Ouray / Silverton Camp ground

jtad wrote:
Planning a trip this summer to the Ouray / Silverton area, was wondering if anyone could recommend a good place to stay. Will be in a 40' pusher with a Jeep, would like full hook ups. Thanks in advance, Joell and John.

jtad,
Well Sir,
The smartest thing for you to do would be to stay in the KOA, just about 5-6 miles north of Ouray. It's waaaaaaaaaay less conjested and a whole lot quieter than in town. It's very serene and has two sections for larger RVs, one in front and one around the back which, is the one all of us use because it's on grass and is more pleasant, and, is waaaaaaaay more negotiable than the in-town camping, especially if you're cruising around in a 40 footer toating a Jeep. Been to Ouray several times and have stayed in both. I'd stay in that KOA every time over the one in town. But, I'm the kind that don't like camping 2 feet from the other guy.

You're towing a Jeep but don't say what experience you have. In all reality, about 99.999% of the trails that lead out of Ouray and the Silverton area are non-complicated, non-obstacle trails. They are without a doubt, very scenic and, there's tons and tons of history in that entire area.

And as far as Black Bear pass, no sweat. Been on that trail several times. They (the Jeep tours based in Ouray) take fully loaded jeeps(as in several people) over that pass/trail every day when the pass is negotiable. It does have one section that has a pucker factor but, it's not all that bad. There are several hair pin u-turns that runs down the mountain side, into the town of Telluride.

If you plan it right, that is, enter the head of that trail at or near about 08:00 in the morning, you'll be at a very beautiful city park, right at the leading edge of Telluride for lunch. It's a neat place to eat and take in the sights before heading back to Ouray on the long pavement drive back.

Engineer pass is also a great one. You'll be above the tree line there, approximately 13,000 feet. There's many, many scenic trails in that entire area. If possible, do make sure you're with at least one other Jeep, if not more. Have fun.
Scott