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View Full Version : CO- Poughkeepsie Gulch

Handlebars
September 2nd, 2008, 16:53
Poughkeepsie Gulch has the reputation of being the hardest trail in the San Juans. I didn't see any other vehicles on it the day we ran it, but then we did not start until 5pm.

Things start out in a mosquito and mud infested valley but soon climb up to a drier cobblestone road on the slope above.
http://www.fototime.com/2583A3351D5111B/orig.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/4AD512E56FD61AC/orig.jpg

The creek does make an appearance again although it is not muddy:
http://www.fototime.com/008AC131BD81500/orig.jpg

This is the crux of the trail. Several routes used to go up this hill but most of them have been closed off with cables:
http://www.fototime.com/E1AA72500E5D89C/orig.jpg

These are the only two routes left open. The signs mark winch points:
http://www.fototime.com/38D058453023495/orig.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/A209CBB53D531A8/orig.jpg

I went up the far right side without any problems
http://www.fototime.com/C364B5366DF0639/orig.jpg

My buddy went up the middle with his stock Rubicon:
http://www.fototime.com/4E4AA1416FC9AB5/orig.jpg

There are still a few steep hills to climb after that
http://www.fototime.com/899E0BFD2353C05/orig.jpg

The clear blue water of Lake Como is a sign that you are almost at the end
http://www.fototime.com/53DEF78324881BE/orig.jpg
Kittrell
September 2nd, 2008, 17:26
I love looking down at Lake Como. I wonder when they put the cables up. They were not there around this time last year. I can see why though, people were tearing up that left side a good amount trying to get up.
IntrepidXJ
September 8th, 2008, 14:09
A few pictures from running this trail bright and early Saturday morning.

http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/124616-1/IMG_1534.JPG

http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/124563-1/IMG_1561.JPG

http://www.myxj.net/g2/d/124638-1/IMG_1580.JPG
Handlebars
September 8th, 2008, 14:50
Did you see anyone on the trail, Randy?
IntrepidXJ
September 8th, 2008, 14:53
Did you see anyone on the trail, Randy?

Nope, we were the first ones through for the day. We were breaking through the thin layers of ice on all of the puddles on the trail.

We didn't see anyone until we were above Lake Como and ran into some rental Jeeps heading from Hurricane Pass to California Pass
BruceB83
September 15th, 2008, 14:48
What!?! They even provide you with winch points out there??? I am SO done with the east coast.
Vince
September 15th, 2008, 15:10
I like that trail. The winch points were a nice feature but we didn't need them.