We purchased a 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser in August 2021. We found it in New Hampshire and drove it all the way back to Colorado, a road trip that marked the beginning of a new adventure for us. Off-roading had been on our wish list for years, and getting this FJ finally made it possible.
Our first official trip was to Guanella Pass, a stunning route in the Rocky Mountains located in southwestern Clear Creek County, west of Denver and south of Georgetown. Sitting at an elevation of 11,669 feet, the area is surrounded by scenic byways, mountain peaks, and beautiful hiking trails.
Driving over rough terrain is a thrill like no other. The trail was even more breathtaking because the fall colors were just beginning to peak. Golden leaves danced in the wind as we climbed higher into the mountains. But as any Coloradan knows, the weather can change in an instant. A sudden snowfall forced us to cut our trip short, reminding us that mountain weather is never predictable—especially in fall and winter.
Still, even with a shortened trip, we were hooked. And we’ll definitely be returning to explore more of Guanella Pass.
We’re only at the beginning of our off-roading journey, and I’m excited to share more adventures as we go. If you’d like to see footage from this trip, you can watch it here: https://youtu.be/16S-g11RDhY