20 Best Colorado Off Road Trails

Colorado offers tons of adrenaline-pumping off-road adventures. With its gorgeous scenery, beautiful landscape, and mountainous terrain, there’s no better place to explore.

Head to Wagon Wheel Trail System, where you’ll experience some steep hills and rocky terrain. Ride the Alpine Loop, where you can catch beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains. For an easy drive, visit Resolution Mountain and complete their two forest service roads.

Here are the 20 best off road trails in Colorado that you should try:

1. Wagon Wheel Trail System
2. Alpine Loop Scenic Byway
3. Golden Horseshoe Trail System
4. Grand Valley OHV Area
5. Main Draw OHV Area
6. Peach Valley OHV Area
7. Penrose Commons
8. Rabbit Valley OHV Area
9. Raggeds Trail
10. Rainbow Falls Trails
11. RAM Off-Road Park
12. Rampart Range Recreation Area
13. Red Cone Trail System
14. Resolution Mountain
15. Seep Springs Recreation Area
16. Sweney Cycle Park
17. Taylor Park
18. Willow Creek And Snyder Creek Trail System
19. Alta Ghost Town OHV Trail
20. Bang’s Canyon TrailHead – Billings Canyon Jeep Trail

Whether you’re an off-roading newbie or a hardened trail rider, Colorado off-road trails will surely give you adventures of a lifetime. Let’s check out each one of them.

20 Best Colorado Off Road Trails

1. Wagon Wheel Trail System

The Wagon Wheel Trail System is composed of the “Wagon Wheel OHV Trail – East” in Meeker, Colorado, and “Wagon Wheel OHV Trails – West” in Rangely. Both Meeker and Rangely are OHV-friendly communities. There are lots of access points to the trail system and several trailheads in Meeker. The North Fork Campground is located in the northern part of the trail system. Be sure to make reservations as the camping area is very popular. At the southern side of the trail system are Meadow Lake and Meadow Ridge Campgrounds. The trails are mostly forested areas that are mostly hard-packed, with some rocks, steep hills, and water crossings. The trails are ideal for novice off-roaders. Vehicles allowed include motorcycles, dirt bikes, ATVs, UTV & SX, 4×4 & jeeps, dune buggy, and sand rail (4×4).

Most trails open around late May. Some sections open later (mid-June) because of elk calving. To check the exact dates, fees, and where to get a permit, check out their website.

2. Alpine Loop Scenic Byway

The 65-mile motorized trails of the Alpine Loop will take you through the most fantastic views of the Rocky Mountains. The byway is composed of Engineer Pass and Cinnamon Pass. A drive through these mountain passes will give you a marvelous front-seat view of the Uncompahgre and Wetterhorn Peaks. It’s one of the jeep trails in Colorado that will take you through several ghost towns, which were mostly mining communities in the past.

There are five designated trail staging areas and several campgrounds for RVs with access to the trails. Most trails are moderately challenging and a couple of trails for experts, such as Black Bear Pass and Poughkeepsie Gulch. Motorcycles, dirt bikes, ATVs, UTV & SXS, 4×4 jeeps, dune buggy & sand rails are permitted. There’s no fee for parking, entry, and riding. But you need to get a permit. The trails open from June to October.

3. Golden Horseshoe Trail System

The Golden Horseshoe Trail System offers more than 6,000 acres of mountain trails for an excellent offroading adventure. Most of the trail system are 4×4 roads with hard-packed terrains and rocks and is a smattering of singletrack trails with mostly loamy loose dirt for dirt bike riders and hikers.

Motorcycles and dirt bikes are permitted in all of the trails, but ATVs, UTV, SXS, 4X4, Jeeps, dune buggy, and sand rail 4×4 are not allowed on singletrack trails. The trail system is maintained by the White River National Forest and Summit Country Off Road Riders. A Colorado OHV sticker is required, but there are no parking, entry, riding, and camping fees.

4. Grand Valley OHV Area

Grand Valley OHV Area in Mesa County, CO, offers 17 square miles of off-roading adventures through open landscape. The trail system is hard-pack, and the terrain range from many hill climbs through narrow and rugged double and single tracks.

