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High Rocky Riders Off-Road ClubHighest Mountain Range in the Lower 48 |
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The High RockiesThe High Rocky Riders off-road club is headquartered in Buena Vista, Colorado. Buena Vista is tucked between the Sawatch Range on the west and the Mosquito Range on the east, and the two ranges join to close off the headwaters of the Arkansas River about 40 miles to the north. The Sangre de Cristo Range blocks off the river's escape route about 30 miles to the south, forcing the Arkansas to carve its way out through the gateway (Salida) and the "Royal Gorge." These three ranges form the upper Arkansas valley. The they are among the highest range in the state and have long been favorite areas for year-round outdoor and wilderness entertainment. The Sawatch alone has sixteen of the state's fifty-two fourteeners (Elbert is the highest at 14,431 ft.), not to mention dozens of twelve- and thirteen-thousand foot peaks. The Mosquitos, on the east, contain three fourteeners and several twelve- and thirteen-thousand foot peaks. ![]() From the lush green valleys between the peaks to the snow-capped and rocky bluffs above, the area has a rich history of fur trapping, mining, ranching, logging, railroading, and recreation. This complex history has left a wealth of old wagon roads, railroad grades, logging roads, and cattle trails, most of which have become ideal trails for off-road vehicles. In scenery these mountains rank amongst the most beautiful in the world. In difficulty the riding areas range from gentle to very severe. Some of the toughest jeep puzzles in the country, such as Chinaman's Gulch to the east and the Iron Chest Mine to the west of Buena Vista are tests of the driver and threats to the equipment. Numerous old wagon passes are amongst the highest in the state and provide plenty of challenges for drivers of jeeps and ATVs alike. And there are many trails maintained for the two-wheelers as well. The RidersThis, then, is the playground we would like you to enjoy with us. The High Rocky Riders is a club made up of enthusiasts for all kinds of mechanized equipment, from such four-wheelers as Jeeps, Land Cruisers, and Broncos to ATVs and two-wheelers. Our members are of all ages, interests, and levels of technical skill. What we all share is our love of the high country, the open air, and adventure suited to our skills and desires; our insistence on the best outdoor etiquette to protect our mountain environment and valuable recreational resources; and our commitment to safety and responsibility with our equipment. We invite you to join us. Thanks for visiting High Rocky Riders! We hope you will return soon. |
Last Updated: Tuesday, March 20, 2008
© 2004-2005 by High Rocky Riders Off Road Club, Buena Vista, Colorado