Colorado Off-Road Trails

Covering over 500 square miles, Grand Mesa is the world's largest flat-top mountain. Being so flat, an extensive collection of lakes dot the landscape. Each of these lakes is unique, having its own camping and fishing. Forest trail 123 branches of the pavement, easily climbing up the southern side of the mesa. The road has washboards and blind corners but can be completed in 2WD. You'll travel through a dense aspen and pine forest with numerous free campsites on the easy connecting trails traveling to another hidden lake.

Guinn Mountain Spur is a short, dead-end spur road off Jenny Creek that ends along the Guinn Mountain hiking trail. It is a tight, technical, and rocky trail with tightly encroaching pine trees that limit the width of vehicles willing to travel it. It is best suited for narrow vehicles such as UTVs, ATVs, and older jeeps. Users will be required to traverse watermelon and beachball-size rocks that can easily snag differentials and low-hanging undercarriage parts. The trail passes a few dilapidated cabin structures, crosses a creek, and has two sub-par campsites along the drive. Be careful at the end of this trail as the closure gate has been cut down, and it is easy to end up on the non-motorized hiking trail.

The primary purpose of this trail is likely an access trail for firefighting, EMS, and SAR operations.

Climbing from the Eagle River Valley near Minturn into the heart of the White River National Forest, Tigiwon Road delivers a memorable mountain journey through sweeping aspen groves, dense evergreen forest, and increasingly rugged alpine terrain. The winding, sometimes rough drive feels wonderfully removed from the nearby resort towns, eventually reaching the edge of the Holy Cross Wilderness, where secluded camping and trailheads leading toward some of Colorado’s most iconic high-country scenery invite travelers to slow down, explore, and discover what lies beyond the road.

4th of July Road is a scenic, easy drive that winds west from Eldora into the Indian Peaks Wilderness, making it one of the most popular access routes in the area. The road is generally 2WD-friendly, with only a few shallow washouts that are easily managed with careful driving. Along the drive, the scenery steadily improves, with aspen groves putting on a brilliant show of color each fall and a small waterfall visible around the 1.6-mile mark, adding to the charm.

The road ends at a large parking area that serves as the trailhead for the popular 4th of July hiking trail. Just before the end, you’ll also find a small forest service campground with several sites, including at least one ADA-reserved spot. With its easy access, light challenges, and excellent scenery, 4th of July Road is a great choice for casual drivers, hikers, and anyone looking for a simple route into the high country.

Crystal Road is a bumpy out-and-back trail to its namesake, Crystal Lake. The trail has a few minor obstacles consisting of embedded rock in packed dirt. High clearance is necessary, but 2WD is sufficient under normal conditions. The lake at the end is peaceful and secluded, providing a few small options for camping but nothing for more than 1-2 vehicles in any one spot.

Transmitter Road is a dead-end trail along the southern base of Cheyenne Mountain. This trail provides a quiet reprieve from the bustling Old Stage Road and can be traveled by any vehicle. While the trail may not boast dramatic scenery, it offers a pleasant diversion for those seeking a more secluded route. Camping is permitted according to the MVUM, but potential campers should know that the trail is narrow and interspersed with private and government-owned properties. Additionally, no established sites were seen along the way.

Kazar Loop Road is a scenic and remote trail cutting through BLM land. It offers nearly nonstop views, including distant views of Blue Mesa Reservoir. Several spur roads branch off toward old mines, ranches, and trails that eventually lead down to the lake. Vista camping spots are scattered throughout the southern portion of the route, offering fantastic sunset views.

The road is best suited for high clearance 4x4 vehicles. Two long, steep hills with loose rocks must be climbed and descended, along with a rocky ledge section. Clockwise travel involves climbing the ledges; counterclockwise means descending them.

The trail is rough and narrow in places, with ruts and loose rock. When wet, the mud becomes slick enough to cause vehicles to slide, even with four-wheel drive. Travel is not recommended in wet conditions.

While the route is remote, the effort is rewarded with wide-open terrain, quiet campsites, and nonstop views.

Seasonal Closures: This trail is closed to motorized use from March 15 through May 15 (or earlier if conditions warrant) to protect Gunnison sage-grouse and prevent road damage when muddy.

Located within the Flat Top–Peach Valley Recreation Area of the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area near Montrose, Colorado, Eagle Road delivers a classic high-desert offroad experience with rocky terrain, moderate hills, and wide-open views across the rugged Gunnison Gorge landscape. As part of the larger Wave - Eagle Loop, Eagle Road offers enough rough terrain to keep drivers engaged without crossing into true rock-crawling territory. Its primary appeal comes from the combination of backcountry scenery, multi-use access, and connection to a larger network of roads and trails that explore the pinyon-juniper uplands above the gorge.

Resolution Mountain is a quarter-mile spur off McAllister Gulch up to the summit of Resolution Mountain at 11,905 feet. The trail climbs steeply and ends at a wide turn-around spot. The most difficult part of the trail is at the beginning, in the form of moderate erosion ruts. Straddle the ruts, and any high clearance vehicle with a low range will easily make the climb. Dispersed camping is allowed, but the terrain is uneven, and preestablished campsites are nonexistent or have done a great job of leaving no trace.

