Colorado Off-Road Trails

Clearcut 2 Road, accessible from Rule Ridge Road, is a rough dirt trail primarily used as a camping spur. Its terrain might be challenging due to the rugged surface, but it also offers opportunities for dispersed camping. Despite its roughness, the trail is passable for those with a sense of adventure and a 2WD vehicle with clearance.

Saylor Park Road South, a brief yet scenic offshoot of Saylor Park Road, delves into the other side of the valley, offering equally captivating views. This shorter road features a few dispersed camping sites in its picturesque settings. However, a notably rutted section near the bottom poses challenges, making it less suitable for campers and trailers. The road continues past the marked GPX track, but it is important to note that beyond this point, it is no longer a legal road.

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 6102H is a short, easy spur that leads to a large turnaround area and the trailhead for ATV trail T6102E. The large loop at the end can easily fit ten vehicles or more.

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.

Located just north of Lake George, Colorado, Little China Road is a simple, rolling dirt road through the Pike National Forest. The trail runs through the forest near the Tarryall Mountains and is a southern shortcut to China Wall Road. This short jaunt is nice to help expand upon the more popular trails nearby. Enjoy Little China Road's bit of local scenery, less traffic than nearby trails, and a little less dust in the air. It is suitable for any high clearance vehicle and offers no camping along the way.

Located at 6,500", Arrowhead Cabin is a short spur trail on the edge of a sandstone cliff with amazing views of the Manti-La Sal Mountain range. It sounds like paradise until you barely enter the smelly, collapsing multi-room cabin. Once part of the uranium mining boom and the nearby Arrowhead Camp, the cabin is a fading remnant of the area's mining boom from 1915 to the 1980s. The short trail leading out and back to the cabin has a couple of deep off-camber washouts with large rocks that require 4x4 and high-ground clearance. The cabin's roof is falling in, and entering can be hazardous. The view behind the cabin explains part of why it's there. The other reason is the numerous mines surrounding the cabin on the mesa. To better understand life on the Uncompahgre Plateau during the mining boom, visit the nearby Calamity Camp. In the sideyard of the cabin is a large stone fire ring and room for a few tents on the sandy grass. There are nails on the ground around the cabin. Do not park too close.

Lime Creek A is a short spur off Lime Creek, leading back to private property boundaries and a yurt. This trail has no obstacles. However, mud pits form quickly during afternoon rainstorms. The trail appears to continue, but updated Forest Service MVUMs do not have this connecter to Lime Creek U, so this trail deadends at a locked private property gate. Camping was not found along this short spur.

Chimney Peak Road, branching off from Ice Cave Road and Saylor Park Cutoff Road, offers a unique off-roading experience with its fun rock scree area to navigate. While the trail lacks significant scenic views, the fun of climbing through the rock scree provides a touch of adventure for offroad enthusiasts. No established camping sites are along Chimney Peak Road, although dispersed camping is permitted in the surrounding area. The trail eventually ends in a tight dead end, and it is best to consider turning around at the large rock scree pile to avoid having to backup through the trees.

Smith Mountain Road, also signed in places as Smith Mountain Jeep Trail, is a 7.5-mile 4x4 route near Delta, Colorado, that combines with South River Road to create a scenic moderate loop above the Gunnison River. Running the trail clockwise is recommended because it places drivers uphill through the narrow shelf road section, reducing the chance of having to yield or back down in the most confined part of the trail. The eastern climb is the trail’s main challenge, with a steep grade of loose, football-sized rock along a single-vehicle-wide shelf road. Passing is extremely limited for roughly half a mile, and drivers should watch carefully for oncoming traffic before committing to the climb.

Near the top of the ascent, the trail encounters small sandstone ledges under 12 inches before leveling out across the mesa. From there, Smith Mountain Road follows the rim above the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, offering several impressive canyon overlooks, distant views of the West Elk Range, and remote, exposed campsites. The route also travels through tight pinyon-juniper vegetation where pinstriping is likely, especially for wider vehicles.

After passing Red Rock Nighthorse Trail, the road begins a gradual descent back toward the valley floor, where the terrain eases, and the pace becomes more relaxed. Smith Mountain Road is best suited for high-clearance 4x4s with low-range and off-road tires. It is a good choice for drivers looking for something rougher and more engaging than a graded road, while still remaining manageable in a properly equipped vehicle.

