Transfer Trail

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4.7/5 (31 reviews)
Glenwood Springs, Colorado (Garfield County)
Last Updated: 07/14/2023

Trail Information

Highlights

The Transfer Trail, situated near Glenwood Springs, Colorado is the main overland route into the White River National Forest SE Flat Tops area. The road delivers you deep into the heart of meadows filled with wildflowers, thick forest of spruce, fir, pine and aspen trees and scenic lakes. Mixed into the experience are vistas of the distant Elk Mountains to the south, and No Name Creek when you find yourself at Windy Point overlook. This off-road route was originally part of the Ute Indian Trail System, then later became a toll road for the Hip Roof Saw Mill at Windy Point. A sheep farmer then bought the land and herded sheep in the area. The old road system connected through the Flat Tops to distant towns such as Meeker and Yampa. Although the Mill and much of the old road system is long gone, the Transfer Trail remains.


Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

4.7/5 (31)
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Rated 5/5
Visited: 09/27/2023

Beautiful trail, waypoints spot on
Trail Review: Transfer Trail - Sherrisse
Trail Review: Transfer Trail - Sherrisse
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Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 09/24/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Easier

Lived here my whole life and this was my first time doing this trail. Had a blast. Group of 4 trucks. Two full size and two midsize. No issues. One tough spot up a little hill about mile 12 or so with loose rocks and some shelves. Rest was just beautiful scenery.
Trail Review: Transfer Trail - Matt Bergstreser
Trail Review: Transfer Trail - Matt Bergstreser
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Rated 5/5
Visited: 09/21/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Harder

We ran Transfer trail to waypoint 19 and running up the rock obstacle I smashed up my driveshaft on the rock ledge. Rated a 4 my ass the crew at trails offroad better gas up there mapping team and reassess the rating. The truck a 99 Ford F-150 on a 2.5 lift and 35 m/t and rear locker has run tons of 6s with no issues. I took a bad line but that obstacle is still no joke. Stock rig ? I'd like to see it get up that unless you have a stock high dollar Rubicon or go stack-o-matic on rocks. I think alot of people drive down this and then it's cake. We dropped back and camped at a nice lake for the night. Looking at the driveshaft we could have continued and winched up so not to put more stress on it but instead bailed off and drove 3 hours back home with no vibration. The truck can take a serious hit and it always gets back home. Next year I'll be back and staying alot longer because this trail system is incredible but I'll have a new found wisdom and driveshaft and by then I'll have all the mud washed off.
Trail Review: Transfer Trail - Iceman 99
Trail Review: Transfer Trail - Iceman 99
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Open
Rated 2/5
Visited: 09/19/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Yuk! I drove this "down" from Coffee Pot Rd to Glenwood Springs. The meadows are beautiful, and therefore the rating of 2. But the trail is boring otherwise...and long. I agree completely that it could be impassible if wet. We were descending to GS so pretty much assured of making it all the way even if wet...which it became as grapple moved in and pelted us for quite a while, soaking the trail. Some of the descents were very slippery. If you're thinking about this trail for the scenery, it's better to go up Coffee Pot Rd. Stop at the gorge overlook; the lakes, etc. and then go back the way you came. If you're thinking about this trail because you've done everything else and you're looking for something new...pass on this one. It's not worth the time.
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 08/27/2023
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

The vistas as you climb away from Glenwood Springs from the Elk Mountains to the Grand Mesa are amazing. Make sure to take your time and soak it all in. Once you pass Windy Point and the incredible views of the No Name Creek canyon you are on the Flat Tops. The monsoons have kicked in as evidenced by all the mud puddles. As mentioned by another reviewer previously these are not boggy but had bottomed. Please stay on the trail and drive through them. I came across a sXs that was stuck in the mud due to sliding off of a drive around. I happily offered my front bumper as an anchor point. It seems like a lot of people have the bad habit of not staying on the trail and driving around them (my rant and PSA). The trail is rocky and bumpy as you pass from one meadow to another. There are a lot of small lakes and the Flat Tops are a campers paradise. The next time I come here I will be camping.
Trail Review: Transfer Trail - Brian Schaefer
Trail Review: Transfer Trail - Brian Schaefer
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