Top Destinations for Off-Roading

Like seeing the backcountry on an ATV or other 4x4 off-road vehicle?  We have just the ticket, with certified guides providing tours that cover varied and challenging terrain, from the Arkansas Valley floor to trails reaching elevations of 9,100 feet above sea level.

The Royal Gorge Region: The Adventure Hub

The Royal Gorge region is more than just a bridge. It is home to hundreds of miles of trails that transition from the Arkansas Valley floor to high-mountain ridges reaching 9,100 feet.

• Guided Tours: For those who want the thrill without the stress of navigating, Colorado Jeep Tours offers an incredible fleet of custom 4x4 vehicles. Their guides provide deep insights into the area's geology and Wild West history.
• Proximity: This region is exceptionally accessible for those staying in Colorado Springs or Pueblo, making it a perfect day-trip destination.

Royal Gorge Region Maps:

Fremont Adventure Recreation (FAR) Guide: While many of these are multi-use, this guide is the best for visualizing the "Adventure Hub" and the surrounding BLM lands like Oil Well Flats and Seep Springs.

BLM Royal Gorge Field Office Maps: Official PDF maps for the more remote public lands in this region.

Ouray: The Jeep Capital of the World

Ouray is a legendary destination for off-road enthusiasts. The town is the gateway to the Alpine Loop, a 65-mile scenic byway that connects Ouray to Lake City and Silverton.

Mining History: You’ll traverse 100-year-old mining roads that lead past ghost towns and abandoned gold mines.

Expert Trails: Be warned—routes like Black Bear Pass feature narrow shelf roads and "staircase" drops that require expert-level technical skills. For beginners, a guided tour is highly recommended to ensure a safe descent into the valley.

Après-Off-Road: After a dusty day on the trail, the area’s world-renowned natural hot springs provide the perfect remedy for sore muscles.

Ouray & The Alpine Loop Maps:

Official Alpine Loop BLM Brochure & Map: The definitive PDF guide. It shows the primary 65-mile loop and the connector trails between Ouray, Lake City, and Silverton.

Ouray County Road & Trail Map: A localized look at the mining roads like Yankee Boy Basin and Corkscrew Gulch.

Summit County & Central Mountains

Just off I-70 near Dumont and Breckenridge, you’ll find some of the state’s most extreme high-altitude 4x4 roads.

Red Cone Pass: Famous for its steep, one-way descent and "conical" red peaks, this is a bucket-list trail for experienced drivers.

Leadville Tours: Home to the highest-elevation tours in the state, Leadville-based companies can take you above 12,000 feet, offering 360-degree views of the Sawatch Range.

The Western Slope: Grand Mesa & Bangs Canyon
For those seeking solitude, the western slope offers vast, open spaces.

Grand Mesa: This is the world's largest flat-topped mountain, featuring over 300 lakes and 150 miles of ATV-specific trails through dense aspen groves.

Bangs Canyon: Located near Grand Junction, this area offers "Moab-style" slickrock and technical sandstone shelves that will test your vehicle's suspension.

Central Mountains (Dumont / Summit County) Map

Arapaho National Forest (Clear Creek District) MVUM: The "Motor Vehicle Use Map" is the legal document for this area. It covers trails near Dumont, Idaho Springs, and Empire (like Spring Creek and Bill Moore Lake).

The Western Slope: The Great Solitude

While the Northwest and Western Slope hold the largest tracts of BLM land, these areas are often the most remote. Unlike the Royal Gorge or Ouray, you won't find many "quaint mountain towns" or guided tour companies here. If you venture into these western reaches, you are largely on your own, making self-sufficiency and preparation paramount.

Western Slope (Grand Mesa & Bangs Canyon) Maps

Grand Mesa National Forest Motorized Map: A focused look at the massive ATV network on top of the world's largest flat-topped mountain.

Bangs Canyon (Grand Junction) Map: Official BLM map for the technical rock-crawling areas and high-desert ATV trails near Grand Junction.

Dinosaur National Monument Maps

Official NPS Backcountry Map (PDF): This map shows the main high-clearance roads, like the road to Echo Park and the Yampa Bench Road.

Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge Maps

Browns Park NWR Visitor Map (PDF): This map shows the primary "Auto Tour" route and the various 4WD-only tracks that lead to the river's edge and historic sites like the Lodore Schoolhouse and the Jarvie Ranch.

Avenza Digital Maps for Browns Park: If you use the Avenza app, you can download geo-referenced maps that work without cell service—highly recommended here as there is zero signal in the "Hole in the Wall" country.

BLM Northwest District (Moffat County) Maps

Sand Wash Basin OHV Map: Located just east of Browns Park, this is a massive destination for ATVs and motorcycles. It is famous for its population of wild mustangs.

Moffat County Interactive Trail Map: This regional resource covers the trails connecting Maybell to the Gates of Lodore.

Important "Northwest" Navigation Tips:

• Fuel is Scarce: The town of Dinosaur and the tiny store in Maybell are your last chances for gas. There are no services once you head north into Browns Park or east into the Monument's backcountry.
• The "Lodore" Route: If you want to see the dramatic entrance where the Green River disappears into the mountains, look for maps to the Gates of Lodore. It’s at the northern tip of the Monument, accessible via CO-318.
• Vehicle Clearance: While some roads (like Harpers Corner) are paved, any map labeled "unimproved" in this region requires high clearance. A stock SUV can handle Echo Park in dry weather, but the Yampa Bench and Sand Wash routes require true 4WD.

Essential Off-Road Tips & Safety

Off-roading in Colorado presents unique challenges, primarily due to extreme elevation and rapidly changing weather.

1. Vehicle Preparation: Ensure you have at least 10 inches of ground clearance and 4-Low gearing for steep ascents.
2. The "Air Down" Technique: Lowering your tire pressure (typically to 18–20 PSI) increases your traction on loose rocks and provides a much smoother ride. Just remember to air back up before hitting the highway!
3. Right-of-way: On narrow mountain roads, uphill traffic has the right of way. If you are heading down, find a safe pull-out to let the ascending vehicle pass.
4. Altitude Awareness: Your vehicle’s engine can lose up to 40% of its power at 12,000 feet. Furthermore, humans are susceptible to altitude sickness; stay hydrated and bring extra layers, as temperatures can drop by 20 degrees when the sun dips behind a peak.
5. Emergency Gear: Never venture into remote BLM lands alone. At a minimum, carry a full-size spare tire, a satellite communication device (like a Garmin inReach), plenty of extra water, extra petrol, a repair kit, and basic survival gear.

The Off-Road Packing Checklist

A successful day in the backcountry depends on your preparation. Colorado's weather can shift from a sunny 75°F to a freezing sleet storm in a matter of minutes, especially above timberline.

Essential Gear & Apparel

• The Layering System: Bring a moisture-wicking base layer, a fleece mid-layer, and a waterproof/windproof outer shell.
• Protective Wear: For ATV/UTV riders, a DOT-approved helmet, goggles, and gloves are non-negotiable. For Jeepers, a brimmed hat and sunglasses help manage the intense high-altitude UV rays.
• Footwear: Sturdy, closed-toe hiking boots are essential. You will want to get out to explore mining ruins or scenic overlooks, and Colorado's terrain is notoriously rocky.
• Dust Protection: A bandana or "buff" is a lifesaver on dry days when trail dust can become overwhelming.

Safety & Recovery Kit

• Navigation: Never rely solely on a cell phone. Download offline maps (like onX Offroad) and carry a physical map and compass.
• Communication: A satellite communicator (such as a Garmin inReach) is vital because most backcountry trails have no cell service.
• Vehicle Essentials: A full-size spare tire, a tire plug kit, a portable air compressor, and a heavy-duty tow strap.
• First Aid: A well-stocked kit including trauma shears, antiseptic, and plenty of moleskin for blisters.

Food & Hydration

• Water: Pack at least 3 liters per person. High altitude and dry air lead to rapid dehydration, which is the #1 cause of altitude sickness.
• High-Energy Snacks: Jerky, trail mix, and protein bars. Pack enough food for an extra 24 hours in case of a mechanical breakdown.