Krass Road provides a looped trail experience by connecting Crystal Creek Road back to itself. This enjoyable, mild dirt road is suitable for a relaxing day out, surrounded by nature, gradually recovering from the Hayman Burn. While the trail doesn't feature established camping spots, there are open areas where camping is possible in an emergent situation. Offroaders are encouraged to be mindful of the natural recovery process as they enjoy the simple pleasures of Krass Road—a perfect choice for anyone seeking an uncomplicated, scenic drive in this area.

Chalk Mountain is a scenic out-and-back climb that begins just south of Fremont Pass on Highway 91 and steadily gains more than 1,600 feet as it ascends to nearly 12,000 feet. The road starts as a straightforward climb before becoming rougher with exposed decomposing granite, embedded rocks, and erosion holes up to 10 to 12 inches deep, creating a slow, bumpy drive that is best suited to a high clearance 4x4 with low range. Drivers with some off-road experience will find the trail enjoyable rather than intimidating, and any mildly modified vehicle with larger tires will handle the terrain easily. About two miles in, the trail reaches a broad false summit where several large, level dispersed campsites offer outstanding views of Taylor Hill, North Sheep Mountain, and Buckeye Peak. The climb continues to a higher ridgeline with spectacular overlooks of Fremont Pass, the massive Climax Mine, and a skyline filled with prominent peaks, including Traver Peak, Mount Arkansas, and Mount Cameron. The trail ends at a scenic, well-protected campsite near the summit, making Chalk Mountain an excellent destination for campers and anyone looking for one of the best panoramic mountain drives in the Leadville area.

Boggy Draw Road sits on the plateau just north of Dolores, Colorado, within the San Juan National Forest, winding through scattered ponderosa pine, oak brush, open meadows, and quiet stretches of high-country forest. The road serves as the backbone of a larger multi-use trail system shaped by generations of ranching and recreation, offering an easygoing way to explore a lesser-known side of southwest Colorado. Rather than big ledges or dramatic mountain passes, Boggy Draw delivers a relaxing mix of forest scenery, wildlife habitat, camping access, and year-round recreation opportunities. Elk, mule deer, and wild turkeys are commonly seen in the area, making this a quiet, accessible escape with plenty of reasons to slow down and take in the surroundings.

Wagner Road is a super short camping spur off the seasonal portion of Fourmile Creek, featuring a single campsite. While this site is entirely exposed, it compensates with breathtaking views, making it a remarkable spot for those who appreciate a scenic backdrop. Ideal for visitors seeking solitude and a direct connection with nature, Wagner Road offers a unique camping experience where the vastness of the landscape can be fully appreciated.

Trash Road North, accessible off Trash Road, offers an experience for adventurous trail-goers with its mix of dirt and loose rock. Dispersed camping is allowed, providing an opportunity for overland vehicles to set up base, although no established sites were spotted. Notably, the trail promises striking scenery towards the end, making it a worthwhile challenge for rugged landscape lovers.

Crossing Atkinson Mesa and the heart of the Department of Energy Uranium Reserve land, T17 is an easy crossover gravel and dirt road with a historical past. Out in the middle of the flat top mesa is a relic from the area's uranium mining days beginning in the 1920's and ending in the 1980's. The road can be completed in 2WD in dry conditions with durable tires and good ground clearance. The road has sweeping panoramic views of the Manti-La Sal mountains far off to the west and the Divide Range to the north. The road does not have any designated or primitive campsites. However, camping can be found along the nearby P12 or along Atkinson Creek roads.

Pass Creek is a short, half-mile trail you will likely not drive by itself. This trail is part of a more extensive trail network and is seamlessly connected with the Cow Creek Connector trail to form one longer trail that parallels Cumberland Pass. Although named after the creek, this trail technically does not cross Pass Creek, as it officially ends just before the creek.

Pass Creek can be driven by any vehicle with a bit of clearance and features no obstacles other than small rocks embedded in the rough dirt.

There are no campsites along the trail.

This trail is part of the Badger Flats Trail Network and is a connecting spur between Figure 9 Road and Forest Service 259A. This is a great trail to combine with others nearby for a full day of wheeling. This trail is compact dirt and rocks throughout with no major obstacles to note. It is a short half-mile and does not change much in elevation. This trail is suitable for any skill-level driver in a high-clearance vehicle. Please note that camping is not allowed on this trail or in this area per the Forest Service. Campsites are available for reserve at the nearby Round Mountain Campground.

