Colorado Off-Road Trails

Gold City Road is nestled near Lake George, Colorado, and is part of the expansive Badger Flats Trail Network. This less-traveled trail, steeped in mining history, offers solitude and captivating vistas. The rock-laden road, shaped by over 11,000 mining claims in the area, begins off US 24, weaving through a lush forest before climbing to a hilltop. The journey culminates in spectacular views on the return trip, rendering Gold City Road an appealing choice for those seeking tranquility and scenic beauty.

The serene Marksbury Road is just a stone's throw from the renowned China Wall in southern Colorado and the myriad trails within the Badger Mountain and Puma Hills area. As you traverse this picturesque route, you'll encounter expansive grazing lands where cattle leisurely graze, creating an idyllic rural tableau. As you venture further, breathtaking views of distant mountains unfurl, transforming from verdant landscapes to icy peaks in winter. On a clear day, these majestic vistas offer stunning sights to invigorate your spirit and enhance your offroad adventure.

Pieplant Creek is an easy out-and-back trail that takes you to Pieplant Mill, a historic site consisting of a few log cabins and the collapsed remains of the mill. There are several camping spots along the trail, and at the beginning, it’s common to see full-size camping trailers. The trail is mostly dirt but has rocky sections. Towards the end of the trail is a short rutted-out section that could be driven by any vehicle with clearance.

The challenging Sheep Creek Road serves as the sole access route between the town of Gateway and the Dolores Triangle region in the remote highlands along the Colorado-Utah border. Sheep Creek is known for its steep switchbacks and narrow shelf roads perched on the sides of sandstone cliffs, resembling a desert version of the famous Black Bear Pass. It is one of the most iconic trails (rated 5 in difficulty) included in the annual Rock Junction event held by the Grand Mesa Jeep Club, as part of a route they call Gateway to Glade Park. While there are no major obstacles on the trail and sections can be relatively smooth, bowling ball-sized rocks and loose gravel are common. These must be navigated while climbing or descending steep, extremely tight switchbacks. Weather events could cause the road to become partially or fully blocked by rockfall at any time.

It is both easiest and most scenic to run the trail downhill, with amazing views across the Dolores River valley to the cliffs of the opposing Beaver Mesa. The first couple of switchbacks are some of the rockiest, after which you will reach a small old cabin that you can peer inside. Past the cabin, the main switchback section begins, dropping swiftly and following along the base of a striking sandstone cliff. Whether going up or down, low gearing and good speed control are essential here. Some switchbacks will require most vehicles to make multi-point turns. About halfway down, the descent becomes more gradual, as the road follows the spine of a narrow ridge down toward the valley floor, with stunning views of the Palisade Butte nearby. After crossing a couple of rocky washes, the trail emerges on a flat sagebrush plain, ultimately ending at the intersection with 4 2/10 Road. Continue on this easy, graded dirt road into the town of Gateway.

While most of the trail is too steep and narrow for camping, there is one small campsite next to the staging area at the bottom. Nearby, there are a few nice shady campsites along the Dolores River accessed from short spurs off 4 2/10 Road, and there are several good campsites along the Steamboat Ridge trail near the top as well. Sheep Creek can be combined with other trails in the Dolores Triangle region, like Granite Creek and Steamboat Mesa, as part of a longer overlanding route to Glade Park and Colorado National Monument or down into Moab via the ford of the Dolores River on Triangle Road near Dewey Bridge.

Forest Hill is a popular out-and-back trail often combined with the Lily Pond trail, which dead ends at Lily Pond. This combination of trails is very popular with OHVs. It's normal to come across numerous groups of OHVs in both directions, even on weekdays. The crowds present challenges with passing opposing traffic as this trail is tight and narrow. Keep an eye out for spots to pull over for passing.

The trail has exposed rocks and a few loose and rocky climbs. This trail is suitable for stock high-clearance vehicles with low-range 4x4 gearing.

There are no campsites along this trail.

Tucked into the high country southwest of Colorado Springs, Frosty Park winds through dense pine forest before breaking into broad mountain meadows beneath the slopes of Mount Rosa and Almagre Mountain. Rocky stretches, seasonal mud, and lingering snow give the drive a distinctly backcountry feel, while quiet clearings and connections to nearby trails make it an appealing escape from the city. It is a memorable route for those seeking cool mountain air, secluded camping, and just enough rugged terrain to make the journey feel like a true Colorado adventure. 

Mack Ridge Road, near Fruita, CO, is part of a group of trails, including the much underappreciated Lion's Loop 4x4 trail. This mild trail takes you to incredible views of Horsethief Canyon and the Colorado River without any scary shelf roads to worry about. Once you reach the top, you'll see stunning red rock canyons, people boating on the river, and likely area wildlife. Look for bighorn sheep, blue herons, and even bald eagles. If you're looking for a peaceful drive with beautiful sights, Mack Ridge Road is the place to go.

Power Road is the easiest leg of a loop completed by Tames Creek and Beard Creek. Power Road varies from rocky road to easy two-track. The area is all scrub brush, so the views go for miles and miles. There are a couple of dispersed campsites with great views but no privacy. Various sources, including the official MVUM, show the trail's west end descending switchbacks and connecting to Red Canyon Creek Road. However, the trail crosses several plots of private land, and one of the land owners has installed a locked gate below the switchbacks. There is no room to turn around, so we end our track at the beginning of Tames Creek.

