10 Off-Road Trails Near Overland Expo Mountain West 2025 in Loveland, CO

The Trails Offroad team won’t be at Overland Expo Mountain West this year, but we still want to help you make the most of your trip to Northern Colorado.

If you’re planning to turn Expo weekend into a full adventure, we’ve rounded up 10 of our most popular off-road trails near Loveland that are perfect for pre- or post-Expo exploring. If you’ve got the time, be sure to check out a few of our favorites!

And if you’re looking for more off-road trails near Loveland, CO, make sure to check out our list of easy off-road trails.

Permits You’ll Need to Off-Road near Loveland

Before hitting the trails, make sure you have the correct permits. Depending on where you plan to explore, you may need one or both of the following:

• Rocky Mountain National Park Pass: Required for park entry if you're passing through or exploring routes nearby.
• Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Permit: Required for all OHVs operating on public land in Colorado, including non-resident vehicles.

Off-Road Trails Near Loveland, CO

Pole Hill

Distance from Overland Expo West to Trailhead: 1 hour and 6 minutes

Located just east of Estes Park in Roosevelt National Forest, Pole Hill is a rocky, moderately challenging trail with incredible views of Longs Peak and Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s best suited for stock high-clearance 4WD vehicles with low range, especially for navigating the rocky climb. It’s a solid trail for both newer and seasoned drivers, especially if you extend your trail with Solitude Creek or Panorama Peak. Come in early summer for wildflowers or in the fall when the aspens light up.

Solitude Creek

Distance from Overland Expo West to Trailhead: 1 hour and 17 minutes

This loop off Pole Hill has a little bit of everything, beautiful views, quiet campsites, aspen groves, and an obstacle called The Notch. It’s best run counterclockwise and can be narrow in spots, so you’ll want to be comfortable passing on shelf roads. Stock rigs with a bit of clearance will be fine here, especially with the bypasses. If you want a trail that’s scenic, peaceful, and still a little technical, this is a great one.

Old Fall River Road

Distance from Overland Expo West to Trailhead: 1 hour and 22 minutes

Old Fall River Road is a one-way dirt road through Rocky Mountain National Park with tight turns, steep drop-offs, and nonstop views. It’s not a technical trail, but you’ll need a high-clearance rig (under 25 feet) and a good handle on your brakes.

Foggy Park Road

Distance from Overland Expo West to Trailhead: 1 hour and 13 minutes

If you’re trying to escape the crowds, Foggy Park Road is a great option. It’s tucked deep in the forest past Storm Mountain and has just enough rock and off-camber to keep things interesting. You’ll need to be okay with tight spaces, possible deadfall (bring a saw), and a little navigating on narrow shelf sections. The payoff is a beautiful west-facing view and a whole lot of peace and quiet.

Storm Mountain

Distance from Overland Expo West to Trailhead: 41 minutes

Storm Mountain is a short, rocky climb with an incredible view of the Front Range and Estes Park at the top. It’s a great trail for beginners in stock high-clearance rigs. You’ll take the 2.5-mile route from Cedar Park Road, but there is a longer route from Buckhorn Canyon if you want something a bit more time consuming.

Pingree Park Road

Distance from Overland Expo West to Trailhead: 1 hour and 24 minutes

Pingree Park Road isn’t much of a challenge, but it’s a solid connector between Highway 14 and Colorado State University’s Mountain Campus. It’s open all year and gives you access to camping, hiking, and nearby trails like Old Flowers Road.

Old Flowers Road

Distance from Overland Expo West to Trailhead: 57 minutes

Old Flowers Road is a great starter trail with a mix of forest, old ranch land, and wildflower-filled meadows. You won’t find any obstacles here, but the mild climbs, creek crossings, and occasional mud make it a fun drive for stock 4x4s. It runs between Stove Prairie and Pingree Park, passing through an area burned by the 2012 High Park Fire. If you’re looking for an easy trail with a lot of history and solid views, this is it.

Johnny Park Road

Distance from Overland Expo West to Trailhead: 1 hour and 3 minutes

This trail sits just outside Rocky Mountain National Park and offers rocky climbs, dispersed camping, and some amazing views of Longs Peak. The east side is a bit more technical, with a few optional obstacles with bypasses that are manageable for stock rigs. It’s a popular area, especially on weekends, but worth it for the scenery and quick access.

Pierson Park

Distance from Overland Expo West to Trailhead: 1 hour and 11 minutes

Pierson Park is a scenic, easy-to-moderate trail that runs between Estes Park and Meeker Park with amazing views of Longs Peak and the Estes Valley. After a major landslide shut it down in 2013, it finally reopened in 2024, making the full 8-mile route drivable again. It’s mostly dirt and gravel with some steeper grades and narrow spots, but nothing too sketchy. A great choice if you want a mellow trail with fewer crowds.

Panorama Peak

Distance from Overland Expo West to Trailhead: 1 hour and 13 minutes

Panorama Peak is an easy 3.5-mile loop off Pole Hill with lots of golden aspens in the fall and wildflowers in the summer. It’s an easy ride with no big obstacles, perfect for stock high-clearance rigs or beginners looking for something scenic. This is one of those trails you run just to enjoy the views. For a full day out, pair it with Solitude Creek and Pole Hill.