It’s open to jeeps, motorcycles, ATVs, OHVs, SXS, 4×4, dune buggy, and sand rail. They’re open year-round, but the best times to ride are during summer or fall. You only need to get a permit. The trails are free to ride anywhere within OHV boundaries.

5. Main Draw OHV Area

The 2-mile long Main Draw OHV Area is a popular play area among off-roaders. The trail winds through narrow canyons of the Pawnee National Grassland and is filled with plenty of jumps, steep ridges, and hill climbs. The trail is mostly for amateurs. Motorcycles, dirt bikes, ATVs, UTV, and SXS, are permitted provided that they are under 50 inches wide and must possess a spark arrester. But Jeeps, dune buggies, and sand rails are prohibited.

While access to the trail is free even for non-licensed vehicles, a permit (Colorado OHV sticker) is required. OHVs are not allowed on roads or across the prairie. The trail is open from November to April, but inclement weather may cause temporary closure, so better call first before heading out.

6. Peach Valley OHV Area

Peach Valley OHV Area offers more than 15 square miles of desert terrain. It has a staging area for OHVs that don’t exceed 50 inches in width. Amenities in the staging area include loading ramps, picnic tables, trailer parking, and vault toilets. There is a 3-loop training course recently installed by the BLM. Each loop is designated for beginner, intermediate, and advanced.

Motorbikes, ATVs, UTVs, and SXS are permitted, but jeeps, dune buggies, and sand rails are prohibited. There are no fees for the trails, but vehicles must have a current Colorado OHV sticker. Bring water as there are no available sources around.

7. Penrose Commons

While the area is open year-round, the best time to visit Penrose Commons Recreation Area is September through May when you can see the snow peaks of the Sangre De Cristo mountain range. The area offers 30 miles of trails for ATVs, motorcycles, and 4-wheel drives.

Thirty miles of trails range from smooth to narrow to rocky, taking riders through desert terrain with many juniper trees and scrub brush. The trails are mostly for amateurs, and there a few for experts and newbies. A permit is required, but the use of the area is free. Only dune buggies and sand rails are not allowed.

Hiking and horseback riding are also allowed on the trails. For more information, contact the Royal Gorge Field Office.

8. Rabbit Valley OHV Area

Rabbit Valley OHV Area offers 25, 825 acres of off-roading adventures in the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area. The trails wind through desert terrain filled with sandstorm formations, dirt roads, steep drop-offs, and single tracks that are steep and rocky.

All OHVs are permitted, provided there is a current Colorado OHV sticker. Trails are rated as moderate and are mostly for amateurs, but there are few designated trails for novice and experts. There are also trails for mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, and running.

Some developed areas of the park, such as Jouflas, Castle Rocks, and Knowles Overlook, can be used for dispersed camping. The park entrance is free, as well as riding and camping.

9. Raggeds Trail

The Ragged’s Trail is a 15mile long ATV trail located in the Gunnison National Forest. The trail has a southern and northern section. It’s in the southern section where ATVs and dirtbikes are permitted while the northern part is for non-motorized use, such as hiking, horseback riding, and mountain bikes.

Because the main entrance road to the trailhead is narrow, only OHVs with a maximum width of 50 inches are permitted. Jeeps, dune buggies, and sand rails are prohibited. The trail will take riders through dense aspen trees and oak brush. Crossing Deep Creek can be extremely dangerous during late spring as the currents are very strong and the river very cold.

There are entry and camping fees, but parking and riding are free. A permit is required. Contact the Colorado Parks and Wildlife – Registration Unit or Gunnison National Forest – Paonia Ranger District for more information.

10. Rainbow Falls Trails

There are more than 20 miles of motorized trails in Rainbow Falls, located in the Pike National Forest. It’s a very popular trail for off-road riders in Colorado. The trails are rated as ‘moderate.’ Trails are most for amateurs with some for novice and experts.

Rainbow Falls is open year-round, but the best time to go is May to October. A popular attraction of the trail is Moab Hill. Riding of OHVs around camping or parking areas is not permitted. Dispersed camping is available. Vehicles should have a current Colorado OHV Sticker.

