First Truck Camper Trip

You may have seen our post on the "Truck Camper Build". In early June, we made a return trip to Tucson to pick up the truck and canoe. The following week we were off! We camped for three days and two nights exploring the 236 mile San Juan skyway loop.    

We had researched several potential camping spots along the route, loaded the truck with food and supplies, and set out for our adventure. One of the first potential campsites was at Alta Lakes near Telluride. We drove the steep and bumpy road (most passenger vehicles can make it) about 4.5 miles to the main lake and free dispersed campground. 

Our intent was simply to scope the area, but ended up finding a great, available campsite. We then couldn't think of a good enough reason not to stay the night.

Alta Lake is at an elevation of 11,300 feet. It rests in a basin with 13,000' peaks providing magnificent views.

The truck camper setup worked out great! We decided to purchase a side mounted awning for the truck which should prove to be a nice addition to our camping experience.

(We want to come up with a name for our 2002 Toyota Tundra, overland, truck camper. Please post your idea(s) in the comments. If we select the name you suggest, you win an all-expense paid river cruise through Europe...hahahaha, not! You will however, get bragging rights and your name mentioned in our blog - which 10 people might see... lol!)

 

The Alta lake area is stunningly gorgeous and we thoroughly enjoyed the majesty of the mountain backdrop.

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Second day: We rode the gondola from Mountain Village down into Telluride to hike up to Cornet Falls. This is a short, steep hike on the east side of Telluride at the end of Aspen Street. The 80' waterfall is super convenient (for quick getaways) as it is a short hike (quarter mile) from town.

After our visit to Telluride, we were back on the road to continue our trip. We stopped in Ridgway for a snack and then, continued down to Ouray (yoo-ray)... ohhh, we loved this little town! It is tucked deep into the mountains. We enjoyed an appetizer and drinks on a three story roof-top deck overlooking the main street.

Ouray was our favorite visit on the byway loop. We have plans to return and spend more time exploring the area.  A word of advice, have some Valium or, a sedative likeness thereof, for your vehicle passengers. The narrow highway lacks guardrails, beyond that are 1000 ft slopes to the river rocks below; though super exciting, the sketchy highway drive is beautifully scenic. 

The next stop for our second night was a forest service road between Ouray and Silverton. Another free campsite area that overlooked the highway and the mountains to the west. We had gorgeous views of the mountains, and Noreen spotted numerous elk on the 11,000 foot slopes across from us.

(Turquoise Crocs courtesy of Alexandra and Richarde, Christmas 2022)

Third day:  Stopped at Molas Lake to look around; Durango - lunch, grocery and flower shopping.

Then, back to Priest Gulch. 

So, 3 days/two nights, beautiful scenery and a few stops at some of the towns; all in all, a great first trip. We hope you enjoy the pictures. Thanks for checking up on us.

Remember: River Cruise...