Short runs near Salida

[Oldguyinajeep]

I'm gonna be in Salida Aug 11th for a run up Antero. We'll get into town around 3:00P on the 10th, so we could do a short trail before dark. Moderate to difficult would be preferred, but anything scenic would be fine, as well. I'd certainly appreciate any suggestions.

 

[BusaDave9]

My suggestion is to go to the trails near St Elmo Ghost town.
I camped near there and there are lots of great trails all around.
Here's St Elmo Ghost town:

The next few are all on Iron Chest Trail. You want something moderate to difficult this is a great trail. I love the rock crawling.






Then I camped next to the Iron Chest trail. It wouldn't have been possible because of the rocks if I didn't have my Cot Tent

Another day I went up to Grizzly Lake. This was another great trail. The hardest part was right at the beginning. I think that's good. If you can't start the trail you have no right on the trail.
It was a rock ledge at the begining of the trail. I couldn't make it on my first try. I was spinning all 4 tires and slid back down the ledge. I got out and re-assessed the situation. I decided on a different path. After more burnt rubber I made it up. The rest of the trail wasn't as bad except for a long upslope. Lots of loose rocks, I used my locker but was worried about my old carbureted CJ5 dieing. I just wanted to stay moving.

Then when I made it to Grizzly Lake it was all worth it. I didn't think there was anyone around for miles. I didn't see anyone on the way up.

Then I heard voices. There was at least one fisherman accross the lake but it was extremely peaceful. I was hot, dirty, sweaty and stinky. I took a shower with my solar camp shower.

No, I did not have a hot chick to shower with. I found the above picture on the Internet. Yes, there is a shower in the above picture. Look again in the upper right.





... look again. Women may have a better chance finding the outdoor shower.

 

[BusaDave9]

Almost every night I camped in a different spot.
In this next picture I took a trail that was better suited for ATVs.

I was there for a week but every night I camped near St. Elmo Ghost town. The only problem was going back to town to get gas. I brought an extra gas can. I actually started heading up Iron Chest Trail and noticed I didn't have enough gas to finish the trail. I said "gosh darn, golly gee (NOT my actual words but this is a family site). I headed back to town, got gas and continued on the trail.