I spent a week in the area last summer. No expert.
Tiger, we did the Alpine Loop and when coming back down from Cinnamon Pass towards Silverton, we saw a large area that looked similar to your photo of Kendall. Is Kendall about halfway between Silverton and the ghost town of Animas Forks? If so, it looked like a GREAT place! We plan to stay there next time we're in the area.
Lot's of off roading you can do in your truck. Ouray has a neat 4th of July festival with parade. Can't think of a much cooler spot to watch fireworks! Durango Silverton Train is great. I recommend one way and then the bus back. It's a long day both ways.