Colorado Off-Road Trails

Lamartine Road is an excellent trail for off-roaders in the beautiful Arapahoe National Forest. The rough road provides breathtaking views of the Sangre de Cristo Range and the Wet Mountains. In addition, this trail is an alternative to Saxon Mountain Road's switchbacks and has many hidden campsites for an isolated stay.  The area has a rich mining history dating back to the mid-1800s when gold was discovered, leading to a gold rush that brought a wave of miners to the area. Today, the remnants of the mining boom can still be seen throughout these trails, with historic mines and mining structures serving as a testament to Colorado's past. It's the perfect place to camp and start your weekend wheeling adventure in this area.

Middle St. Vrain is a well-known offroad trail not far from Boulder, Colorado, known for its rocky terrain and numerous stream crossings. The trail winds through pine and aspen forests, providing stunning views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and the serene Middle St. Vrain Creek. It is a popular artery to recreation, offering abundant hiking and fishing opportunities within the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Often combined with Coney Creek, these two connecting trails create a full-day offroad adventure sure to entertain recreationalists from far and wide.

Corkscrew Pass, located between Ouray and Silverton, Colorado, is one of the more significant four-wheel-drive roads that people from all over the world want to drive, and for good reasons. Most notable is the contrast of colors viewed while driving the trail and the "up-close-to-it" experience in the area. The vibrant rust and reddish mountains contrasted by the dark greens, blues, and bright whites make you want to stop and take it in. There is ample opportunity to find dispersed camping as a basecamp or just a one-night stop while you overland across the San Juan Mountains. All this while giving you a dose of shelf road and switchbacks leading to icy cold glacial ponds filled with Old Man Winter's snow melt. It is perfect for those looking to try shelf roads for the first time and, indeed, anyone who is looking for a stimulating burst of color experience.

It is no wonder that Yankee Boy Basin is one of the most popular offroad trails in Colorado. It offers something for almost anyone who wheels in the San Juan Mountains, which tower around the picturesque and historic town of Ouray. Yankee Boy stimulates a sense of freedom with its lush evergreen forests and seemingly infinite fields of colorful wildflowers. Spectacular waterfalls and pristine alpine lakes accent the landscape. This rugged landscape is framed by the impressive craggy peaks standing watch over the area, most notably Mt. Sneffels, over 14,000' tall. It is the perfect trail for anyone who wants to soak in the very best of what Colorado offers without being on a scary road.

Situated between Marble and Crested Butte, Schofield Pass has a storied history of being one of Colorado's most dangerous and deadly mountain trails since its creation in 1873. Following a notorious narrow shelf road carved into the mountainside high above the Crystal River, this iconic, anxiety-inducing trail takes drivers through a dramatic alpine wilderness of towering peaks, cliffside dropoffs, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear streams. For those who can steady their nerves, Schofield Pass is an unforgettable journey, rich in natural splendor and adrenaline-fueled adventure.

Located just south of the mountain town of Ouray, Mineral Creek is the go-to for those wanting to start the famous Alpine Loop from west to east. Mineral Creek provides access to both Poughkeepsie Gulch and Engineer Pass, but it comes at a price with multiple rock obstacles that will have you pausing to pick a line and narrow sections where caution should be taken in case of oncoming traffic.

The payoff of Mineral Creek begins quickly as you climb 1,500 feet in just the first 2.5 miles with a picturesque shelf road section, historical point-of-interest at the Michael Breen Mine remnants, stream crossing, and multiple camping opportunities. History buffs will enjoy continuing down Mineral Creek as you're presented with two more historic mining areas. Be sure to have your camera ready!

Mineral Creek will leave even experienced offroaders with a sense of accomplishment while giving the whole family plenty of opportunities to stretch their legs and explore.

When you think of Colorado offroading, what do you think of? Maybe majestic snowcapped peaks, fields of wildflowers lined with pine trees, or crystal-clear mountain lakes? Well, if you have the rig to do it, Wheeler Lake checks all of those boxes! Located in the Pike National Forest, Wheeler Lake is the quintessential Colorado high-altitude offroad adventure. From the towering peaks (some of which are 14ers) that surround you as you ascend a thick and lush vegetated valley to the mining remnants from the past, Wheeler Lake will have you and your passengers looking out the windows in every direction right from the get-go. Although the scenery along the way will pull your attention away from the trail, don't let it - this trail has a few tricky obstacles that will give mildly built rigs a run for their money, and even very built rigs will have an opportunity to really stretch out. Flopper, V-Notch, and Bowling Ball Hill are all aptly named obstacles that will stand in your way before your final ascent up to Wheeler Lake. At the end of this trail, you will be experiencing Colorado at its finest - a picturesque, crystal-clear mountain lake fed by snowmelt from the surrounding peaks, all within reach of your offroad rig, of course. Bring your family, bring your friends. Wheeler Lake is one of those trails that, if it's not on your Colorado bucket list, it needs to be.

