Tag: CO

Green Means GO! Our Crested Butte Location is Now Open

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We all have been waiting for this moment when we all can start living life again like we used too before the pandemic.  Well that day has finally come, as Gunnison County’s corona meter has lowered to the green level which means masks are not needed in most situations.  We have kicked off another season with a new member to the family named Maxine.  She has brand new Bilstein shocks and 35” tires, making her a very capable Jeep.  We love this time of year, as the grass and trees are turning green and the trails are opening up.  Allowing for days of fun to be had in the Gunnison National Forest while renting a specialized Jeep.

Gothic and Schofield Pass

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Schofield Pass sits within the Sawatch Range of the Elk Mountains between Crested Butte and Aspen.  The pass tops out at an elevation of 10,707 between the town sites of Gothic and Marble.  Once the snow melts, many of our renters travel what we call the big loop which encompasses Slate River Road, Paradise Divide, Paradise Basin, Schofield Pass and ending with the town site of Gothic before heading back to Crested Butte.  Timing wise this usually puts you back in town for a late lunch or to re-supply before heading back out for more off-road adventures.

 

Schofield Pass continues beyond the point imaged in the photo, where a large sign warns drivers of the ensuing danger of The Devil’s Punchbowl.  For safety purposes our vehicles do Not go beyond this point.

 

This area is world renowned for its wildflowers and there is a reason why we have an entire festival dedicated to the flowers. If you’ve ever dreamed of being surrounded by wildflowers in a high alpine meadow, like in the movie ‘Sound of Music,’ then this is your spot!  Hikers have many options to choose from as well, if it’s the infamous 401 trail, hiking to Judd Falls, the 403 trail, Rustlers Gulch, Deer Creek, Copper Trail, the many offerings in the Snodgrass area or even the West Maroon Creek Trail to Aspen.

Black Canyon and the Gunnison National Forest

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Black Canyon in the Gunnison National Forest

Black Canyon in the Gunnison National Forest

Late Spring and Early Summer are a great time to go visit the Black Canyon in the Gunnison National Forest.  The East Portal is an amazing access point to reach the lower depths of the large canyon and Gunnison River.  Many people have never heard of it, but the Black Canyon is second only to the Grand Canyon in beauty, size and its unique black colored rocks are quite special.  Recently I took my mother down there and she absolutely loved it!  I recommend driving down the extremely steep and narrow East Portal road.  The Ranger’s regulate the size of the vehicle you use on this tight passage, so a Jeep is the perfect tool to safely enjoy the experience and bucket list worthy views.  I also recommend visiting the walkway around the rim and visitor center.  Below is a link, ranking it the 2nd “Underrated U.S. National Parks to Add to Your Bucket List.”

 

Link:

http://www.cheatsheet.com/culture/underrated-us-national-parks-to-add-to-your-bucket-list.html/2/

Slate River Road and Oh-Be-Joyful Camping Area

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Oh Be Joyful Camp

The Slate River Road provides access to the Oh-Be-Joyful zone, which is a very popular camping area.  There is a regulated and paid campground of Oh-Be-Joyful, but having rented a specialized Jeep, you have the access to drive further down the valley.  The further you go from the town of Crested Butte, the quieter, more peaceful and beautiful it gets.  Drive past the town site of Pittsburgh and Daisy Pass, you will find an elevated mesa if you will which hosts many designated campsites which include fire pits.  Our specialized Jeeps easily provide access to camp in this beautiful playground and much more.

Upgraded Fleet and New Office in Gunnison

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Gunnison Auto Rentals

The quality of our fleet of specialized Jeeps, excellent customer service, honesty and knowledgeable local information are at the core of who we are and what we offer.  Over the past off-season we have updated our fleet, with all our Jeeps being of the newer JK series with between 2” to 4” of lift and 34” to 35” high quality off-road tires.  This also increases the availability of the larger and more comfortable 4 door size, which seats 5 people and has a large trunk for coolers, gear, etc.

 

The new office in Gunnison will provide a nice clean space to offer the highest level of customer service.  There is a reason why we have a 99% customer satisfaction and that is mainly due to that we care.  We give you the right equipment, know-how and instruction to provide you and your group with a self-guided mountain Jeep safari.  So if you are looking for auto rentals in Gunnison, please give us a call at 1-844-YOU-RENT.

West Brush Creek and Pearl Pass Road Trip

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Brush CReek Pearl PassOne of the more quiet and peaceful adventures in our zone, the West Brush Creek and Pearl Pass Roads trails provide hours of quality Jeeping.  Starting only a few miles out of the Town of Crested Butte, Colorado the pavement ends at the private airport and neighborhood Buckhorn Ranch.  Motoring on the dirt road, it is important to keep an eye out for bicyclists, cows and nice old friendly ranchers and their wiry dogs.  A few miles back you come to a sign and turn-off as shown on the photo.  West Brush Creek Road is to the left.  Start here and take the next left about a mile past these signs for a dead-end scenic overlook.  This is a great spot to walk out to the ridge and take a few photos.  The gate keeps vehicles from continuing into the wilderness area.  So turn around and continue North or left on the West Brush Creek Road.  It is recommended to turn on the 4WD in the high setting until you reach the flats towards the end of the trip.  This will aid you as you cross the creek and gain in elevation and other hazards.  There is a large mud hole towards the top 1/3 of the trail.  I tell people to take it on the left and stay out of the large potholes.  Once you come to the end of the road, stop and let the vehicle cool down and don’t forget to smell the roses!  This trail provides access to an amazingly beautiful overlook underneath the Teocalli Mountain, so get out and take some photos.

 

After a break, turn around back to the turn off in the photo.  Take a left onto Pearl Pass Road and go slow as soon you will be on an overhang with no room to turn around.  This section mandates concentration, focus and a cool head.  Luckily it doesn’t last long and after a deep (at times) creek crossing you’re cruising again.  This section is a scenic stretch of beaver ponds, fishing holes and world class single-track trails.

 

To keep our customers and Jeeps safe, we allow customers up until the third creek crossing.  This keeps it simple, the first two creeks are ok to cross if the water levels are low and you have our permission at the time of pickup.  This way we all have the current trail conditions to help make better decisions and route finding.  In no way are our Jeeps to attempt to cross the third creek!

 

All of our renters are given a map, detailed instructions and current trail conditions to best serve our customers and keep everyone safe.