Sugarloaf Mountain

500

Open

Rated 3/5

Visited: 09/02/2023

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Ran this trail on holiday weekend. Was a good amount of traffic at start and finish. Nothing special about this trail, rocks most of the way and spurts of large ruts. Nothing too difficult but found the trail more annoying than challening. Ran the trail in stock Nissan xterra.

Joshua Robert Skwarczyk

200

Open

Visited: 08/22/2023

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

One of my first off road trails and the views were amazing! Great beginner route. 3 real obstacles with (1) a narrow tilted pass between two fallen trees, (2) a large thigh high rut that you need to avoid, and (3) a few inch high mud puddles

Michael Park

1800

Open

Rated 4/5

Visited: 08/13/2023

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Pretty good views and super chill trail. I think the Switzerland trail is better than the Sugarloaf section in terms of mountain views and neither are particularly challenging.

Tim Palmer

Official Crew

47250

Open

Rated 4/5

Visited: 08/01/2023

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Beautiful weather made for a scenic trip. The trail was full of water puddles from overnight rain. At least there was no dust on the trail. I found many visitors camping, especially in the Farewell Gulch area.

Richard Casey

2700

Open

Rated 3/5

Visited: 07/30/2023

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

An easy gravel road with a panoramic view of Front Range and, I believe, Winter Park Ski Area. I used this trail to get to Switzerland trail.

Trail Review: Sugarloaf Mountain - Richard Casey

Derek

1800

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 07/09/2023

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

We took our stock 2020 Cherokee Trailhawk on its maiden offroad voyage down this trail. It was an absolute blast for a beginner trail. Took about an hour.

Tarah Christy

400

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 07/01/2023

We did this trail today in a stock 2019 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon in 4H and 33" K02s. Very easy for us, not a ton of traffic, and BEAUTIFUL views! Check out this trail this summer while it is so unbelievably green and pretty!

Chase

300

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 06/18/2023

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

I had a lot more fun on this than Switzerland Trail. A lot of water. Found a mud spot. I also enjoyed that there’s a good amount of little offshoots on the side of the trail where you can climb up some decent walls and hills. Main trail is very easy. If you are trying to climb the edges, I suggest high clearance, 4LO, and some AT tires atleast.

Lalo Martinez

3100

Open

Rated 4/5

Visited: 06/13/2023

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Great trail for beginners, very mild obstacles for the majority of the trail with a few exceptions of some ruts or rocks sticking out could pose a problem for a stock car with low clearance, however with a good line and tire placement they can be navigated around. Overall the trail is nothing challenging but the scenery makes up for it.

Dominik Vereno

9600

Open

Visited: 06/13/2023

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Had a nice time on the trail. The rain created some pretty deep washouts and there many big puddles to have fun with.

Trail Review: Sugarloaf Mountain - Dominik Vereno

Thomas Sayler

100

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 06/10/2023

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Fun, moose on trail!

David

300

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 06/07/2023

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Found an amazing spot to camp right off the trail! Great place and easy trail for beginners

Trail Review: Sugarloaf Mountain - David

View More Images

Donald Clark Arbogast

1700

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 05/02/2023

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Lots of camping and more off-road in trails south of waypoint three and four. Unsure why these aren’t on trails off roads map. Other than that this trail is just a bumpy shelf, road with mountain views every now and then.

Dominik Vereno

9600

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 04/15/2023

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Sugarloaf Mountain Trail is currently very much of a mixed bag. Up until the midpoint (a good bit past Waypoint 4), you’ll have to deal with large snowmelt puddles and a bumpy, sometimes rocky trail with only little snow. After that, it changes drastically: there’s deep snow with proper tracks; the issue here is that the snow in the middle is tall, compact, and icy. With our around 11 inches of ground clearance, we repeatedly bumped and scraped. If your car is significantly lower than that, avoid the second half of the trail for a few more weeks, otherwise there’s a significant chance of high-centering. Other than the seasonal conditions, I’d definitely recommend the trails to newcomers and people with “mild” off-roaders: It is manageable without being too easy, has scenic views, and is great fun.

View More Images

Denver Zen

1000

Open

Rated 3/5

Visited: 03/25/2023

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Easy fun trail for early season. Open all the way through but some snow yet to navigate. Lots of muddy water to splash around in.

