2019 National Ralley @ Ouray, Co.

chris snell

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Callsign: NW5W
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Seems historically few on this board are interested in or attend gatherings of like minded individuals.

I don't think that the problem is the events themselves, but the historically low number of Defender owners who actually take their trucks off-road. An even smaller number will make a long highway trip to the desert.
 

Uncle Douglas

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A large contingent of those registered so far are from the ROAV club here. The Ouray area and the trail network above it are said to be some of the most incredible in the US, thats the draw, first time in the Ouray area for us.
 
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chris snell

Administrator
Callsign: NW5W
Staff member
It is a gorgeous area but it's definitely not the first time for LRNR to be held in this area, or even in Ouray.

I hope that folks coming from the East will make time for some SE Utah driving (not Moab) before or after the event.
 

UnfrozenCaveman

Well-known member
I'll be there with the Perentie.

I first attended in 1997 with the Disco

Yes, it's a smaller group that it used to be. There used to be loads of Series and Defenders there...mostly the wacky air bag suspension thingmajobs recently though.
 

pmatusov

Technical Excellence Contributor
Callsign: AK6PM
It is a great event, but ... it is a large event nonetheless.
I have attended one in Breckenridge 8 years ago, and I am very thankful to Solihull Society for that - because I learned of a whole lot of trails in the area, and all along the way back to Utah. But I am not sure I'd want to do another one.
Love Ouray, and I'll try to get there in September - when things cool off and there's no permanent traffic jam at a gas station North of town.
 

xplorutah

Well-known member
I stopped going as the fees were getting up there. Besides living out here I can go anytime, and anymore I don’t care if you are in a Toyota, Chevy, Rover, or Rivian etc. IMHO we are all relatively like minded no matter what we drive if we are out wheeling and camping.
 

pmatusov

Technical Excellence Contributor
Callsign: AK6PM
Picking up on that trying to find accomodations.
Ouray KOA is the best KOA location I have been to. There is not a whole lot of alternatives, unfortunately; you may look for accomodations in Ridgway. Not sure if Orvis Hot Springs allow campers (on top of clothing being not really optional :) )
 

chris snell

Administrator
Callsign: NW5W
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Ironton NF campsite may be an option but would probably be full or nearly full from normal summer traffic. There's also a big state park on the other side of Ridgway.
 

chris snell

Administrator
Callsign: NW5W
Staff member
Yankee Boy Basin has incredible camping but it's a pretty good drive down to Ouray. Definitely worth a night on the way in or out though.
 

LR Max

Well-known member
Ouray KOA is the best KOA location I have been to. There is not a whole lot of alternatives, unfortunately; you may look for accomodations in Ridgway. Not sure if Orvis Hot Springs allow campers (on top of clothing being not really optional :) )

X2 on Ouray KOA. A REALLY good facility.
 

pmatusov

Technical Excellence Contributor
Callsign: AK6PM
Ironton is a fantastic place to camp - but there could be some really strange people around. Great hiking trail along the creek and over up the mountainside.
 

Uncle Douglas

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Appreciate the suggestions.
Part of the quandry is a location thats around an hours drive into Ouray for the morning meeting before splintering into groups to do different trails. Kraig and I will both be camping with our kids and ideally would like access to a shower.
Every private campground I have contacted is booked as well as the state ones up around Ridgway.
The couple of NPS campgrounds around Ouray are first come first served and arent taking online reservations
which makes it kind of hard to plan.
 
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pmatusov

Technical Excellence Contributor
Callsign: AK6PM
Ouray KOA is South of town, if you camp somewhere near Ridgway you can stop by and pay them for a shower.
Yankee Boy Basin is fantastic for camping and you are almost always near a creek, but it is close to an hour to get to town.
Ironton is closer to town, but I would not use the creek's water for anything but washing feet.

I have been in this situation almost 20 years ago, with an aggravating circumstance of having a large dog that did not like me leaving him; found a spot in one of the motels/inns in town.
One other way, which is also difficult to plan on, is to find a camper/group of campers at KOA willing to share the cost and allowing you to camp on their site.
 

pmatusov

Technical Excellence Contributor
Callsign: AK6PM
Ironton:

image_0124_B.JPG


Yankee Boy Basin:

106_0155a.jpg
 

Viton

Well-known member
Like everyone says, I'll be difficult to find a place to stay for a few days.
I attended this event with them in 2014, beautiful country and the run down Blackbear Pass to Telluride, and back over Emogene and back to Ouray is not to be missed. Called the Ouray KOA on May 1, 1st day they were open and all sites/cabins for the week in question was sold out .... bummer.
 
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