Colorado Off-Road Trails

Longwater Gulch, sitting comfortably at the center of the well-known Gulch Trails, is not your average middle child. This trail boasts jaw-dropping views of Wildcat Canyon and sneak peeks of its neighbors, Metberry Gulch and Hackett Gulch. Snap away at the picturesque landscape, but brace yourself for the rock face challenge that rivals Metberry's "Chicken Scratch" obstacle. With no bypass and traction being critical, it's a test of courage and nerves rather than just skill. Whether you're conquering Longwater Gulch alone or teaming it up with Metberry and Hackett, gear up for an epic day on the trails.

Located near Rollinsville and paralleling the old Moffat Road, Jenny Creek is a technical, rock-filled OHV trail (Permit Required) that spurs off Rollins Pass East. This popular route offers a variety of landscapes, including a picturesque creek crossing, beautiful dense forest scenery, pine beetle-killed clear-cut ridges, diff-catching rock gardens, and alpine lakes. Best run in the peak summer months, Jenny Creek, is the perfect trail for those looking for a challenge in an otherwise leisurely part of the Roosevelt National Forest.

Surrounded by the expansive Rampart Range network, Fern Creek seems unassuming from its trailhead but provides an exciting connector for those seeking pockets of slightly more technical terrain. Between its start and finish, you'll find rolling whoop-die-doos, steep rocky descents, access to multiple ATV trails, and interesting boulder formations throughout. True to its name Fern Creek is situated in a gulch and roughly follows a small babbling creek, not notated on most maps, making the plant life quite lush. Add this trail to your list as you zig-zag around the Rampart Range to give a little spice to the day.

If you're looking for a peaceful camping spot along Rampart Range Road, Ice Cave Creek Road stands out as one of the quieter options near Monument, Colorado. This gentle forest road winds through tall pines, offering a calm, scenic drive dotted with dispersed campsites. Many of these sites are spacious, shaded, and tucked far enough off the road to feel like your own private retreat.

The road climbs gradually above Ice Cave Creek, revealing occasional views of the surrounding ridges and adding to the sense of seclusion from the busy world below.

While it’s often linked with nearby roads, Ice Cave Creek Road is a worthy destination on its own for campers and day-trippers alike. Whether you’re spending the night or just scouting for future adventures, it’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down and stay a little longer.

Situated near the famous ghost town of St. Elmo, Hancock Pass delivers an iconic Colorado high-country adventure filled with rocky terrain, sweeping alpine views, and reminders of the region’s railroad and mining past. The route rises above timberline and crosses the Continental Divide at more than 12,000 feet, where broad tundra slopes and rugged peaks stretch toward the horizon in nearly every direction. With ghost-town ruins, dramatic scenery, and the unmistakable feeling of traveling deep into the mountains, Hancock Pass is a memorable journey through one of Colorado’s most storied offroad landscapes.

One of the more popular trails near Red Feather Lakes, Bald Mountain offers a little of everything in a mountain trail experience. This 4WD trail winds through burnt-out remains of a dense Lodge-pole Pine forest as it climbs to nearly 11,000 feet. The trail offers a variety of experiences as you head west on this 13-mile journey. It is known for its rocky mid-section and then its muddy path near the trail's end. This route is a true 4WD experience to escape the summer heat. Bald Mountain is the middle leg of the route known as the Mud Loop, which includes Seven Mile, Bald Mountain, and Green Ridge Road.

Carved into Colorado's canyon walls in 1892, Shelf Road is a historic offroad trail that inspiringly explores the state's past and natural beauty. Once a pivotal route for freight and stagecoaches, the trail features scenery including striking limestone formations like the Window Rock, often visited by Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep. Drivers navigating the heart-pounding shelf portion are treated to stunning valley views and dramatic drop-offs. When paired with Phantom Canyon Road, adventurers can explore a substantial stretch of the Gold Belt Tour, a scenic byway that encapsulates the 1890s Colorado gold rush. Shelf Road weaves together history, heart-stopping off-road adventure, and the awe-inspiring wilderness, offering an unforgettable Colorado experience.

