Vehicles

[EastCoaster]

Good Morning!

This is my first post and I hope it doesn't come across as boneheaded. My friend and I are starting to plan a backcountry hunt to CO in the near future. It will most likely be for the 2nd rifle season in one of the Western Wilderness areas. We both are avid hunters but also have aging trucks that most likely would not make the cross country road trip. Is it possible to get to a trailhead in the San Juan or Mt. Zirkel area in a non 4x4 SUV? Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[WoolyBugger]

Not the one we went to at Mt Zirkel wilderness. I was surprised to see an F150 with stock suspension at the trailhead when we got back from the hunt

 

[gamechaser]

It is extremely weather dependent. Most likely, you will be able to reach a trailhead if you research which ones are the most easily accessible - although more preferred trailheads may be inaccessible. I would just be very careful about trying to go too far back any forest roads without 4wd and chains because it is easy to get stuck if weather hits. Good luck

 

[EastCoaster]

Thanks guys. I might end up upgrading vehicles before hand......sounds like it would open up some options for access.

 

[AirborneEScouter]

Yeah Zirkel where we went is a long rocky bumpy ride. Steep enough that if snow falls you might be in trouble. We saw subarus driving up the road but I think you'd want something with 4x4

 

[EastCoaster]

How would you rate these Wilderness areas based on scenic views? We don't really care if we actually shoot anything. We just want to see some awesome places with maybe a few less people.

 

[87TT]

Enough ground clearance, good tires and chains and you should be good. Nothing will save you if the weather gets bad enough. For emergency I would suggest a good jack and come along and place on the vehicle to use it. An extra spare would be nice too. Most 4x4 or 2wd pickup trucks are too light in the rear end unless really loaded. Plus they are longer and bigger. Good luck.

 

[sneaky]

Hippies go everywhere in Subarus

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[87TT]

Maybe you could find one of these.

 

[EastCoaster]

Hippies go everywhere in Subarus

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This is true! I can’t make myself buy one because of it.

 

[Nickofthewoods]

You could look for a trailhead that starts from a maintained Forest Service Campground if you want to be safe. They generally are well maintained enough for people pull campers into. A big snow could change things but 2nd season is generally mild, more often than not it's too mild.

 

[EastCoaster]

You could look for a trailhead that starts from a maintained Forest Service Campground if you want to be safe. They generally are well maintained enough for people pull campers into. A big snow could change things but 2nd season is generally mild, more often than not it's too mild.

Thank you for the advice.

 

[Gutshotem]

Have you considered renting something? I'm considering it this fall myself. I can get a Tahoe for around $50 a day at the airport. I'm looking at splitting the cost between three so it's about $150 and no need to worry about beating someone's truck up or pitching in for repairs if something breaks.

 

[EastCoaster]

Have you considered renting something? I'm considering it this fall myself. I can get a Tahoe for around $50 a day at the airport. I'm looking at splitting the cost between three so it's about $150 and no need to worry about beating someone's truck up or pitching in for repairs if something breaks.

Man, I really haven’t even thought about that as an option. Definitely might work!

 

[mcseal2]

I take a 1 ton diesel on western hunts, but also pull a Polaris Ranger. I have chains for both on all trips. I might take a truck camp, but I also have a list of what I call the "Ranger camp". If weather looks light it might be an issue, and I always hope it does, I leave the diesel on a good road and take the Ranger in to where I want to hunt/camp. It's way easier to get out. I'd always have shovels, a saw and axe, a real spare tire, a 12V air compressor, tire plug kit, and tow rope at minimum on a hunt where you drive into questionable areas. I'd add a Hi Lift jack to that but to many newer vehicles have nowhere to put one.

I look for places to hike in and get away from pressure, but I'm also hunting on limited days. I get one good western hunt a year for around 10 days. If it rains some of the roads are like grease until they dry. If snows hit delays can get far worse. Having a more mobile vehicle and camp helps me make the most of my time. I also have gear to backpack in and stay, I let the hunt decide what I do. If I'm exploring a mobile camp can be a better option than packing in for several days and committing to one area.

If renting or borrowing an ATV or UTV is an option it might be worth considering. Pull it to the hunting area behind whatever and go from there.

 

[Sleeperls]

I'm in this boat myself. By the time the trip comes another set of tires just isn't in the budget. I'm going to get chains for what I've got, and haul my 4 wheeler with me. Park and unload it on a good section I can get to and go from there

 

[FLAK]

I always fly out and rent a 4x SUV or PU and have never had a problem. But I plan ahead in my applications. The only late season hunts I apply for are in the Southwest , as in really South. I've hunted Idaho this way but never past Mid-Oct.