Why Colorado Offers the Best Off-Road Trails
When off-roaders dream of their ideal terrain, the state of Colorado is considered nearly impossible to top for many reasons! Many explorers are just as astonished when they first see the mountains as they are with the ocean, and from jutted rocky and snow-covered peaks to foothills trails with abundant challenges there's something for everyone, year-round.
Very large regions of this high-altitude playground feel completely untamed as logs, boulders, rivers, and even sand dunes along with every other type of obstacle can be found with a little bit of adventure.
This state has so much to offer for those who love off-roading that it would require weeks on end to check out every single trail! For those up to the challenge of any increment or difficulty level, here are 7 of Colorado's very best places to let a bit of the air out, double-check the bumpers, and prepare for the ultimate recreational and heart-pounding challenge!
7 Best Colorado Off-Road Trails
Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls is a heavily driven route near Telluride, Colorado that we rate as a moderate difficulty level. Featuring a pristine waterfall and an ideal variety of picture-perfect backcountry and beautiful clear water, it's an amazing place to see during the fall for the visual bounty of the tree line.
Imogene Pass
Imogene Pass is the 17-mile drive for moderately experienced off-roaders that connects Telluride and Ouray boasting a 13,114-ft pass. Right at Savage Basin, you get to pass through the historic Tomboy Townsite, which was once one of the busiest mining towns in the state. Situated in Uncompahgre National Forest, the rocky and steep road will require 4-wheel drive and skid plates as well as considerable lift.
Crystal Mill
Crystal Mill is a trail located outside the historic town of Marble, Colorado, which is only accessible from June through November. It passes through the Elk Mountains and skirts the Crystal River, then goes straight through the Aspen groves. Rocky and narrow, this trail is rated by us at Toytec as expert, especially if avalanches have been frequent this season.
Colorado State Forest Park
Colorado State Forest Park is one of the premier destinations for Aspen tree viewing and is located three hours northwest of Denver and 20 minutes south of Walden. It is open year-round and has 50 miles of off-road trails known for a healthy moose population. Yankee Hill is one of the more expert-level Jeep/truck runs in the state, and the journey during and after a very steep ascent provides great views of St Mary's Glacier.
Devil's Canyon
Devil's Canyon is popular and easily accessible as it is situated only 40 minutes up I-70 West from Denver. The trail itself is rated as beginner difficulty level but offers plenty of space to open up on the acceleration and still offers the immaculate peace of the wild for an accessible adventure. Stock vehicles can adequately conquer this terrain, but you still may want to bring along a seasoned spotter and a two-inch lift is ideal.
Engineer Pass
Engineer Pass properly defines the “Way out West” as a moderate skill-level trail located near Ouray, Colorado. The East side of the trail follows Henson creek, where there are numerous ideal fishing and camping spots. Most of the route ranks as fairly easy to drive, but alertness and caution is key due to its elevation. Once you approach the Ouray side, things get technical fast due to boulders but the views are simply epic.
Green Ridge Trail
Green Ridge Trail is north of Denver and 20 miles west of Fort Collins, Colorado. Even though it is not as technical and demanding as some, we'd rate it closer to expert due to the many puddles of standing water here pretty much all year round. The Poudre Canyon has slightly different characteristics than some of the rest of these trails, and this is the final leg of “Mud Loop's” three-trail offering.
Need Off-Roading Parts For Your Trip?
Toytec has you covered when it comes to equipping your Toyota for these awesome Colorado adventures. The highest-quality front and rear suspension, lift kits, off-road lighting, and underbody protection are all here to provide you the best in support for any mountainous and thrilling destination.