11. RAM Off-Road Park

Ram Off-Road Adventure Park offers 86 acres of adrenaline-pumping off road trails colorado springs that will push your limits of fun and adventure. There’s a motorcross track and an obstacle course to test your skills. There’s a track for advanced riders, an intermediate track, and a kids track.

Dirt bikes, ATVs, UTV, SXS, 4x4s, Jeeps, dune buggies, and sand rails are all permitted. They have a large parking area with portable restrooms, but you need to bring water as there’s no running water nearby. The park is open all week, but it is a good idea to call before you head out or check their website for more information about fees and passes.

12. Rampart Range Recreation Area

Rampart Range has over 100 miles of off-road adventure trails for ATV, UTV, SXS, and motorcycles. The terrain is mostly under forested areas taking riders to scenic views along the way. Although the trails are open year-round except during spring thaw, the best time to go is during summer. During winter, the only accessible staging area is at the northern entrance of Highway 67 and Rampart Range Road.

While most trails are for amateurs, Rampart Range offers various riding adventures for all OHV enthusiasts. All vehicles should have a Colorado OHF sticker to use the trails. Camping is allowed in designated areas. The most popular is Flat Rocks, as it provides direct access to the trails. Call ahead for information about permits, fees, and passes.

13. Red Cone Trail System

The Red Cone Trail System has earned the reputation of being one of Colorado’s most dramatic OHV adventures. It’s a 6.5-mile trail that will take you to the top of Red Cone mountain. Some areas of the trail have steep inclines and declines, narrow, slippery, and rocky.

Only experienced off-road riders should attempt this trail. The main trail starts weaving through spruce and alpine, but as the elevation increases, the terrain becomes rockier. The drive is a very scenic but challenging adventure for off-road enthusiasts.

The park is open from late June to September. Vehicles must have a Colorado OHV sticker. The trail system is open to motorbikes, dirt bikes, ATVs, UTVs, SXS, 4x4s, Jeeps, dune buggies, and sand rails. Camping is allowed in developed sites only. The best time to try out the trail is August to September.

Be sure to call the Pike National Forest-South Platte Ranger District for more information about fees, closures, etc. before you haul.

14. Resolution Mountain

If you’re looking for a scenic 4×4 route with gradual climbs and incredible mountain and alpine meadow views, try the Resolution Mountain trail system. The system has two main roads — Wearyman and Resolution Road. The route is rated as “easy” And it’s well-maintained in the summer.

The rugged and narrow trail is wide enough for motorbikes, dirt bikes, ATVs, UTVs, SXS, 4x4s, Jeeps, dune buggies, and sand rails. They’re open from June 1 to November 15. A permit (Colorado OHV) is required.

A favorite camping area is the nearby Camp Hale Memorial Campground, which has trail access and overlooks the Eagle River. There’s no fee for parking, entrance, and riding. For more info, contact the White River National Forest – Holy Cross Ranger District.

15. Seep Springs Recreation Area

If you’re up for fun and challenging trails coupled with incredible scenery, check out the Seep Springs Recreation facility. It offers 16 miles of roads and trails that weave through woodlands and pine forests. The terrain is mostly loose dirt and has many sandstone rocks making it a challenging adventure for ATVs, motorcycles, UTX, and SXS. Jeeps, 4×4, dune buggies, and sand rails are prohibited.

There also trails for horseback riding. The part is open year-round, but it’s a good idea to call ahead for more information about schedules, fees, camping facilities, etc. Vehicles should have a Colorado OHV sticker.

16. Sweney Cycle Park

Sweney Cycle Park is located in a small farming community in Brush, Colorado, and its 1.1-mile track has been voted “Track of the Year” seven times already. The trail offers various challenges to dirt bikes and ATVs– tabletops, rollers, step-ups and step-downs, camber corners, and a canyon jump. The park has a dead pit policy. Golf carts, 4WD vehicles, or pit bikes are not permitted.

