Utah boy seeks local advice

I'm planning on taking a road trip over to Colorado for a few days and would like some info on trails I should run. The only thing I have planned is to do Black Bear Pass into Telluride. I'm looking for a wide range of trails in the San Juan Mtns. I'm locked f/r but would like to stay away from trails like 21 Road.

Do Black Bear and then return via Imogene Pass back to Ouray. Make sure to take time to soak in the hot springs at Ouray. I will get you a more comprehensive list tonight.

All of the San Juan trails are easy, and 21 Road is nowhere near the San Juans.

For scenery, you have the run the Alpine Loop, which is Engineer Pass from Ouray to Lake City, Cinnamon Pass from Lake City to Animas Forks, and then choose a route back to Ouray (either road via Silverton or one of the 4wd passes). You should absolutely do Poughkeepsie Gulch, and hit at least one of the basins for pure scenery.

There are tons of web writeups about the San Juan trails, just do a search and see what moves you.

Nay

PC, Nay's recommend some good trails, the Ouray area is loaded with awesome scenery so take lots of pictures. Plan for afternoon showers and possibly snow, 12-13,000 ft passes can easily get 6" of snow this time of year. Your rig is set up to handle these trails, which vary in diffuculty, based on weather and snowpack. Weather can definitely change conditions in a hurry.......(remembering our '99 run) http://community.webshots.com/photo/144562247/144562549yYZDXU

You'll want to check with the locals to see which trails are open, some might still have snow in passes. Have a good time and give us a run report when you get back.
http://community.webshots.com/photo/144562247/144562503XfpSUq
http://community.webshots.com/photo/144562247/144562402naxNVN

Not that I've run it, but Black Bear tends not to open until sometime in July, so definitely ask someone local.

Fred

Yankee Boy Basin is a great leisure half day from Ouray for amazing scenery (although I think the trail has a $5 fee now). Good "light" day if you have family along.

I couldn't think of the name for my first post.

Nay