Off Roading to High Colorado Mountain Lake! Water Crossing, Fishing, Mining Ruins & Cocktails

Brand new look and a brand-new location. As you saw in the last video (one can only hope) I sold the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited Call of Duty Edition with a 6 speed manual (like I am reading off the name of royalty). The replacement was not on my radar at all, but given the price of cars at the time, I ended up with a 2005 Nissan Titan Offroad. Which means it comes with slightly different suspension, larger tires, lower gears, rear locker and some skid plates. Now, this will never do what a Jeep, 4runner or Tacoma can accomplish, but so far, I have been rather impressed and the power from the V8 is nice. Enough about the new wheels, let’s get into this trip.
Up in Colorado’s high country we start off on Clear Creek Road. It takes you by one amazing place after another: Clear Creek reservoir, a giant ranch Yellow Stone would be jealous of, towering mountains, mining ruins and ghost towns such as Winfield and Vicksburg. Many of the mining encampments are interactive with the freedom to walk around the cabins, inspect old equipment and some informative signs to let you know what is going on. This road is passable by any vehicle. There are absolutely tons of camping options, and most are right on the river and have great views of the surrounding mountains. Combining the historical locations, river, campsites and TONS of hiking trails, Clear Creek Road could be enough for most, but not us.
Us, yes us, Tara from Rove and Reverie and her Jeep JK rolling on 37s joined on this trip, so we had to make things a little more spicey. To do so we headed up Clohesy Lake Trail. It starts next to some more old cabins, and you immediately engage in a long, double water crossing that takes you downstream. This is where you hit the only decent obstacle of the trail, there is a rock wall you must climb to get out of the river. If you have a build 4x4, this shouldn’t be a problem. In a full-size truck with crappy tires like this guy, it was a bit more of an adventure. After that the trail isn’t too bad and has plenty to keep you busy with more old mining cabins, shelf roads, a creek, fantastic views, potentially large muddy pits and multiple avalanche areas.
The trails for vehicles ends about half a mile from the lake, so you have to huff it the rest of the way, but believe me it is worth the effort. Clohesy Lake is absolutely pristine and surrounded by towering mountains. There used to be a fish hatchery next to the edge of the water, so the lake is absolutely loaded with brook trout. You can camp around the lake as there are many options, all have great vistas. If you feel spunky there are some serious hiking trails in the area. You could absolutely spend all day here, a few nights or just a couple hours, either way you won’t be disappointed.

Click Subscribe. Catch up with some of the video links below and remember, what’s your GOL?

Easter Jeep Safari and Muddin’ in Utah’s backcountry:
   • Hell's Revenge & Utah's Muddy Overlan...  

Backway around Lake Powell: Croton Trail
   • Croton Trail : Overland Lake Powell t...  

Off Roading, Arches, Turkeys and Cocktails near Canon City Colorado
   • Overlanding Near Canon City Colorado:...