Avalanche Creek is an easy but occasionally rough and rocky out-and-back road that serves as one of the major access points into the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness near Redstone, Colorado. The trail follows Avalanche Creek through a narrow mountain valley framed by steep slopes, dense vegetation, and expansive views toward some of the Elk Mountains' most recognizable peaks, including distant glimpses of Capital Peak and Snowmass Mountain. While the road is suitable for most high-clearance vehicles and requires no specialized off-road experience, drivers should expect a rugged surface of hard-packed dirt mixed with embedded and loose rock that creates a consistently bumpy ride.

The trail's most notable challenges are a rocky drainage crossing filled with loose river rock ranging from baseball to grapefruit size, and a typically shallow crossing of Bulldog Creek, usually less than 10 inches deep. Neither obstacle is particularly difficult in normal conditions, but both warrant slower speeds and careful tire placement. The route is popular with campers, hikers, backpackers, horseback riders, and anglers, providing access to the Avalanche Creek Trailhead and the vast backcountry beyond. Camping opportunities are limited to the Avalanche Campground near the end of the trail, where you will find 9 first-come, first-served sites that charge a nightly fee. The sites are small and only suitable for 1-2 vehicles. Each site has a steel fire ring, table, and a bear storage box. Additionally, the area offers two outhouses. Avalanche Creek is open from approximately mid-May through mid-November, and although it is a very popular route, it offers a rewarding blend of mountain scenery and wilderness access that appeals to both casual explorers and experienced outdoor enthusiasts.

Middle Quartz Creek Road is a scenic, family-friendly drive that follows Middle Quartz Creek east from Pitkin into the heart of the Gunnison National Forest. The road is wide and well-maintained with a hard-packed dirt surface and scattered small gravel, making it suitable for passenger vehicles in normal conditions while offering an easy outing for any high clearance vehicle. The road winds through dense spruce and pine forest with frequent views of surrounding mountain slopes and broad meadows, creating a peaceful setting that makes the drive worthwhile even if you are not headed farther into the backcountry. Along the way, you will pass the historic Trimble Stage Stop, a reminder of the area's stagecoach era, before reaching the Middle Quartz Campground at the end of the road.

Dispersed camping is plentiful throughout the corridor, with numerous established campsites tucked into the forest, making this one of the most popular camping destinations near Pitkin during the summer months. Middle Quartz Campground is an improved Forest Service campground with 7 dispersed campsites and a vault toilet. It is a primitive, non-reservable site operating on a first-come, first-served basis and charges a nightly fee. Whether you are looking for a campsite, a scenic drive, or access to hiking and the surrounding trail network, Middle Quartz Creek Road is an easy and rewarding destination.

Big Mesa Road is a short drive to big views. The view from the top of Big Mesa is like no other in the Gunnison area. From mountain peaks and valleys to Blue Mesa Reservoir and the Gunnison River, it's one of the best sunset spots in the area. It's an easy dirt road for about 75%, while the other 25% is rough and bumpy with small protruding rocks. There is a short climb up to the mesa that is doable in any high clearance vehicle. There are several spur roads, one leading to the ruins of an old stone home. On the flat top, there are two modern structures. One is a weather station, and the other is an aircraft navigation beacon.

There are several places to camp along the trail for one or two rigs, while the space at the top is nearly unlimited, including right along the bluff of Big Mesa.

West Tennessee Road is a short but rewarding drive that leaves the pavement west of Leadville and winds through lodgepole pine forest to Lily Lake on the edge of the Holy Cross Wilderness. The road crosses Segment 9 of the Colorado Trail and is popular with campers, hikers, anglers, and anyone looking for a quiet mountain campsite away from the busier recreation areas. The first 1.75 miles are a smooth, graded dirt road suitable for any passenger vehicle, with abundant dispersed campsites tucked throughout the forest. After crossing a culvert and the North Fork West Tennessee Creek, the final quarter mile becomes noticeably rougher as exposed grapefruit-sized rocks cover the trail, making good ground clearance the minimum for reaching the lake. At the end of the road, Lily Lake offers a peaceful setting with lily pads covering much of the shoreline, scenic views toward the surrounding peaks, and two spacious dispersed campsites overlooking the water. While the drive is easy overall, the rough final stretch rewards those with a high-clearance vehicle by leading to one of the more secluded camping destinations in the Leadville area.

