This broken, confusing conversation took place as we drove through the streets of Boulder, Colorado, listening to and following Google directions. Minutes from our hotel, we found ourselves in an industrial park stopped by a green metal security gate. Is this an overland adventure or a secret meeting with a CIA agent? The gate slowly opened. Travis Titus greeted us, and we proceeded to follow Travis, on foot, to a storage facility. Shortly, we arrived at Titus Adventure Company.
Overland adventures start in many ways and fashions. This one started uniquely. We stared at a clean, white 2019 Toyota Sequoia TRD Sport vehicle kitted with some of the latest and greatest overlanding equipment. Travis welcomed us to Titus Adventure Company (TAC) and escorted us into the facility to orientate us to the vehicle. This storage facility is home to TAC and a fleet of Toyotas to rent. Travis described a Tacoma, 4Runner, and Sequoia for the adventurer to rent. The vehicles come equipped with gear from AluCab, RhinoRack, Yeti, NEMO, Kokepelli, and a plethora of other great manufacturers. Travis did not spare any cost to equip the TAC vehicles with solid, reputable gear and equipment. We had a lot to cover before we left.
Travis started TAC after working for 10 years as a mechanical engineer. He grew up exploring and adventuring in the outdoors and desired to share the joys of outdoor adventuring with others. At times, adventure seekers experience “road blocks” like not having the right gear or vehicle. Travis wanted to find a solution. Also, he realized that people may not need or want to drive a SUV or truck daily, but would want one to rent one for an adventure. People could reduce their carbon footprint by renting an adventure vehicle only when they needed one. Travis created Titus Adventure Company. Problem solved. Opportunity knocks.
Travis explained the “ins and outs” of the Sequoia and the gear that we would use over our four-day adventure. Brian listened to the directions for deploying and retracting the RhinoRack Ghost 360 degree awning. He showed Sam how to use the IKamper roof top tent. Travis insisted that we felt comfortable and confident in the use of the gear and vehicle. Lastly, we chatted about the route we had planned—Travis offered helpful suggestions. Before leaving, he showed us where the first aid kit was located and the many maps we might need; stored in the vehicle. Simply put, the vehicle was completely outfitted, and we left comfortable and confident. Ready for an adventure! Our loose plan was to head to Crested Butte for some hiking and biking.
Without a problem, the Sequoia “swallowed” all of our bags, personal items, equipment, and two bikes. The Sequoia TRD Sport was comfortable but not super sporty or agile as we dodged the traffic in and around the Denver metro area. All three of us sat comfortably in black leather captain’s chairs. Sam was in charge of playing the tunes, while Brian was in charge of navigation. I stepped on the skinny pedal and the 5.7-liter engine revved to life, southbound toward Highway 285. Turning westbound on Highway 285, signified departing the hustle and bustle of Denver and the true beginning of our adventure. The road quickly narrowed to two lanes, so I focused my eyes on the tarmac and the oncoming traffic.
“Would you guys like to see some old mines?” I asked as we rolled into Fairplay, Colorado.
“Sure, let’s do it,” both Brain and Sam replied. Fairplay is a rustic ranching and mining town. Mining still takes places here, but we were on the lookout for some relics of yesteryear. We turned off of Highway 9, and the Sequoia finally hit dirt. Monster cumulous clouds covered the towering Rocky Mountains as we proceeded to climb in elevation as the road twisted and turned through evergreen and aspen forests. Soon, we spotted some old mining relics and sites. We left the comforts of the TAC Sequoia and proceeded on foot. Our lungs gasped for air; my watch read 11,500 feet. Ore cart towers dotted the landscape. Some had fallen and succumbed to the elements, while other stood tall and proud. Sam and Brian threw some snowballs at each other while I discovered some stunning alpine flowers. The clouds continued to lower and rain began to fall. It was time for us to move.
Rain pelted the windshield as we climbed higher toward Cottonwood Pass outside Buena Vista, Colorado. At the top, we stopped to savor the views. Tall mountains of granite stretched toward the sky. Clouds and rain created a spooky mood across this 12,100-foot pass. We descended the western side of the pass; this once dirt road is now paved, so we mindfully watched for traffic and animals. As soon as we reached the bottom, we were rewarded with a few baby moose and momma eating the lush grasses on the roadside.
“The sun might pop out,” Sam suggested.
“Look, there!” I pointed to the north.
“Let’s go,” encouraged Brian.
