew Padidiot" 1993 XJ, 2dr, 4x4. Stock.

07-16-2009, 06:56 PM	#13
smitysjeep4x4 Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 88 My Photos 1999 Cherokee Year: 1999 Model: Cherokee Engine: 4.0L 242 Transmission: auto Transfer Case: stock Front Axle: Dana 30 Rear Axle: 8.25 Tires: 235/75/15 Lift Specifications: 3" Zone Misc Accessories: Pushbar,Lights,	nices wheeling pics where is this at man looks aswome

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