From FJ Cruzer (123):

Well, late start, late finish and it was an odyssey... we didn't get off the trail until 10:30pm and had to leave one broken rig at the end of the trail for a tow... ouch.

As usual, the best crew ever though! Perfect weather (until it started raining and sleeting on us while trying to work on the broken rig in the dark on the trail, typical...) More to follow once we've all gotten home, eaten, slept, etc. 

See more photos in the Gallery  

How it was planned:

Sunday, September 9, 2007

This will be a long day  , but well worth it (just ask jwh86 and stagecoachco  ) If there is an outcry to start earlier or later (or drive faster!), I'm happy to accommodate, just let me know what you need.

8:30am
Meet at City Market in El Jebel (approximately 18 miles south of Glenwood Springs on Highway 82) at the south end parking lot across from the bank. Food, fuel and auto parts are all within throwing distance. If you're camping, we can meet you wherever is convenient, just let me know.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=e...&t=h&z=15&om=1

9:00am
Hit the road, drive from El Jebel to Ashcroft, approximately 33 miles and will take 45+ minutes.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=e...&t=h&z=10&om=1
(I know it says Carbondale, but El Jebel is across the highway in another county, so go figure...)

10:00am
Air down at trail head and hit the trail. From Ashcroft to the top of Pearl Pass is about 6 miles of 4WD on the north side, then another 16 miles of dirt to Crested Butte on the south side. 3-5 hour driving time depending on traffic and conditions (we'll be optimistic  )

http://www.traildamage.com/trails/index.php?id=119
(Note that Pearl Pass, Italian Creek and Taylor Pass are all on the associated map)

1:00pm
Depart Crested Butte, hit Cement Creek Road (9 miles of dirt) en route to Italian Creek Road (17 miles of dirt and 4WD.) 3-4 hours driving time.

http://www.traildamage.com/trails/index.php?id=117

4:00pm
Hit Taylor Park Road (5 miles of dirt) to Taylor Pass Road (9 miles of 4WD to the top of the Pass. 2-3 hours drive time.

http://www.traildamage.com/trails/index.php?id=118

6:00pm Should be just in time for sunset on the pass, then take Express Creek Road (5 miles of dirt and 4WD) back to Ashcroft. Air up.