Laurie and I first Jeeped Chinaman Gulch in March 2009. We were in our Jeep Liberty and at that time, it was the toughest trail we'd ever been on. Boston Bob and David McDaniel were with us that day. It was Chinaman before the BLM bulldozed and filled the Crevice. Chinaman Gulch is the run that made the Kennedy's decide to purchase and modify a 1994 YJ.
Chinaman Gulch is not a high altitude run. It tops out at just under 9,000' in elevation. By late March each year, its southwest exposure means it is often snow free and for those who don't enjoy snow runs, it's a great way to begin your Jeeping season.
Do not let the TrailDamage rating of 4-7 fool ya. Chinaman Gulch is a 5+ to 8 difficulty trail. As George said, if you have a stock Jeep, we'll pull ya through, but it won't be pretty.
Like Charlie and Lynda, Laurie and I will drive up Friday evening, spending the night in Johnson Village. Folks arriving Friday night get to share dinner at the Coyote Cantina. Laughs and great camaraderie are included at no additional charge. Besides, Laurie's going to be doing the steering and shifting on Chinaman the following day. I get to take lots of pictures and video!
There are several notably difficult Colorado trails us Kennedy's haven't run. Holy Cross, Mt. Blanca and Imogene Pass/Black Bear are three that quickly come to mind. We plan this year to run Holy Cross. It'll be a mid-week run and we're really looking forward to it.
Until then, our annual pilgrimage to Chinaman Gulch remains a true highlight of our Colorado Jeeping season. Thanks Geo for setting this up and we look forward to seeing you, Ann, Lynda, Charlie and a lot of other Patrol 2 folks there! It'll be a hoot!
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Laurie and I have reserved a room for Friday and Saturday night at the Alpine Lodge in Johnson Village. At this time, their rate per night is $59.00 for a room with King Bed. Their phone numnber is: (719) 395-2415. The Alpine Lodge is within easy walking distance of the Coyote Cantina. See ya there!
Jerry Kennedy 303-918-1716 - cell "Eternity is a very long time, especially towards the end..." Woody Allen 1972
Howdy Jerry, Laurie, and Patrol 2,
Ann and I have rented a cabin at the Alpine Lodge in Johnson Village. We will be cooking breakfast at the Cabin Saturday morning for those on the trip who would like to join us at 8:30 am. We will then be meeting at the Gunsmoke Cafe gas station parking lot at 9:45 am and leaving for the trailhead for those who want to get breakfast elsewhere or will be driving up Saturday morning. After the trail is over, we will again be hosting those who will be staying over Saturday night at the cabin for a little after trail party and cookout. The breakfast will be provided for those who want to partake, we will just need an accurate count. The after trail dinner party will be BYOB and bring your own meat. These is a gas grill with an outdoor fireplace so bring what you want. We will provide the fixins to go with it. Again, we will need an accurate count for those who want to join the party.
Should be a blast of a weekend! Seeya all there!
George
George and Ann
(303) 877-7351
georgegallie@aol.com
I just wanna go jeepin!
Howdy Jerry,
I must say that Chinaman is my favorite trail so far as well. Easy enough that a mostly stock rig can make it through with help,but with enough optional obstacles that can challenge even a buggy. Ann and I are also considering staying overnight Friday in Beuna just so we do not have to get up so early, but that will be decided once we get closer to the date of the run.
As an aside, I am leaning on Charlie to set up a weekday Holy Cross run. I ask all of you to start putting some pressure on Charlie and I am certain we can make this happen. With Charlie's new rig, I am sure he will be wanting to do Cleveland Rock. Ann and I will be stopping at the Ghost town of Holy Cross though, and look forward to getting some great pictures of Charlie and possibly Richard Dillon and others climbing up Cleveland Rock.
Seeya on the trail!
George
George and Ann
(303) 877-7351
georgegallie@aol.com
I just wanna go jeepin!