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Living the Dream..... COLORADO

Thu, Sep 18

|

Location is TBD

Join Venture Unknown for an unforgettable overlanding adventure in the stunning San Juan Mountains of Colorado. Rugged trails, towering peaks, and breathtaking vistas await. Let’s explore the wild together. 🌄🚙

Living the Dream..... COLORADO
Living the Dream..... COLORADO

Time & Location

Sep 18, 2025, 7:00 PM EDT – Sep 28, 2025, 11:00 PM EDT

Location is TBD

Guests

About the Event

Living the Dream....... Colorado

Join Venture Unknown for an epic overlanding adventure through the heart of Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, where every trail tells a story and every turn reveals breathtaking beauty. Traverse legendary routes like Black Bear Pass, with its adrenaline-pumping switchbacks and jaw-dropping vistas, and tackle the rugged terrain of Poughkeepsie Gulch, a challenge for even the most capable rigs. Explore the serene and picturesque Yankee Boy Basin, with its alpine meadows and vibrant wildflowers framed by towering peaks. Conquer the heights of Imogene Pass, the second-highest drivable pass in Colorado, offering sweeping views of the San Juans and the perfect reward for your adventurous spirit.

Whether you’re navigating technical trails, soaking in panoramic mountain views, or sharing stories around the campfire, this trip offers the ultimate blend of thrill and camaraderie. Venture Unknown brings together passionate overlanders for an experience that’s about more than the journey—it’s about the people, the places, and the unforgettable memories we create together. 🚙🌄

Ready to explore the wild? Join us in the San Juan Mountains and redefine adventure.

NOTE: It is possible to link this trip with our Idaho BDR trip (Aug 28th - Sept 14th) that takes place the 2 weeks prior to this one. SEE NOTES BELOW


Dates

Sept 18th - Sept 28th


Summary

3 Travel days Thurs Sept 18th -Sat Sept 20th

5 Explore days Sun Sept 21st - Thurs Sept 25th

3 Travel days back home Fri Sept 26th - Sun Sept 28th


Ride Itinerary

Rally Day Sat Sept 20th (All in camp by Sat night)

Rally camp departure Sun Sept 21st @ 10am after drivers meeting

Daily routine Sun - Thurs

This is a TRUE overlanding trip. Meaning we move camps everyday.

Wake up around 7am, cook breakfast, 8ish we will huddle , have camp packed and ready to depart around 9am. All camps are dispersed style and will change daily. There is an opportunity to have a base camp for a couple days in a row but not guaranteed. Always remember to bring your adventurous spirit as the best way to explore the San Juan's is a bit abstract. Everyday will be approximately 8 hours of seat time.


Rally Point

This will be shared privately after registration via email and FB messenger communications. For reference it will be near Ouray, Colorado.


Difficulty 

VU Level 4

This adventure is rated a VU4 mostly due to it being a cross country event. 90% of the trails are doable with a mild built 4X4. Most difficult trail on the itinerary is Poughkeespie Gulch and the hardest part of it has a bypass. Other reason for VU4 is the altitude you will experience can be difficult. Camping is at 10,000ft and we will be on Imogene Pass that is close to 14,000 ft. It is important to stay hydrated and aware of the things to prepare for altitude. This is also a multi day adventure. You must prepare accordingly with food, fuel, and attitude. Please see rig requirements for further info on prep.


Rig Requirements

(Minimum required by all is minimum for all trails / required is doing the expert side of Poughkeepsie Gulch aka The Wall)

Most trails we will be on are doable with a mild built 4x4, Poughkeepsie has a bypass as an option.