Bryan Brent

400

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 03/19/2023

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Made it over in a stock 21 rubicon without an issue. However the snow a half-mile in from the west side is deep and can easily get a vehicle stuck. In fact, someone was stuck in this area when I arrived and an offroad recovery vehicle was there assisting him. The person in the recovery vehicle said he pulled someone out of this same spot the other day too. Wouldn't recommend going unless you have recovery gear to get yourself out of the snow.

Taylor Ratliff

600

Partially Open

Rated 4/5

Visited: 02/02/2023

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

This is a go to quick and easy trail for me and my family. We love to come up here solo during the summer/winter. There is a huge 3’ packed drift about .5 miles from the exit on the western side. Cannot get through on 6.5” lift with 35’s. Not locked but didn’t want to push it either. Wind was covering up our tracks behind us before we could even turn around! Be safe!

Trail Review: Sugarloaf Mountain - Taylor Ratliff

Dominik Vereno

9600

Partially Open

Rated 4/5

Visited: 01/21/2023

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

We visited the Sugerloaf Mountain Trail on a snowy January day. The first half was passable and not too difficult to traverse. However, at around the half-way point, we were faced with a Tacoma and an FJ Cruiser who turned around due to worsening conditions. For a non-lifted vehicles with regular-size all-terrains, the trail is currently likely not fully passable without risking getting stuck. However, the first half was a nice (but short) snow-wheeling experience; not really technical but still fun. I'll definitely visit the trail again once there's less snow.

View More Images

Daniel Adler

1200

Open

Rated 4/5

Visited: 12/24/2022

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Even with about 6” of snow trail is still easy. Didn’t even air down, ran most of it between 15-20mph.

Brad D.

18450

Open

Visited: 12/17/2022

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Still very passible but areas of snow and ice. Didn't have any real traction issues and able to pass in 2WD still. Areas not covered by treas or on the north faces are completely dry and clear.

Tony Henry

100

Open

Visited: 07/12/2022

Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

This Sugarloaf mountain trail is nothing like the description or the video. It was more than 2 hours of the most tedious driving I have ever done. This is a road of nothing but rocks, 5 mph or less all the way. Maybe the description and video are old or maybe I spent the day in an alternate universe. Trailsoffroad should take another look at this trail. The locals tell me that the Switzerland trail road just to the north is much more difficult.

Tynan Olonan

3500

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 06/12/2022

Difficulty Accuracy: Easier

Flat, dry road. I would mark it as a 1 on TO's scale.

Jeremy Smythe

1300

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 05/08/2022

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Fullsize Truck Review - First time on the trail and it was a bit rockier and washed out than I thought it was going to be. People made it sounds like a casual back road. However, it is nothing. I didn't air down, which probably would have helped. Totally doable in a full-size truck as I never felt too big. I did rub a couple of branches but could have avoided them if I was paying better attention. Ran into a couple of folks and we had to pass and it wasn't an issue. There are a few spots where it would be impossible to pass and someone would have to back up. So pay attention and make note of spots as you go by them. Overall, a fun trail with great views and nothing any stock 4x4 couldn't handle.

Chris Gonzales

500

Impassable

Rated 4/5

Visited: 02/19/2022

Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Deep snow pack made for a fun time when we ran this trail until about a little under a mile after waypoint 4 headed to 5, when the small ATV that was the first to run this trail that day was stuck in about 2ft of snow. He was getting pulled out when we got to him and after that we all decided to head back to the trailhead, but there was others still going to try after we passed them and warned them.

Trail Review: Sugarloaf Mountain - Chris Gonzales

View More Images

Helen McGrath

200

Open

Visited: 05/22/2021

Nice easy route to do as our first time off-roading in Colorado in our 2020 stock tacoma trd offroad. Was kind of busy, but trail is mainly wide and easy to stop and pull over as necessary. Lots of gravel bikers. As mentioned in the previous post, there is some washed out parts, but nothing the truck couldn't handle.

Jessica McDaniel

100

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 05/14/2021

Great beginner trail. Some parts of the trail were washed out due to recent rain and snow, but just added to the fun. Good views and great way to spend the morning.

Trail Review: Sugarloaf Mountain - Jessica McDaniel

Gavin Gilmore

1500

Open

Visited: 05/09/2021

Ran this from Gordon Gulch to Waypoint 1 (started between waypoints 4 and 5) and it was a pretty nice trail with some beautiful views even on a cloudy day. There are some washouts along the trail to be careful for, and there isn't a ton of room to pass if you encounter someone going the opposite ways of you. The road is also a little rough, but we did it without airing down so that didn't help. Near the switzerland trailhead there are some cool MVUM roads to goof around on. Overall a nice trail.

