IntrepidXJ's Adventure Blog

Porphyry Basin (Silverton, CO)

Porphyry Basin is a short unmarked three mile spur trail leaving US 550 near Black Bear Pass that leads up to a cool basin with some great views. Right from the start, the trail is fairly narrow with few places to pass another vehicle as you climb the switchbacks up Three Needles Mountain.

One you reach the highest switchback on the east side of the mountain and start heading around the south face of the mountain, you are greeting with a sign warning you that the next section of the road is very dangerous. If you are afraid of heights and narrow shelf roads, you probably should not proceed. The next section of the trail is very narrow with a high drop-off and some sections that are off-camber towards the edge. Also, there are long stretches of this section without any places to pass another vehicle. Luckily, this is not a very popular trail so there is not much traffic.

Once you reach the upper basin, the trail levels off a little bit and gets a bit wider. The scenery in Porphyry is just awesome, and a bit different from some of the other basins in the area. You will pass through the remains of the Bullion King Mine before the trail dead ends. From the end of the trail, you can hike to Porphyry Lake or Bullion King Lake.

I really enjoyed this trail and would highly recommend it if you have the chance.

Please feel free to leave your comments and post your pictures from Porphyry Basin below.

Porphyry Basin KML Track
(Right click and ‘Save Target As’)

Open file above in Google Earth.

Poughkeepsie Gulch (Ouray, CO)

Poughkeepsie Gulch has the reputation of being the most difficult trail in the San Juan Triangle area. While this trail is certainly not for most stock vehicles, it is not very difficult for a well built vehicle and an experience driver. There are a few ledges that might cause some issues, but the most difficult of these ledges has two winch points available, if needed.

The trail starts out from the Mineral Creek trail (the one that leads to Engineer Pass) and climbs out of a wet wooded area and higher into Poughkeepsie Gulch. The first three miles of this four mile trail is pretty easy with a few rocky sections. Then you will encounter the most difficult ledges. From this point there are a lot choices for trails that split off an join up again, so you can choose your difficulty. After this section you will be greeted with the awesome view of Lake Como before completing the trail at the intersection with California and Hurricane passes.

Please feel free to leave your comments and post your pictures from Poughkeepsie Gulch below.

Poughkeepsie Gulch KML Track
(Right click and ‘Save Target As’)

Open file above in Google Earth.

Hurricane Pass (Silverton, CO)

Hurricane Pass is a pretty easy trail that makes a great connecting trail for a number of others in the area. This trail can also be used to get from Gladstone to Lake Como without having to take one of the more difficult trails that leads there. The views from the 12,407 foot pass are impressive and as you head to an from Lake Como, you have some great views down on the lake and into Poughkeepsie Gulch.

This trail is a good connector trail for California Pass, Poughkeepsie Gulch, Corkscrew Gulch and Cement Creek Road which heads back to Silverton. Any stock 4×4 vehicle should have no problems with this one.

Please feel free to leave your comments and post your pictures from Hurricane Pass below.

Hurricane Pass KML Track
(Right click and ‘Save Target As’)

Open file above in Google Earth.

Lead King Basin (Marble, CO)

Lead King Basin is a great loop trail that takes off from the road to Crystal. There are great view of Hagerman Peak and Snowmass Mountain as you travel along the Maroon Bells – Snowmass Wilderness boundary. The views within Lead King Basin itself are also spectacular with plenty of seasonal wildflowers. There were also a number of great campsites located along this trail.

Much of the trail is easy, and any stock 4×4 vehicle should have no problems. There is one water crossing where decent ground clearance might be needed, depending on the water level. Otherwise, this trail offers a great relaxing and scenic drive with plenty of photo opportunities.

Please feel free to leave your comments and post your pictures from Lead King Basin below.

Lead King Basin KML Track
(Right click and ‘Save Target As’)

Open file above in Google Earth.

Kebler Pass (Crested Butte, CO)

While Kebler Pass is an easy graded road that even large motorhomes can navigate, I am including it here because it is a great connection trail to get to Crested Butte, and it also offers access to some other trails in the area including Ohio Pass. Even though it is an easy well-travelled road, it still offers great scenery along the way.

I am also told that this route makes a great fall colors trip when all the Aspens are changing colors.

Please feel free to leave your comments and post your pictures from Kebler Pass below.

Kebler Pass KML Track
(Right click and ‘Save Target As’)

Open file above in Google Earth.