Minimum required

  • 30" all terrain tires minimum

  • 2in lift

  • skids recommended (factory are acceptable)

  • Cooking apparatus

  • Plenty of potable water

  • Recovery gear

  • Recovery points both front and rear

  • Full size spare REQUIRED

  • Tool set specific for your rig

  • First aid kit

  • Fire extinguisher

  • Common parts that fail ( CV axle, tie rods, brakes, u joints, etc)

  • Adventurous Spirit aka a great attitude

Required by all who plan to do expert option on Poughkeepsie Gulch

  • Sliders required for Poughkeepsie

  • 35" all terrain tires required for Poughkeepsie

  • Skids

  • 3in lift

  • Front and rear bumper armor

  • Winch


Fuel

Opportunities for fuel stops will be available. If you have a way to carry auxiliary fuel then it is a plus but not to worry as we will be in and out of four towns. (Lake City, Silverton, Ouray, and Telluride)


Max rig count

7


Camping type

Dispersed camping that changes nightly. Do not depend on facilities, water, or power. There are few vault toilets in some places along the route.


What to bring?

  • Everything to be self-sustained for multiple days in the wild.

  • Proper clothing for the season,

  • Footwear (water resistant boots recommended),

  • Plenty of food, including trail snacks

  • Cooking apparatus

  • First aid kit and fire extinguisher

  • Rain gear

  • Chainsaw gas or electric

  • Downloaded offline maps and paper maps,

  • Portable toilet

  • Auxiliary fuel is also recommended but not required

  • Most importantly, the right attitude.  

  • If you forgot something we will give you the shirt off our back but please plan ahead. Don't be shy, ask questions. We love to help people enjoy this hobby.


Communications

Before the trip

We will schedule 2 calls via Google Meet leading up to departure.

First one, will be for introduction, questions, and to discuss expectations.

Second one, will be a wheels up call to ensure final prep is a go!

I will create 2 options to join each call. It is mandatory to attend these short meetings.

We will be available for any questions you may have via phone, messenger, or email. 

We will also create a team chat via FB messenger for all that are planning to come appx one month before the departure.

During the trip

We use GMRS radios during our rides. We highly recommend this type of communications. If you need recommendations on what to buy we will be glad to help. If you aren't able to secure a radio for the ride, we will provide a loaner. We will use GMRS CH17 (462.600)

VU will also have an active starlink avail to log into to send messages back home. As well as we carry satellite communicator for safety.


What's included? 

*Experienced and insured trail guide with years of recovery and guiding experience.

*Show up, follow the lead, and not have to worry too much about planning.

*Skilled mechanics on hand. If a breakdown incurs, we will do our 100% best to get the rig off the route and a plan back home.

*Shared GPX files of the route before and after.

*Access to the photo album.

*1 nights hotel stay at the rally point.

*A piece of mind that you know you will be around a positive team mentality.

*Educational opportunities during this ride will include driving techniques, gear recommendations, communication and navigation lessons.

*Is it worth it? Only you can decide that. If its not for you, we understand and ask you to respect the time and effort it takes to bring an adventure like this together.


Cost

$500 per rig


Notes

*Answer registration questions carefully

*Arrive at rally topped off as possible with fuel this is VERY important.

*Auxiliary fuel REQUIRED

*Please bring a bundle or 2 of firewood for the community fire

*Read over our code of conduct found under the policy of this registration

*By signing up for this adventure you are agreeing to our waiver.


Linking Idaho with Colorado???

Yep we are doing Idaho first and then heading to Colorado. If interested in linking these two trips, simply register for both. This will mean a full month of a dream overlanding trip like no other!! Dates would be Aug 28th-Sept 28th. With a 5 day travel/rest/free flow days in-between! Link for details on the Idaho BDR trip HERE https://www.venture-unknown.com/event-details/idaho-backcountry-discovery-route


Due to planning and this registration holding your spot before anyone else, the experience is non refundable


Check out all our adventures. We can personalize and plan your adventure

Tickets

  • Living the Dream..... Colorado

    This is your ticket to adventure!!! Join Venture Unknown for an unforgettable overlanding adventure in the stunning San Juan Mountains of Colorado. Rugged trails, towering peaks, and breathtaking vistas await. Let’s explore the wild together. 🌄🚙

    $500.00
    +$12.50 service fee
    Sold Out

This event is sold out

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