Kelly Flats

4.8/5 (51 reviews)
Laporte, Colorado (Larimer County)
Last Updated: 05/26/2023

Trail Information

Highlights

Camping
Forest
Rock

Rough and rugged, Kelly Flats 4x4 Road is one of the more difficult trails in northern Colorado. Just west of the narrows in the Poudre Canyon, Kelly Flats is the only 4x4 trail that intersects directly with the Poudre Canyon Highway. The drive to the trailhead through the Poudre Canyon is stunning and breath-taking. Two distinct obstacles highlight this road: Heart Attack Hill and The Chutes. Both obstacles have bypasses, but even the bypass for Heart Attack Hill, known as Aneurysm Hill, can be difficult. Kelly Flats 4x4 Road can be unnerving for beginning off-road drivers and the optional obstacles can be difficult and challenging for experienced drivers with modified rigs. Put your transfer case in low range and enjoy this popular trail.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Kelly Flats 4x4 Road is a mixture of rock and dirt surfaces. The hill climbs on Heart Attack Hill and Aneurysm Hill are littered with large loose rocks and traction can be difficult. Heart Attack Hill can be difficult during ideal conditions and downright dangerous when wet. It is steep and lifting one tire off the ground on occasion can be expected. There have been roll-over crashes on Heart Attack Hill and extreme caution is advised. After reaching the top of the hill climbs, Kelly Flats 4x4 Road crosses through private property. Please respect the owner’s property rights by remaining on the road and driving at a reasonable speed. Past the private property lies the short, but extreme obstacle known as The Chutes. This is a route for modified rigs and off-road driving experience. Vehicle damage is likely here. The rest of the trail is a mixture of dirt two-track and occasional rock. Keep a keen eye out for elk and moose while in the forested area as they are often spotted.

This trail crosses private property in several locations. Please remain on the trail to preserve private property rights.

Trail Reviews

4.8/5 (51)
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 05/21/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Ran today in a lifted 5th Gen 4Runner on 33s with Lockers. There was 2 spots where i had to use the lockers (ATRAC didn't get me out). Rating is spot on. The off-camber portions are sketchy but a good spotter makes them tolerable.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 05/20/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Ran this over the weekend and had a lot of fun! Heart Attack Hill certainly lives up to its reputation. The road was a little muddy and slick, which made the hills a bit more of a challenge, but overall the road was quite passable. I have 33s and used lockers to help climb the bigger rock ledges on Heart Attack without slipping around. I didn't go through the Chutes, but it was pretty muddy and wet. Saw a few people on side-by-sides and ATVs and just a few other vehicles.
Official Crew
39450
Open
Visited: 05/15/2023

The trail is open for the season!
Official Crew
111450
Seasonal Closure
Visited: 11/24/2022

Closed for the season! See you next year!
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 10/09/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

This is a really fun trail! Ran it in a 2022 Gladiator Rubicon with a 2.5 inch lift and 37's. Didn't do the chutes after watching some try. I didn't want vehicle damage! It was great to watch the successes and attempts though. We only saw a group of 5 on the trail when we ran it.

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