Brad D.

18450

Open

Rated 4/5

Visited: 05/01/2021

Road is open and fairly passable. There are some areas on the north side of the mountain that still have some snow. No issues with sliding or safety but did need a little extra ground clearance with some of the ruts in the snow. Also the trail is extremely wet and lots of puddles. Took it slow just to not cause more trail damage but great trail for some "easy" wheeling.

Holly Rose Rossman

100

Open

Rated 4/5

Visited: 03/20/2021

Drove after the large snowstorm the previous weekend. Had the trail to ourselves. It was passable, but we did mildly high center on snow a couple of times (12" clearance) and wished we brought chains for backup when traction was a struggle getting out. Overall, it was very scenic, and the snow made it a far more exciting adventure than it would have been in the summer. Just be prepared to get yourself unstuck.

Brady Rogers

200

Open

Rated 5/5

Visited: 01/21/2021

Loved this trail! Had a little rocky areas to keep you on your toes but nothing serious. For how short of a distance it is from the city, no complaints here! Took East to West route

Trail Review: Sugarloaf Mountain - Brady Rogers

Steven Gandy

200

Open

Rated 4/5

Visited: 01/02/2021

Great, easy trail. This was our first time out, beautiful views. The spurs with no trail markings were a little confusing and it was a little tricky getting over for other traffic but definitely doable. I would highly recommend. Nothing too crazy. Took us about an hour and a half.

Trail Review: Sugarloaf Mountain - Steven Gandy

View More Images

Ryan Boudreau

Official Crew

122300

Open

Visited: 12/04/2020

Fire closure has been lifted and the trail is back open.

Ryan Boudreau

Official Crew

122300

Temporary Closure

Visited: 10/18/2020

Per Forest Order ARP-BRD-2020-04, this trail is currently closed due to the Cal Wood Fire. See the order and map here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/arp/alerts-notices/?aid=62734

nathan flores

100

Open

Visited: 08/30/2020

This Sunday went up boulder Canyon and ride sugarloaf and Switzerland which are pretty basic easy trials. Also did Pennsylvania Gulch and that one was pretty fun and pretty tough and nothing but a drop off all the way up on the right side not a beginner trail

Kurtis westphal

500

Open

Rated 3/5

Visited: 08/18/2020

ran this trail reverse of what it shows and connected it to Switzerland, trail rating is correct nothing very technical at all the views were alright but nothing exceptional. it was no challenge whatsoever for my lifted subaru crosstrek

Erik

2500

Open

Rated 3/5

Visited: 07/24/2020

Did Sugarloaf along with Switzerland Trail Rd. 4wd not needed. Easy trail - mostly a dirt road with occasional rocks. Views are nice but not much more. Great for a first-timer probably. Hike to Sugarloaf Mt. is easy and a little less than half an hour to summit. The views from up there are much nicer than just the trail itself.

Sean Davis

100

Open

Visited: 05/02/2020

Our first time, and traveled west to east and the road has some mud and some snowpack but is not to tough to get through. No difficulties at all. It was a great time driving through the foggy cloud covered conditions.

Kevin Wheeler

400

Open

Visited: 03/22/2020

Went from the East. Snow and mud for most of the trail. Got about three miles in and had to turn around. The snow got deep and the trail narrowed on the sides with snow pack.

Evan Thomas

100

Partially Open

Visited: 02/17/2020

Tried going west bound today and the snow got pretty deep quickly. After getting stuck a few times turned around before the overlook.

Abel Valdes

2950

Open

Rated 4/5

Visited: 01/05/2020

Made it about half way going East before the snow got too deep for my comfort. The rest of the trail was packed snow in good condition.

Trail Review: Sugarloaf Mountain - Abel Valdes

Richard Wolfe

200

Open

Rated 4/5

Visited: 10/16/2019

This is a nice easy trail. When dry it can be run in 2WD. It has nice views and I saw several deer. It was very pumpy so airing down really helped. Great for beginners and close to town.

Tim Palmer

Official Crew

47250

Open

Rated 4/5

Visited: 09/08/2019

Went to the area to run Sugarloaf Mt and Pennsylvania Gulch. There was a lot of traffic going in both directions on Sugarloaf Mt. We saw motorcycles, bicycles, runners, hikers, and other 4WDs. The highlight of the day was to see a surprise visitor, a cow moose and her calf. We took a break and watched the pair for some time. Great time on the trail.