Decker Creek Road is a short, dead-end trail off Highway 160 in southern Colorado that provides access to the privately owned Metroz Lake area while offering great solitude and potential for camping between Pagosa Springs and South Fork. The road is easy overall, but its rough, bumpy surface keeps drivers alert, with scattered granite rocks ranging from baseball to grapefruit size protruding from the hard-packed dirt. The trail is single-lane for most of its length, with only occasional pull-offs for passing, making slower travel the norm. High-clearance 2WD vehicles are generally sufficient, and beginner drivers should have little trouble navigating the trail in dry conditions. A handful of dispersed campsites are tucked among the open terrain, making this a popular quick overnight option for travelers, hunters, and anyone looking to spend a quiet evening away from the highway. While many open areas appear campable, only a few previously disturbed sites are suitable for established use. The best sites are 3.6 miles in, along a grassy meadow. Seasonal access is limited, with the road typically open from May 16 through March 14, depending on weather and local conditions.

The northern section of Red Rocks-Nighthorse Trail connects Ute Road to Smith Mountain Road, traveling along a rough, bumpy, and extremely scenic ridgeline on the edge of the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness. Red Rocks-Nighthorse is only open to 4x4 vehicles on the northern and southern ends of the trail. The middle section between Bobcat Road and Ute Road is restricted to single-track vehicles, so this northern section cannot be used as a full-size 4x4 connection to the southern end.

This section follows packed dirt mixed with protruding sandstone slabs and small rocks roughly 6 to 10 inches tall. The trail is not overly technical, but the constant bumps, embedded rock, and tight pinyon-juniper vegetation keep the pace slow. Pinstriping is very difficult to avoid. The route is highly scenic, with excellent views into the Gunnison Gorge and across to the West Elk Mountains.

Camping can be found at several of the scenic viewpoints along the trail, with nearly a dozen possible dispersed sites. Site size and quality vary. Some are rocky and uneven, while others offer enough level, rock-free dirt for ground tents or vehicle-based camping.

Fitton is a lesser-used dead-end spur road off of the road to Blowout Pass that leads to three campsites. The first campsite is a massive, grassy meadow with plenty of room for any camp setup or group size. The ground is level and soft. The second campsite is a large roadside pullout suitable for multiple trailers. Any trailers should stop at this point and turn around, as the last campsite is simply a pull-in style spot at a dead-end. There is not ample room to turn a trailer around there. The last campsite is small and rocky and does not provide any views like the two prior to it. The road surface is mainly hard-packed gravel with occasional potholes and ruts due to water runoff. This trail is suitable for any vehicle.

Hartman Rocks Recreation Area sits four miles southwest of Gunnison, Colorado, spanning roughly 14,000 acres of high-desert public land jointly managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the City of Gunnison, and Gunnison County. With granite outcroppings, slickrock, and sagebrush terrain, it’s a gorgeous area to do off-roading and camping.

This route is an easy network of roads and two-tracks that wrap around Hartman Rocks Recreation Area. Use this as your main route and choose any of the spur roads for more adventure or camping spots. Expect varied terrain, including hard-packed gravel, sand, slickrock, small rocks, and short ledges. The hardest section on this specific route is a steep hill with loose gravel on the McCabe Lane side. However, some spur roads have harder sections that could include technical obstacles such as washouts and mild to moderate rock crawling. A high-clearance 4x4 is recommended, but not necessary for this route. The area offers 45 miles of off-road trails open to full-size 4x4s, ATVs, dirt bikes, and SxSs. 

The area has 50 designated dry/primitive campsites. The McCabe Lane entrance is easily reached by vans and even large RVs and toy haulers. The hill into the east side Base Area may be too steep and narrow for larger motorhomes and fifth-wheels, especially when wet. Designated dispersed sites are scattered throughout the area. Claiming one is as simple as pitching a tent, with many spots featuring picnic tables and fire rings. However, vault toilets are sparse.

No fees or permits are required for offroading or camping.

Like the trails in the surrounding areas, seasonal closures apply, so plan around wildlife protections and mud season. All roads and trails south of Powerline Road are closed to motorized and mountain bike use from March 15 to May 15 each year to protect Gunnison Sage-grouse breeding habitat. During this closure, Hartman Rocks is typically closed to all motorized use.