The park is open late spring through early fall. It’s best to call or email well ahead of time about practice, race schedules, as well as fees and passes. For further info, check out the park’s website.

17. Taylor Park

Taylor Park is a popular destination for off-roaders of all levels. Even the most diehard off-roaders will surely enjoy the adventure and challenge of the trails.

The loops are near Taylor Park Reservoir, which is a part of the Gunnison National Forest. There are about 100 miles of trail through forested areas. The park opens from mid-May through late November. There are ATV rentals in Taylor Park for rides to St. Elmo, Tin Cup, Alpine Tunnel, Texas Creek, Slaughter House Gulch, Mirror Lake, Cumberland Pass, Pitkin, Flag Mountain, and Italian Creek. There are designated camping areas, with most having excellent fishing access to the river. Doctor Park Trail offers a perfect adventure for mountain bikers.

Other fantastic activities that people will surely enjoy at Taylor Park include horseback riding, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and hunting.

18. Willow Creek And Snyder Creek Trail System

The Willow Creek and Snyder Creek Trail System have about 100 miles of trails with many loops of different lengths and difficulty levels. There is also a 10-mile track for ATVs (Willow Creek ATV Trail) that takes riders through the scenic and forested hills of the Allegheny National Forest.

Trails are mostly for amateurs, but there are also challenging and adrenaline pumping trails with stream crossings, boulders, and mudholes for expert off-roaders. Easy forest service roads are great for newbies.

Most of the difficult singletrack loops can be accessed at Snyder Creek, Willow Creek, and Illinois Pass Trailheads. Pines Campground has access to the easier trails. The trail is open from June 15 to December 1, but the best time to ride is spring, summer, or fall.

With the number of loops that comprise the trail system, you could spend a week here and not ride the same trails twice. There are no fees for parking, entry, and riding. But camping fees are collected, and a permit is required. Contact the Routt National Forest – Parks Ranger District for more information.

19. Alta Ghost Town OHV Trail

The Alta Ghost Town OHV Trail offers a trail primarily used for OHV driving. The trail leads you to Alta Ghost Town approximately 10 miles from Telluride. It is one of Colorado’s historic treasures. The trail is excellent for all skill levels and opens from May to October. A mile after the ghost town is the Alta Lakes recreation area, a haven for hikers and campers.

20. Bang’s Canyon TrailHead – Billings Canyon Jeep Trail

The Bangs Canyon Special Recreation Management Area (BCSRMA) offers trails of various difficulty levels for OHV and mountain bikes. The Bang’s Canyon TrailHead is located in the middle of BCSRMA. Trails for OHVs and mountain bikes include the Tabeguache Trail, the Billings Canyon Jeep Trail, and the Third Flats ATV trail system. Among the different Colorado jeep trails, Billings Canyon Jeep Trail tops, the list is a world-class trail (9/10 rating for jeeping). It’s an extreme off-road adventure for 4×4 use. Rough Canyon and Ladder Canyon offer excellent opportunities for hikers and rock climbers.

Conclusion – 20 Best Colorado Off Road Trails

So, what are the 20 best Colorado off road trails? In summary, here are the top picks again:

1. Wagon Wheel Trail System
2. Alpine Loop Scenic Byway
3. Golden Horseshoe Trail System
4. Grand Valley OHV Area
5. Main Draw OHV Area
6. Peach Valley OHV Area
7. Penrose Commons
8. Rabbit Valley OHV Area
9. Raggeds Trail
10. Rainbow Falls Trails
11. RAM Off-Road Park
12. Rampart Range Recreation Area
13. Red Cone Trail System
14. Resolution Mountain
15. Seep Springs Recreation Area
16. Sweney Cycle Park
17. Taylor Park
18. Willow Creek And Snyder Creek Trail System
19. Alta Ghost Town OHV Trail
20. Bang’s Canyon TrailHead – Billings Canyon Jeep Trail

With its majestic Rocky Mountains and rough terrain, Colorado offers many excellent off-roading opportunities and adventures. Whether you’re an expert off-roader, an amateur, or a novice who can’t wait to hit the trail, OHV trails in Colorado will surely satisfy your off-road craving.