Trail Review: Sugarloaf Mountain - Tim Palmer

View More Images

Sean M. Sullivan

200

Open

Rated 4/5

Visited: 08/26/2019

It was my first time on this trail. Was looking for an easy drive as I'm still learning. Everything was dry with some areas with ruts that can be handled slowly. During the summer you definitely want to watch out for bicycles and a few runners. We had a fun drive and ate lunch at a camp spot off the road.

Tom

1100

Open

Visited: 05/19/2019

Traveled west from Boulder. Zero snow on the ground. Mostly dry with very little mud. Misty with a few dirt bikes.

Doug Rodgers

100

Partially Open

Rated 4/5

Visited: 02/10/2019

I travelled East to West. The trail was snow packed, but it was easy to follow the tracks/ruts from previous vehicles. About 2/3 of the way through, the snow got deep and soft (12 - 18 inches). I had to use both front and rear lockers and keep my momentum going in order to make it through without getting stuck. I'm new to this, so it was very stressful, but I thought it would be easier to keep going all the way through instead of trying to turn around. Eventually, the tracks/ruts from previous vehicles completely stopped. This was right around the branch trail for Gordon Gulch. I considered trying that trail, but decided it was too late in the day, and I was a bit nervous about getting stuck in the dark. I turned around and headed back the same way I came in. Again, I would not have made it without both front and rear lockers. Fun trail. I will definitely come back and do it again once the majority of the snow is gone.

George Guzman

100

Open

Visited: 11/15/2018

Really nice easy and fun trail to just mess around with friends . And it’s the right length.

Charlie

100

Open

Visited: 08/19/2018

I'm brand new to off roading, so this was a fun trail to get used to something a bit more bumpy than your average gravel road. Trail was totally dry - didn't need 4x4 at all.

Isaac Koch

100

Open

Visited: 05/05/2018

The entrance to Sugar Loaf had some good standing water to get the trail started off right. 95% of trail was dry with a little snow on the road with muddy tire trails through it in the shady spots towards the end. Really great beginners trail and a great way to start the season off.

Trail Review: Sugarloaf Mountain - Isaac Koch

View More Images

Rylee

200

Open

Visited: 03/03/2018

Some pockets of snow deep enough that I didn't want to risk getting my stock jeep stuck so I turned back. Mostly wet dirt, dry dirt, and slush. Fun trail with many smaller roads spurring off. Great views perfect for an afternoon in a hammock.

Tim Palmer

Official Crew

47250

Open

Visited: 02/18/2018

The far west end of Sugarloaf Mountain was snow packed and wet while the sun melted off most of the snow along the east end of the trail. The road has been well traveled since the last snowfall more than a week ago. This trip was completed on a Sunday afternoon and there were quite a few visitors on the trail.

View More Images

Tim Palmer

Official Crew

47250

Open

Visited: 05/12/2017

With great spring weather, it was time to enjoy a peaceful drive in the hills west of Boulder, CO. Sugarloaf Mountain Road was wet with some larger puddles in spots. Even with the water, the road surface was solid. Getting bogged down in mud is not a concern on this route. The area around Nederland, CO experienced a large forest fire last year; However, the trees immediately adjacent to Sugarloaf Mountain Road were not affected. The views of the snow-capped peaks right now are worth the drive.

View More Images

Trail Information

Highlights

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Exclusive for our All-Access Members

Exclusive for our All-Access Members

Start your next adventure on Sugarloaf Mountain

Upgrade your Membership

Trail Navigation

Exclusive for our All-Access Members

Exclusive for our All-Access Members

Exclusive for our All-Access Members

Trail Reviews

From the Community

Exclusive for our All-Access Members

Tim Palmer

Sugarloaf Mountain

Trail Information

Highlights

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Exclusive for our All-Access Members

Exclusive for our All-Access Members

Start your next adventure on Sugarloaf Mountain

Upgrade your Membership

Uploading to Gaia GPS

Directions to...

Share Trail

Trail Navigation

Exclusive for our All-Access Members

Exclusive for our All-Access Members

Exclusive for our All-Access Members

Trail Reviews

From the Community

Exclusive for our All-Access Members

Tim Palmer

Print Trail Guide

Recent Updates