Burma is a quiet dirt trail in the trees separating Cottonwood Pass and Cumberland Pass. The trail begins at an easy-to-miss turn on Cottonwood Pass and ends at a campsite. Burma can also be combined with other trails to create an alternative route to the town of Tincup for drivers looking to stay off the pavement for as long as they can.

There are six obvious campsites along the trail, almost all in the trees with limited area views.

Under normal conditions, Burma is a dry and smooth dirt road. However, you may find muddy areas during the late spring/early summer and after recent precipitation. Any vehicle with a bit of clearance can easily drive this trail under normal conditions.

Hoffman Park is a short out-and-back spur trail off Middle Fork Trail. The route follows the drainage to near treeline and ends at a large alpine meadow overlooking the Middle Fork Valley. Near the remnants of several old cabins, there is a nice campsite at the end of the trail and a view of the main mine adit across the basin. The trail has tight switchbacks and rocky sections, making it suitable for stock 4x4 vehicles with high clearance and a low range. This route requires a Colorado OHV sticker.

Berkey Road, located on the fringe of Pike National Forest, is a tranquil trail that carves through the serene high-elevation prairie landscape. Part of the expansive Badger Mountain Trail Network, it doesn't offer testing terrain but compensates with splendid panoramic views and enticing camping spots. Strikingly secluded, Berkey Road guides travelers to the foot of the Observatory Rock summit, revealing breathtaking vistas in all directions. With its unique prairie scenery, this easy trail is a delightful addition to any day's off-roading or a perfect starting point for a broader exploration of the area.

Around Hill Road provides a rugged trail experience with its narrow, rutted road and shelfy areas, providing some scenic views while connecting Missouri Gulch Road and Long Hollow Road. The route allows camping per the MVUM, though no established sites were seen.

Clark Spring Road (FR 130) in Pike National Forest offers a 2.3-mile journey through the serene Tarryall Mountains northeast of Fairplay, Colorado. The trail, suitable for beginners and seasoned travelers alike, is characterized by rough terrain, muddy patches, and ruts due to infrequent maintenance.

The trail is a hotspot for campers and sightseers, thanks to its expansive dispersed camping areas and connection to other trails. Best experienced from late spring to fall, Clark Spring Road is an excellent choice for those seeking a mix of adventure and nature's calm.

Rangley Dragon Road is a 16-mile trail on the western slope of Colorado. On its northern end, near Rangely, Colorado, it is also named Big Park Road. Maps show this road going all the way into Utah, but on its southern end, it is gated and private. The road is entirely maintained and easy to drive. It provides quick access to other roads in the area when on a longer-distance overland trip. No camping is found on the route.

Situated in Colorado's beautiful wilderness, Right Road is a gateway to the small vehicle trail, Rule Spur Trail. This accessible route threads through a serene landscape of pine forests and creeks, peppered with stunning glimpses of the Rockies. While primarily a pathway to other trails, Right Trail adds value with its tranquil ambiance, mild terrain suitable for all drivers, and vibrant signs of nature rebounding from past wildfires.

Tilden Road, FR 390C, a 1.3-mile trail in Pike National Forest, weaves through the picturesque Tarryall Mountains just northeast of Fairplay, Colorado. Catering to beginners and sightseers, this north-south trail offers a gentle yet engaging offroad experience. The trail is characterized by rough, muddy conditions with rutted sections due to washouts. While Tilden Road is fairly accessible, it connects to more challenging 4WD trails.

Tilden Road provides access to dispersed camping areas in a peaceful forest setting. Best visited from late spring to fall, this trail is perfect for those seeking relaxation and adventure in the wilderness.

Harleys Dome is a 4-mile moderate 4x4 trail within the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area along I-70. The trail's highlight has to be that it crosses into Utah, near the I-70 Utah Stateline sign. The trail has a couple of challenges that require 4x4 and high clearance. You must drop down a wash embankment and climb the other side. Avoid the trail in wet conditions. The mud will be impassable.

The area also offers mountain biking at Mack Ridge/Kokopelli and off-highway vehicle trails in Rabbit Valley. The Trail Through Time, adjacent to an active dinosaur quarry, provides visitors a chance to learn about fossils and paleontological finds in the area. Find outstanding hiking and horseback riding at Devil's Canyon and Pollock Bench trailheads off Kingsview Road outside Fruita. The area is home to mountain lions, desert bighorn sheep, elk, deer, eagles, and collared lizards.

Camping is not permitted along this route. Free primitive camping can be found on Crow Ridge trail at High North Campground.

Penrose Commons is a BLM OHV recreation area near Penrose, Colorado. The area is full of crisscrossing full-size and ATV trails of varying difficulty. BLM Route 6101A is a short loop off of 6101. It also crosses 6101C, which leads back to the central trail. This trail is mostly rock and gravel with a couple of rough patches, small steps, and loose rocks. Any stock 4x4 would be suitable for this trail. Camping within Penrose Commons is limited to designated sites only, which are marked with camping signs. No campsites can be found along this trail. Vault toilets are located at the entrance to the OHV area.