Jeep'n up Deadwood Mountain

[BusaDave9]

Yesterday I took my CJ5 to the La Plata mountains west of Durango. I like jeeping here because they are only 10 miles from my home. Their are also less people on these trails compared to the trails near Silverton and Ouray.
I headed for the La Plata Campground. La Plata used to be a mining town that stood here 100 years ago. At the end of the campground the trail crosses the La Plata River. (La Plata means Silver in Spanish)
The river was very low today.

This trail is very steep and narrow.



And the trail got steeper.

These trails are not travelled much. Nor are they maintained. I came across this tree that has fallen across the trail. I didn't bother getting out. I just drove over the tree.


This next picture is of Parrot Peak. Tiburcio Parrott was an investor that hired people to mine this area. They founded a mining town called Parrott City in 1874. Tiburcio Parrott never did come to this area. He never did see Parrot City or Parrot Peak. He just benefited financially from the mining of the area.







Near the top I got to a fork. To continue on either path there were signs saying no jeeps or motorized vehicles. I used to take my jeep on these trails years ago but now they are overgrown with plants and fallen trees. I continued on foot.

 

[Belizean]

Beautiful scenery and beautiful pictures. If I had that in my backyard I wouldn't probably go very far either to other areas. Thanks for posting those!

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Thank you for the pictures of some fantastic country.
Please, let me turn my 'nag' on just for a bit.
You are not going alone on this trips are you? Alone, as in the only vehicle. I ask this, as someone who has lost two friends on solo Jeep'n trips.
Respectfully,
LG

 

[BusaDave9]

Thanks for your concern Lumpy but this is how I live my life. I would explain why I live like this but I'm sure I'll never convince you that this is better than easy and careful. Likewise I won't be convinced that I should always take the safest most risk free options. Remind me not to tell you about my solo adventures in the wilderness such as the time I asked a friend to drop me off in the La Plata mountains with a backpack so I could hike my way home alone crossing mountains and streams.

 

[Belizean]

You da man Dave ! You gotta have the want. Sometimes you just have to go for it. If you have to wait for others you miss out in life with a lot of things

 

[mriplaybass]

You gotta grab for the gusto! You only have one life, so live it to the fullest! Plus, I know you are a safe and responsible off roader Dave!

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Well-I'm in that 'solo' club too. Back in my younger days, when I worked in AK as a 'ramp-rat' for the airlines(WAL). I would go camping and fishing solo on the Goodnews River, and had a couple encounters with the 4 legged locals.
LG

 

[Belizean]

That's when you bring along a couple of your best friends who are always ready to go if you remember them. S & W or cousins Colt & Winchester . Just in case your 4 leggers are foolish or stubborn

 

[WHATROAD]

Remington 870 12 gauge pump