Located in the northern Front Range, west of Lyons, Bunce School Road is a popular trail because of its close proximity to town along with the availability of dispersed camping. While dispersed camp spots may get filled quickly in the peak summer months, there are a lot of other trails in the area to explore. This trail is also a popular place for winter wheeling as the snow does not get extremely deep between snow storms and does not present any dangerous situations such as shelf roads or off-camber drop offs. Only the last mile of trail is seasonally closed, making this off-road trail highly traveled by not only 4wd vehicles, but also small OHV users such as ATVs, Side by Sides, and motorbikes. A little history about Bunce School Road. In 1888, Joseph Henry Bunce built the first area school, which is still known as the Bunce School and still exists today.

Leavenworth Creek Road is an offroad trail within Colorado's stunning Arapaho National Forest that offers an unmatched blend of thrilling adventure, historical richness, and natural beauty. As a well-preserved relic of the Argentine Central Railway, this demanding trail echoes the past, traversing the same steep, rocky terrain once overcome by silver miners' determined trains in the early 20th century. The trail takes wheelers along narrow shelf roads and winding paths, demanding skill and courage but rewarding with unrivaled vistas of the Continental Divide. Peaks such as Grays and Torreys punctuate the horizon, their grandeur a monumental testament to the allure of Colorado's wilderness. An adventure on the McClellan Mountain trail is not just an off-roading challenge but a journey through time, with the mesmerizing backdrop of the state's historic mining past and the breathtaking landscapes making it a genuine Colorado experience.

About an hour from Denver in the Arapaho National Forest, Red Elephant Hill is the most challenging trail in the Empire Loop. The Empire Loop is a network of trails just above Empire, Colorado, that includes Bill Moore Lake and Mill Creek. Red Elephant Hill is the most difficult of the 3, but that should not deter the beginner driver from giving it a go to help improve their skills. Challenges, views, and fresh air await adventurous offroaders.

Upper Geneva Creek is a journey through striking alpine landscapes topped with a healthy dose of Colorado mining history. This trail passes through a peaceful valley popular for dispersed camping and climbs to elevations above 11,000 feet, where you can explore weathered remains of mining structures and seasonal towns that are now relics of Colorado’s gold rush days. Along the drive, you are offered the opportunity to hike to a natural marvel unique to only a handful of places on Earth: iron-rich wetlands that create an otherworldly scene with vibrant, rust-colored hues against lush greens and mountain tops. This high-altitude adventure is a rare blend of scenic beauty and rich history, making it a must-drive for anyone drawn to Colorado’s untamed spirit.

This offroad trail has become the "go-to spot" for hard wheeling within a short drive from Denver. Spring Creek offers a true rock crawling experience with several major obstacles and constant large boulders that will leave your undercarriage riddled with rock-rash scars. The trail is a popular place to visit on weekends and is a common trail to run multiple times a year as it changes often, with new boulders becoming exposed and old boulders finding new resting spots after each season of use. If you are looking for a challenging trail without a full-day commitment, Spring Creek is a great option.

On June 27th, 1965, United States Air Force Major Currie and 1st Lieutenant Darby veered from their flight path in a Lockheed Martin T-33 trainer jet and crashed into the mountainside in the Arapahoe National Forest. Both crew members lost their lives. Much of the plane is scattered about the mountainside, serving as a memorial for them. This offroad trail takes you within walking distance of the somber scene also known as "The Bunce School Road Plane Crash." Close to Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins, Colorado, this more difficult 4WD trail is popular to run in combination with Bunce School Road, Ironclads, and Middle St. Vrain.

Offering one of the finest views worthy of a short drive, Storm Mountain Road is an offroad adventure that climbs to the summit of Storm Mountain near Drake, Colorado. Once at the top, you are treated to an unobstructed view of cities in the front range valley and Estes Park, the gateway to the Rocky Mountain National Park, from a single location. This popular route offers the best view of any trail in northern Colorado. Whether you are interested in a day trip or a weekend getaway, Strom Mountain is a must-do trail. Keep a sharp eye out for deer, elk, moose, and bear, as all are abundant in this forest. Not everyone can take in this beauty, but because you drive an offroad vehicle, you can take advantage of this exquisite opportunity.

Situated above the Poudre Canyon in the Arapaho National Forest, Kelly Flats is a scenic, rugged, and challenging 4x4 trail offering steep ascents and descents, rock obstacles, water crossings, lush meadows, and picturesque mountain views. This trail can prove unnerving for beginning off-road drivers, as well as challenge even the most seasoned veteran. Gather your buddies, grab your recovery gear, and head out to this extremely popular trail.

