I don't hate or bash any vehicle out there, nor do I by one just because I am a die hard GM, Jeep, Ford or any other manufacturing fan. I buy what I like and drive what is comfortable to me. I drove a Nissan Xterra before this and that vehicle di just fin for what I used it for, never left me stuck. It was just the H3 came out I liked it coud afford it and bought it. Other than the fact I could afford it the key reason was I liked it. As for the Commander that may very well be the next vehicle purchased, the better half likes it. Again not for any other reason than t is comfortable for her and she is crazy about the way it looks.

 

My buddy and I swapped vehicles for a while this weekend during our offroad excursion. He's got a 05 Wrangler X, lifted, good tires. I found the Jeep easier to maneuver offroad and provided better communication about the trail, where the tires were, etc. Of course I also had to deal with the rattling, shaking etc. And when we head up the highway I have to slow down to stay within distance of him as he can't maintain 70 mph up the large hills in the highway. So the Wrangler might outdo me in some of the toughest spots (though he was hung up twice on Saturday; me none) but I'll take the H3 for the other 99% of the time. [/align]

 

Jeeps can't cut the mustard!!!

 

I wanted to share with the forum that my girlfriend surprised her husband with renting a H3 when they flew into Colorado last week. (He owns a 4WD truck). He is totally thrilled and it's all he talks about now. She is convinced now that it can handle off road, but not as thrilled, as she didnt' realize what off roads he was taking. (He didn't either from her conversation). They decided not to follow the driving instructions they were given and just looked at a map. It took them hours to go 3 miles. They drove through Buena Vista to a mining town called St Elmo. From there they took Forest Service Rd 285 or 295, (I can’t remember which). This road ended at the beginning of Hancock Pass. After crossing Hancock Pass they took another Forest Service road to the town called Pitkin. http://colomar.com/ColoradoPlaces/hancock_pass.html
I don't know if they had the off road pkg......
Any of you been over this pass? Any pic's to share?

I think we may have a future H3 member to this forum!!!!! He got bit! YEA!

 

Was that with each other, cause that would be another reason to buy anH3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[sm=drlove.gif]

 

Hahaha..with each other of course! It was nice for both of us to agree on getting the H3.

 

YAY HUMMER!!!

 

That bit about taking many hours to go three miles can be quite common in that area.

I'll have to have a look around to see if i have any digital pictures of the area. We have a cabin located south of Poncha Springs which is not too far from that area. We've been going out to that areasince we bought a 4Runner in 1990. That was the first year of the 4 door. I've been over Hancock from both directions, and the direction they went(north to south) is a bit easier. Last time i went over it, i was in a full size Suburban. It bumped a couple of times but not too bad.

From the south side of Hancock is a really neat pass called Tomichi. Not many switchbacks or anything. There is a railroad tie bog crossing which is a bit tough without a spotter. It also gets pretty nerve wrackingly narrow at the top, with a sheer wall on one side and a drop off on the other. Still enough room for a full size truck.

Also from the south side is the trail to the Alpine Tunnel. It's and old railroad bed so its nice and gentle though it does get a bit spooky at the top because of the narrowness. It has very nice breathtaking views. Definitely worth the drive and can be negotiated inany vehicle with the exception of really low sports cars.

From the north side of Hancock, their is the trail to Hancock lake. I have no experience with this trail, though i hear it is pretty rough.

Also from the north side, is the trail to the Mary Murphy mine. I had a bit of a scare the last time i went up it due to snow cover. It's steep and loose enough that when you step on the brakes, you keep going, at least if there is snow. If it's clear, it's not much of a problem. One area in particular is pretty steep with small rocks, so your vehicle may do a bit of climbing and spitting. I have not been past the mine site. It looks pretty rough beyond and i'm not sure how much further it goes. Definitely a great trip to see the old mine.

From the north side the trail to Grizzly lake is an option. I wouldn't recommend it in anything but one of those custom built Mohave Desertmonsters. It's tight and narrow and nothing but climbing up boulders. You will damage your vehicle going up it. I went up it a little ways in a toyota pickup with pretty big tires, and decided to back down. I have walked quite a ways up the trail and can say it isn't much different. The story i've heard about it, is the rocks were put there to block it off.

North and East of Saint Elmo is the trail to the top of Mount Antero. Spooky, tight and tough.It's snows up there most of the year so access in all but the warmest months may be limited

 

You lost me until Tin Cup. Been all over Tin Cup pass and to the ghost town, but that was 25-30 years ago. Bet it, like everything else, has changed? Used to fish with my Grandfather on Taylor lake and fly fish the streamsevery summer, and wheel all over. Great country, Beautiful!!! Boy would I like to get the 3 out there! Michigan is one heck of a ways from there[]

 

Tin Cup has changed since the first time i went out there in the early 80's. Then it, was just a church and the old general store. There are quite a few cabins there now, but everything still looks rustic and you hardly see anyone there except at the diner (nothing special) and the general store. I don't even see many tourists. Taylor lake isa great lake. There are alternate passes to get toTin Cupand Taylor. One of them is Cottonwood Pass. It's a dirt road, negotiable in a car, but still a very nice drive.

I live inMissouri and it's still a heck of a drive. We try tomake it out there a couple times a year.

Here's a slide showi made in thefall of 2006inand around that area.

http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery....p;gid=13368722