Here we go again, invading the San Juan Mountains with Full Size Jeeps! Please plan to be in Ouray by Tuesday evening (July 15). We will be trail riding Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. There is the option stay another day and get together for a ride on Saturday as well. The socially acceptable FSJ place to camp is at the Ouray KOA. Sites 45 through 53 have been set aside for us to make reservations for the Full Size Jeep group until the end of December. After New Years 2008, these will be made available to the general public. Krista and I have site 47A. Site 47D is the social gathering place for camp fire meetings. Forum discussions for Ouray FSJ Invasions are held over here on IFSJA.

Since we are not sure how long everyone might be able to stay, be sure and let KOA know which day you plan to depart. It is pretty laid back in the back by the aspens and only a short walk to the bathroom and showers. You are responsible to get and pay for your sites if you stay at the KOA or anywhere else. The best bet is to determine if you can make it to the 2008 Ouray FSJ Invasion and reserve early. Please remember: If you cancel less than 48 hours before your arrival date, you pay Dave with your credit card for 1 night for each reservation you make. Your bill with Ouray KOA is your responsibility. Here is the KOA web site: OURAY KOA You can reserve a site by the Internet HERE, by email to Dave or call 1-800-KOA-8026. Dave and Deborah spend the winter in Florida and will be leaving Ouray by the end of October until next Spring. They can take your reservations from where ever they are, but it may take a few days to make your connection with them once they has left for Florida. Please be patient. Reserved sites are shown with an asterisk on the map below.

Link to other lodging options
Note: Discounts mentioned at above link only applied to the 2002 Ouray FSJ Invasion.

Here is the deal... Our FSJ gatherings are totally unorganized and unofficial, but that doesn't mean it has to be disorganized. We would like to meet with everyone on Tuesday and Wednesday evening to figure out where folks would like to ride during the next few days. (there is a good link below to show trails of the area) Then the individuals involved can discuss their plans for the week. Meeting times and places can be decided for the trail rides at that time. No person on any trail ride can be designated "the leader", "the guide" or any name that gives the impression that they are in charge. All that show up are their own leader. A person can head up the trail and the others have the option to follow the Jeep in front of them. Each driver is responsible for their own actions and the occupants of their vehicles. There are four auto parts stores in Montrose (about 35 miles north of Ouray) for those who have wrenching needs. Autozone, Carquest, Checkers and NAPA. Unfortunately, the NAPA owner is not that easy to deal with and I personally refuse to do business with him. It is up to you who you do business with. =8-)

FSJs have been cruising the San Juan Mountains for over 4 decades, so most the locals are pretty familiar with our vehicles and recent gatherings. The trails are from mild to wild with most fairly mild with seat gripping views from high on the mountain trails. Going up Poughkeepsie Gulch is probably the most challenging and that is just on one obstacle with 3 approaches. We recommend at least a locker in the rear to traverse Poughkeepsie Gulch. We have seen totally stock rigs make all the other trails. As usual, the big thing to plan for is elevation up to 13000 feet. Overheating and vapor lock are common. In warm summers, there are some who get challenged with vapor lock issues. Be prepared to deal with Vapor Lock and tune for High Elevation ( > 8500 feet ). Prepare people for elevation by bringing water on the trails. It is good to plan for anywhere around 90 degree temps to freezing hail storms or snow. That means bring layered clothing.

Trails on West side of Hwy 550

Pictures from the 6th Annual Ouray FSJ Invasion
CFSJA Official 2002 Invasion site (good info): THE INVASION
Collection of Ouray info by Don S and others at: TX-OK Jeep Club
Trail info from another Ouray site: Ouray Trails
Ouray Trail Conditions

contact Flint or Krista for further questions

Reach up and kiss the sky!