Coney Creek offroad trail is a Colorado Right of Passage, dishing out an eye-candy buffet of dense forests, open meadows, and those "OMG" mountain vistas that scream Colorado. But don't let the postcard-worthy views fool you. You'll get your heart racing as you splash through a giant water crossing, crush gnarly rock gardens, and power up heart-pounding steep inclines. Coney Creek is the perfect mix of awe-inspiring beauty and white-knuckle excitement, guaranteeing an experience that'll leave you craving more.

Located 45 minutes southwest of Boulder, Winiger Ridge is the only 4WD road that allows access to the western side of Gross Reservoir. This easy trail is great for weekend camp trips with friends or day trips to the lake for some fishing, kayaking, or paddleboarding. Kick back, relax, and enjoy the scenery. Be aware that swimming is not allowed in Gross Reservoir. This trail is a little rough but short and easy enough that any 4WD or AWD enthusiast can do it. Just be aware that the trail could be crowded with other drivers and many hikers, and is only a single car wide.

First, yes, it is Saints John, not Saint Johns. Keep reading to learn why. This 4WD trail runs along high alpine ridge lines for several miles with spectacular 360-degree views. And lest you get bored, there is a couple of hill climbs to keep things interesting. The trail's north end drops down into the forest below, making its way into the tiny town of Montezuma. In 1863, John Coley made the first silver strike in Colorado. He founded the boom town of Coleyville. However, in 1867, a group of wealthy Free Masons bought up much of the area claims, renaming the town Saints John for the two patron saints of the Free Masons: Saint John the Baptist and Saint John the Evangelist. Thus Saints (plural) John. The current 4WD trail follows the route once taken by ox or mule-driven ore carts hauling the mined ore over the Continental Divide and down the Swan River Valley to the mills and rails in Breckenridge. The mines of Saints John produced silver until the 1950s. Now, feel free to correct everyone you meet who will probably call this Saint Johns. (Full disclosure: The author was one of those people until 2016.)

Middle Fork Swan River 4WD trail follows the river up its valley through picturesque pine forest and onto the high alpine tundra between Whale Mountain and Wise Mountain. From the high saddle, there are spectacular views, with Breckenridge Ski Resort visible to the west and the iconic Red Cone descent to the east.

The Swan River Valley was ground zero for the second Summit County gold and silver rush in the 1880s. Many popular 4WD trails now follow the routes established by prospectors' mules and heavy ore carts. Middle Fork Swan River connects to several of these trails, including North Fork Swan River, Deer Creek, Saints John, Georgia Pass, and SOB Hill. These trails can be combined into various loops offering a full day of fun near or above the treeline.

Tucked between two goliath fourteeners, Mount Massive and Mount Elbert, Halfmoon Creek is a popular trail with abundant camping, great water crossings, epic views, and an amazing reward at its finish line. This seasonal Colorado trail winds through dense forests and open meadows, gradually increasing in difficulty as it follows Halfmoon Creek to the edge of the treeline, where you can explore the historic Champion Mill, a silver ore processing mill from the late 19th century. This amazingly well-preserved mill is a fascinating glimpse into Colorado's mining history that Mother Nature is slowly reclaiming.

Balanced Rock is a fun offroad trail in the Rampart Range network, close to Colorado Springs and easily accessible to those in Denver and other points along the front range. Trails within the Rampart Range provide an enjoyable challenge to stock 4WD vehicles yet offer fun routes for more built rigs. The southern section of the Rampart Range is notable for its unique rock formations, consisting of large boulder piles and valleys filled with rock outcroppings, dense forests, and fine gravel soil. Balanced Rock Road features multiple rock formations, including its namesake, and ends just before reaching the picturesque Upper Palmer Reservoir. Take the time to park at the trail's end, walk to the reservoir, and maybe even explore the hiking trails surrounding the lake. Be aware that fishing is only allowed from the bank, and swimming is strictly prohibited as the reservoir is the direct water source for the town of Palmer Lake. Open during all seasons (except rare closures for excessive precipitation), the Rampart Range portion of Pike National Forest offers year-round 4WD adventure!

The Transfer Trail, situated near Glenwood Springs, Colorado is the main overland route into the White River National Forest SE Flat Tops area. The road delivers you deep into the heart of meadows filled with wildflowers, thick forest of spruce, fir, pine and aspen trees and scenic lakes. Mixed into the experience are vistas of the distant Elk Mountains to the south, and No Name Creek when you find yourself at Windy Point overlook. This off-road route was originally part of the Ute Indian Trail System, then later became a toll road for the Hip Roof Saw Mill at Windy Point. A sheep farmer then bought the land and herded sheep in the area. The old road system connected through the Flat Tops to distant towns such as Meeker and Yampa. Although the Mill and much of the old road system is long gone, the Transfer Trail remains.