We hoped for a magical sunset as we headed north from Taylor’s Reservoir. Rooster tails of dust kicked up as we chased the setting sun.
“There, pull over.” Brian alerted us. We stopped and watched the sun “kiss” the high alpine peaks we had just descended from on the Cottonwood Pass road. A few rainbows showed themselves. I faced the sun and marveled at the scene before me. It was a satisfying way to end the day.
The next morning we aimed the Sequoia toward Crested Butte. Along the way, we passed stunning ranches and crystal-clear mountain streams. We rolled into Crested Butte, CB, shortly before noon. The town was “jumping” with people. CB is one of the prettiest towns I have visited in the western United States. Main Street is lined with brightly colored homes, and the surrounding mountains are just jaw dropping gorgeous. It’s a place that I never get tired of visiting.
“Let’s find a campsite.” Sam suggested.
“Sounds like a plan.” I agreed.
We traveled along the Slate River and into the mountains.
“We have to ford the river and then, continued on the road.” I said. The Sequoia eased through the water, which really wasn’t that deep. On the other side, and we found a picturesque place to camp. The campsite sat at the base of towering mountains; and waterfalls cascaded on all three sides. Brian opened the awning; Sam popped the tent; and I organized the back of the vehicle. We set camp quickly and then decided to take an afternoon hike.
The high alpine mountains of Colorado are breath-taking. Wildflowers grew abundantly next to the cascades. We marveled at our surroundings as we continued to gain elevation. Mines from the past dotted the landscape, and we envisioned a hundred plus years ago when the miners forged a living in this harsh landscape. We walked through Columbine and Lupine flowers as we followed the trail. The trail dead-ended at a mine that has been gated closed. Nonetheless, the view was fabulous!
“I am going to get the bikes ready, okay?” I offered.
“Sure,” responded Sam. The TAC vehicles can be equipped with all sorts of gear depending on the adventure planned. Travis had equipped the Sequoia with a Kuat bike rack. Sam and I were excited to ride some single track for which CB is famous, while Brian planned to fly fish in the local waters.
High cumulous clouds soared overhead in cobalt skies as Sam and I biked the Snodgrass Trail. The rolling nature of the trail provided a fast and fun ride. The views of the entire CB valley stood before us as we stopped to gawk at another view. The view was picture worthy everywhere we turned. The riding was exhilarating, but we planned to meet Brian in the town of CB in the late afternoon for beer and pizza. So, we increased our pace and continued.
“How was the fishing?” Asked Sam.
“It was okay. I got dumped on.” Brian replied.
“What? Really?” I questioned.
“Yeah, the rain clouds unleashed on me for 15 minutes or so.”
“Wow, no rain fell where we rode.” I commented. After meeting, we enjoyed our time at The Secret Stash Pizzeria.
The Neowise Comet soared high overhead as we strained to get a closer look. A pine log fire warmed us while we gazed at the stunning night sky. Stars swam in an endless black sea high above us. We spotted constellations and the Milky Way in all its glory. It was a good night.
Early the next morning, I shifted the Toyota Sequoia into 4-high and headed up the Gothic Road toward our next bike ride. At the 401 trailhead, we unloaded the bikes, excited for the ride down. Brian took the Kokepelli pack raft for a paddle on Emerald Lake, just a few minutes away where he could throw some dry flies on the water. Sam and I rode down the 401 while Brian threw a few dry flies onto the waters. A few hours later, Brian packed the raft and drove the Gothic Road to meet us. We hastily packed our remaining gear and equipment. Time wasn’t on our side, and we needed to return to TAC headquarters in Boulder.
Travis asked if we enjoyed our adventures. “We did. So sorry for returning the vehicle dirty.” I replied.
“No problem at all. It looks like you tested the Sequoia and all the equipment.”
“We certainly did,” stated Sam. We spent the next half hour or so taking our bags and items out of Sequoia and returning them to my car. TAC had their Tacoma and 4Runner clean and ready to go. We checked out those vehicles, which were ready for rentals the following day. One was headed to Glacier National Park for two weeks, while the other was staying local in the Colorado Rockies. Travis did mention that most of his customers explore and adventure in Colorful Colorado. And why not?
All of us crave adventure. Titus Adventure Company literally offers the keys to adventure. It’s up to each of us to define and pursue it. Adventure awaits. Contact Travis and Titus Adventure Company ASAP!
Resource:
Titus Adventure Company
www.tacrentals.com | 720-878-8586
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