Colorado Off-Road Trails

Nestled in southern Colorado's picturesque Tarryall Mountains and South Park Valley, Puma Road is a year-round, moderate trail carved over a century ago by miners led by Samuel La Salle. This trail is a testament to human determination, cutting through the Puma Hills and offering a direct route into the South Park Valley. Its beauty peaks in the fall with vibrant foliage, and in winter, it becomes a solitary haven when nearby roads close. Whether the seasonal hues or the breathtaking landscapes stretch in all directions, this trail offers a staple Colorado off-roading experience that shouldn't be missed.

Gold Run Gulch is a short, easy, sometimes rocky dirt road accessing some great area historical sites. It is part of the Golden Horseshoe trail system which covers over 8000 acres between the Swan River and French Gulch. The area has a rich history and is dotted with countless mines, mills, and cabins dating from the late 1870s through the 1950s. The Golden Horseshoe is crisscrossed with 4WD, ATV, single track, mountain bike and foot trails. Keep a sharp eye out for other folks using this network and, as always, be considerate. Stay the trail, and pack out what you packed in. It is vital that all visitors respect historic sites. Please leave them as you found them. Decades of tourists taking home bits of these historic buildings as mementos or carving their autographs have destroyed much of our history. Many historic sites are in a dangerous state of decay. Never enter or climb on historic ruins. It could damage the site, or worse, damage you!

Located within the White River National Forest and connecting McAllister Gulch to Shrine Pass, Wearyman Creek Road is a technical, rocky, and extremely narrow trail that treks along ancient creek beds that help create the Eagle River. This trail parallels and crosses Wearyman Creek multiple times as it carves its way through the landscape on the way to connecting with Turkey Creek.

Rankin Road, situated within Colorado's South Platte Ranger District, offers a straightforward journey through impressive scenery. As you travel the trail, you'll be captivated by the unassuming beauty of the surrounding hills and meadows. The journey finishes in a tranquil meadow nestled by a peaceful creek, providing a relaxing breather during your adventure. Whether explored individually or as part of a more extensive adventure, Rankin Road ensures an inviting excursion through Colorado's stunning wilderness.

Located high atop the hills of the Flattops, White Owl Lake is a connecting road within a vast network of trails traveling part of the White River National Forest. This trail travels through expansive meadows and dense forests, passing pristine mountain lakes and streams. The trail offers a truly remote and unspoiled outdoor experience. Whether you come for camping, fishing, the relaxing drive, or the serenity, White Owl Lake leaves you with a new appreciation for the beauty and solitude of the great outdoors.

The "China Road" was the original road up the Animas River Valley toward the pass out of Durango. Apparently the road was named after a section of Asian-looking stoneworks assembled by the original work crew. The road winds above and along Lime Creek just below Molas Pass and Andrews Lake on US-550. There is limited roadside camping and excellent fly fishing on Lime Creek.

Grizzly Jeep Trail is a beautiful high alpine road located in the Flat Tops of the White River National Forest. It travels through an extremely delicate environment, so staying on the trail and packing out all trash is very important. Grizzly Cow Camp is the destination on the trail with primitive camping and some truly incredible alpine views. The trail is an experience with a variety of obstacles, gorgeous scenery, and a good possibility of seeing wildlife. The trail connects Coffee Pot Road with White Owl Lake and Transfer Trail, making it a perfect trail for a quick ride or as an addition while running other trails in the area. The trail can have some deep, sticky mud holes depending on the time of year and recent weather, so definitely do try this one alone. Also, one rutty rock ledge will challenge vehicles that do not have rock sliders or larger tires. This trail is best suited for experienced drivers in a modified vehicle on larger tires.

The only established campsite along this trail is at the Grizzly Cow Camp. It is a Primitive campsite without any facilities, only an established fire pit.

Located southeast of Breckenridge, Indiana Creek follows its namesake creek, passing through open meadows, pine forests, and a section of clear-cut that is ultimately making the forest healthier and more fire resistant. Along the way, a short side trip explores the remnants of Dyersville and the Warriors Mark Mine, where gold was produced between 1881 and 1908. This trail is a great way to explore old mine relics and make an easy connection between Blue River and Boreas Pass.

Located along the eastern edge of the Uncompahgre National Forest, this in-and-out trail near the Vernon Mine provides spectacular views of Red Mountain #1 and gives you a real sense of serenity to an area that is otherwise bustling with 4wheel drive vehicles. This trail might not be great if you are looking for wildflowers, but the colors from the nearby hills and the transitions to blue skies will leave you speechless.

Tucked away in the Rio Grande National Forest of Southwest Colorado lies Bristol Head, a peak with 360-degree views of amazing lush green valleys and numerous towering peaks. A long, bumpy journey brings you to a jagged cliff and a small handful of radio towers perched at 12,700 feet. Although not a difficult trail, this journey takes time. Luckily, camping is abundant along its first few miles, making for a great weekend getaway.