Camp Bird Road is an easy gateway to the beautiful mountains surrounding the historic town of Ouray, Colorado. The trail winds five miles into the Uncompahgre National Forest, providing incredible camping opportunities at the numerous designated sites in the canyon. It ends at where the famous Yankee Boy Basin starts. The trail runs along Canyon Creek, which weaves through the trees and boulders, often providing views and sounds of rushing waterfalls, adding to the peace and tranquility of this quiet, scenic road. Whether you are just passing through or spending time on the trails, venture up Camp Bird Road.

Mt. Rosa’s proximity to Colorado Springs makes this a popular destination for off-roading and just those looking to get away from the city. New wheelers can get practice on the terrain. Even the scenic lookouts have nearby playgrounds. Everyone will appreciate the amazing views of Colorado Springs along the way. There are two scenic stops. The second one offers a small rock climb to the top of the lookout. The “Wye” trails that connect to Mt. Rosa are small spurs that can add difficulty to your day of wheeling. When you return to Gold Camp Road, turn right to add several different trails to your day. Combine this with Mt. Baldy or Bull Park for a full day of wheeling and sightseeing.

Located in the mountains of Uncompahgre National Forest near Ouray, Silver Basin is another astonishing high alpine basin with world-renowned wildflower displays. Unlike the other heavily trafficked basins off of Camp Bird Road, Silver Basin is typically a quiet drive where you would be surprised to see another vehicle let alone several other vehicles. Be prepared to experience abundant wildflowers, old mines, gorgeous waterfalls, crystal clear alpine lakes, and fantastic views of the southern Sneffles Range. If you are driving around for the views, don't skip this awesome trail. If you are looking for a more difficult trail to test your 4x4 Low range, this trail will not disappoint you. Your vehicle will be pointed skyward for most of your journey, so clear off those dashboards! The reward is a pair of glacial lakes at the end of the trail, at or above the treeline. But hurry up, the glacier is advancing and you only have a couple of million years give or take before this area changes forever.

Set near Woodland Park, CO, Schubarth Road is an enchanting off-road trail that invites wheelers year-round. This trail artfully balances moderate terrain challenges and mesmerizing scenery, threading through a vibrant tapestry of aspen and evergreen trees. The trail reveals awe-inspiring, unobstructed views of Pikes Peak, and, in autumn, it transforms into a leaf-peeper's paradise.

Schubarth Road serves as a portal to extensive camping opportunities within Pike National Forest and seamlessly connects with Hell Creek, Hell Creek Spur, Hay Creek East, and Roll Over Road. Whether dusted with snow or basking in the summer sun, this trail remains a cornerstone of Colorado's off-roading community, offering a perfect blend of thrill and tranquil beauty.

Cutting through the heart of the East Troublesome Fire, Stillwater Pass is an easily accessible route that connects Grand Lake to Highway 125. This road is extremely popular for dispersed camping and OHV riding as it treks northwest between Gravel Mountain and Porphyry Peaks, rewarding users with astonishing views of Lake Granby. The entire drive will leave you gazing upon a sea of wildflowers and young aspen trees within the 193,000 acres of charred pine forest

Located in the far southwest reaches of Colorado, Delores Norwood Road is a historic backcountry route that climbs from the Dolores area toward the higher country around Groundhog Reservoir and Norwood. The road highlights the area's rich ranching, logging, and recreation heritage dating back to the 1800s. If you are looking for a long-distance dirt alternative, this road delivers a magical experience through rolling timber, open meadows, and remote San Juan National Forest terrain

Williams Pass follows an old 1880s toll road that ascends and traverses the Continental Divide. It was once the route for travelers and goods from St. Elmo to Pitkin, and it's now used exclusively for outdoor recreation. Topping out at just below 12,000' in elevation, Williams Pass treats visitors to spectacular east and west views as you travel through a pristine alpine meadow. The pass connects both Chaffee and Gunnison Counties and the San Isabel and Gunnison National Forests.

The Clohesy Lake Trail is one of the few remaining roads with access to the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area. The trail follows the Lake Fork Valley and ends within walking distance of Clohesy Lake. Once a private lake that was the fish hatchery site in the late 1880s, it has now been returned to the Forest Service and is part of public land. The lake is situated in Lake Fork Valley between Mt. Missouri (14,075') and Mt. Huron(14,003'). The views are spectacular, and the fishing is equally as impressive. This area also offers access to several popular hiking trails. Please stay on the road to avoid causing damage to the area and help us keep this trail open!