While not a destination in itself, Flag Divide serves as a wonderful connector road between two popular trail networks in the incredibly scenic Gunnison National Forest. This trail rides the saddle between the Spring Creek and Cement Creek basins and offers beautiful vistas of the mountains just north of Crested Butte. Dispersed camping can be found off this trail, but only a handful of viable sites exist. You will need a 4WD with a transfer case and good tires to complete the entirety of this trail, as there are several deep mud holes, steep pitches, and exposed tree roots that you will need to climb up and over.

If you are looking for minimal effort and maximum rewards, Grayback Mountain Road is perfect. At just under two miles, this trail quickly rises over 600 feet above the surrounding area to 12,605 feet. Besides its neighbor, North Mountain, which is only 85 feet taller, Grayback Mountain is one of the tallest mountains in the area. At the top of the mountain, there's a 360-degree unobstructed view of the southern San Juan Mountains. The top of the mountain can be very windy and cold. The trail does not have any obstacles. The most difficult portion is on the second switchback, which is tight with loose rocks. Each switchback has enough room to pull off if there is a vehicle coming from the opposite direction. The trail can be easily driven by a stock 4WD vehicle. Although there are no obstacles on this trail, 4WD is recommended to assist with the ascent and descent over loose gravel along the trail.

Lily Pond is a very popular trail in Taylor Park that dead ends at Lily Pond. This out-and-back trail must be combined with the Forest Hill trail. The trail is usually busy with OHV traffic, including large groups of OHVs. Spots to pull over for opposing traffic are limited.

Much of the trail is a rocky climb requiring stock high-clearance vehicles with low-range 4x4 gearing.

There are no campsites along the trail.

If you are a beginner or even an avid off-roader looking for solitude in Northern Colorado, look no further than North Lone Pine Creek, aka Many Thunders. This is a very lightly used trail just outside Red Feather Lakes that will take you through an amazing series of meadows, which are full of wildflowers and offer views of the granite slabs protruding out of the earth that this area is known for. There are many campsites along this trail, making it very suitable for dispersed camping. This trail is relatively easy, but a few sections are rather steep, and having a transfer case will make these climbs/descents easier to manage. Depending on the time of the year, you will also experience a few deep water crossings.

Along the eastern end of 311, the track ends abruptly at signage indicating motorized travel is no longer permitted. Return the way you came and head north on 311.A to connect to some of the other great trails in this area!

Pruden Creek Road, situated near Elevenmile State Park at the base of Thirtynine Mile Mountain, was initially used for mining. It offers a glimpse into Colorado's history. The primary draw is the breathtaking scenery of deep valleys, dense forests, and majestic peaks towering around you. Camping is available at several campsites, providing an immersive nature experience far away from crowds. Enjoy this adventure through Colorado's natural beauty.

Lower Lead King Basin is a 0.67-mile-long dead-end spur road, branching off the eastern half of Lead King Basin and providing access to six spacious campsites. Campers are rewarded with incredible views of Treasure Mountain to the south and 14,099-foot Snowmass Mountain, coupled with Hagerman Peak to the north. The road is primarily 1 to 1.5 vehicles wide, made up of dirt and small protruding rock. Although not difficult and or dangerous, one spot along the road will lean your vehicle to 22 degrees of roll. This section lasts only several feet before leveling out again. All the campsites along the road can accommodate several vehicles and multiple tents. Three of the six sites are good for hammock camping. Lower Lead King Basin is an extremely scenic spur road suitable for any high clearance vehicle.

Residing near the Dominguez/Escalante National Conservation Area south of Grand Junction, this route combines Escalante Overlook Road with BLM 74 and 74A, part of the Uncompahgre Field Office. Starting from the north end, the route quickly leaves Highway 50 and offers views of Escalante Canyon and the Gunnison River below. There are a half dozen campsites dotted along the rim of the canyon. The road does have a few rocky portions that would make for a slow go in a lower-clearance vehicle. The southern end connects to Escalante Canyon Road.

Pinos Creek is a well-maintained dirt road that provides access from Del Norte to the South San Juan Wilderness. The trail does not contain any obstacles besides a few blind curves. There are a few campsites on the trail large enough for multiple rigs or RVs. The majority of the trail is tree-lined, but a few breaks in the trees near the north end give way to views of the surrounding mountains. The last 4 miles on the south end of the trail weave you through a dense aspen tree forest which during the fall will be beautiful when the leaves begin to change colors. The trail can be easily driven by a 2WD vehicle.

The road travels over 20 miles through an endless sea of desert sages and cattle. It is a solid option if Yampa Bench Road has dropped out of your plans due to weather or you simply want to get off US-40 and drive on gravel and dirt. There are a few locations for camping, but they are not ideal, and you will need to be mindful that most of the road intermixes in and out of private land. It is suitable for any vehicle.

Sugar Creek Road, also signed as South County Highway 67, is an easy dirt road drive that follows the creek between the South Platte River and Pine Creek Road. There is no camping along this corridor, but it provides direct access to hiking and single-track trailheads like the Lower Sugar Creek Trailhead, which ties into the Noddle Trail network. The route also carries a historic notes, as it parallels the old Nighthawk Branch rail grade and early stage routes that once connected canyon communities, giving today’s travelers a glimpse into the area's past.