Hard to believe it’s been Over six years since I’ve been to the West Portal of the Alpine Tunnel, Just outside Pitkin, CO. A landslide in 2016 nocked out a portion of the roadbed leading up to the West Portal known as the “Palisades”, closing the road till repairs were completed last summer. With that, I decided it was time to head back to Pitkin and the West Portal for this years Ghost Town Run.

Sadly attendance for this years run was a bit light, though it was good to just be out. Our usual spot was already taken when I arrived Wednesday after work but managed to find another on a short drive past on the Middle Quartz Creek road outside Pitkin, CO. Though there was a neighbor, after meeting them Kevin and his wife were great people to hang out with. Joining me for the run this year were my pals Travis and Dan (with his family). After a full day of relaxing in camp ( I did detail the interior of the 4runner), I meet up with Travis the next day on the trail, where we spent most of the day exploring the West Portal of the Alpine Tunnel. A beautiful hike over Altman Pass brought us to the East Portal of the Alpine Tunnel. Out of all the years of exploring this area, would be a first visit for me. Back at the rigs we enjoyed a nice afternoon drive down the old railroad grade, stopping at the Midway Water Tank to check out all the old inscriptions. Oldest I’ve found is from 1908. Back in Pitkin, Travis and I headed over to the newly renovated Pitkin Hotel for an early dinner- recommend the burger. Great to see some excitement coming into this great little community.

Back at camp, we’d spend the evening hanging out with Dan and his family and our friendly neighbors. No fires though since a stage one ban was in effect:(. The next day, with the light attendance and my ARB fridge not working all the sudden, decided to head home early. I bid farewell to our neighbors, Travis and Dan then headed out. Going over Cumberland and Cottonwood Passes to get back to 285.

Though a light club run, was really good to get back to the West Portal of the Alpine Tunnel.

A fine sunrise to start a long day. After an eight hour shift, I’d hope in the 4runner and make the trek towards Pitkin.

Camp. Not our usual spot, but a fine spot along the Middle Quartz Creek no less. Ended up making some new friends as well.

Continue Reading

It’s been quite some time since I’ve been able to make the blubs annual “Blow Off Work and Go Wheeling Run”, run. This year my pal Matt informed me that the run was on a Friday, and now having my 4runner in the parking garage across the street from my Apartment downtown, I just had to make the run.

With a total of 12 rigs, we meet at the trial head and aired down. It’s been ages since I ran Slaughterhouse Gulch but still just as fun as I remember with some great drives through the forest. Nothing to challenging but enough to have fun with. The cloud cover made for a perfect mountain afternoon and friends from the club even better. After, some of us made a short drive into Conifer and stopped at the Snow Pack Taproom and Pizzeria for some refreshments and Pizza. I left before the food arrived, but enjoyed the company. A short drive down the hill and I was puling into my fancy parking spot downtown. Not to long after, hanging out with more friends at the local watering hole before finally calling it a night. Sublime days of Summer indeed.

At the trailhead for Slaughterhouse Gulch. Typical hangout and catch up after airing down:).

Nicely built 80 series Land Cruiser.

Matt giving a short pre trail meeting.

Always a beautiful drive.

Continue Reading