Colorado is a state that truly embodies the beauty of natural landscapes and rugged, off-road exploration. Home to an incredible 58 mountains over 14,000 feet tall and boasting more than 100,000 miles of unpaved roads, Colorado is a dream destination for mountain lovers and off-road drivers alike. In fact, its unique terrain and adventurous spirit have made it one of the top destinations in the country for off-roading.
With so many options available, we’ve put together a list of “10 Exciting Off-Road Routes in Colorado” to help guide you on your next adventure. Whether you’re seeking breathtaking views or looking for a challenging driving experience, these trails offer something for everyone.
When navigating these trails, we recommend drivers have at least altering tires for sharp rocks and low range for climbing power and engine braking. While all-wheel-drive vehicles can manage some of these trails with skilled driving, it’s safer and easier to have low range available. Drivers must take responsibility for their safety and vehicle and drive the trails at their own risk.
One thing to keep in mind is that seasonal changes can greatly affect trail accessibility. Some mountain roads may not open until as late as July, and they can become snowed in as early as September. Late July and August are popular times to explore the trails when weather conditions are optimal, but the end of September and beginning of October offer full-color experiences and fewer crowds. However, drivers should always be aware of the possibility of sudden snowfall and trail closures.
Flat Tops
Flat Tops is an off road route located in the beautiful state of Colorado. This scenic trail is a favorite among many adventurous off roaders due to its breathtaking views and challenging terrain. The route takes you through the Flat Tops Wilderness, an area known for its rugged beauty and unique wildlife.
The trail begins near Yampa and winds its way through stunning forests, over rocky terrain, and along the edges of towering cliffs. Along the way, drivers will encounter steep climbs, narrow passes, and rocky obstacles that provide a thrilling driving experience.
One of the highlights of the Flat Tops trail is the incredible panoramic views it offers. From high up on the mountain ridges, drivers can take in sweeping vistas of the surrounding wilderness, including majestic peaks and crystal-clear lakes.
While this trail is certainly not for the faint of heart, it’s a must-see for any serious off-roading enthusiast. We recommend that drivers have a well-equipped 4×4 vehicle with good clearance and traction, as well as plenty of supplies and equipment for an overnight stay on the trail.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a challenging yet rewarding off-road adventure, be sure to add the Flat Tops trail to your list of must-see destinations in Colorado. With its stunning views and rugged terrain, it’s sure
Holy Cross
Holy Cross is a challenging off-road route located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado. It’s considered one of the most iconic and challenging trails in the state, known for its steep inclines, sharp turns, and rocky obstacles that will test even the most experienced drivers.
The trail starts near the town of Red Cliff and takes you through the scenic Holy Cross Wilderness Area. Along the way, drivers will encounter many challenging sections, including the infamous “Crossing,” a narrow section of the trail with a steep drop-off on one side.
One of the highlights of the Holy Cross trail is the stunning scenery it offers. From high up on the mountain ridges, drivers can take in breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including towering peaks, lush forests, and crystal-clear streams.
This trail requires a well-equipped 4×4 vehicle with good clearance, traction, and advanced driving skills. It is recommended that drivers travel in groups and have plenty of supplies and equipment for an overnight stay on the trail.
In conclusion, if you’re an experienced off-roader looking for a true challenge, Holy Cross is a must-see destination in Colorado. With its stunning natural beauty, rugged terrain, and thrilling obstacles, this legendary trail is sure to provide an unforgettable adventure for anyone who dares to take it on.
Scofield Pass
The Scofield Pass is a stunning mountain pass located in Colorado, USA. This pass is famous for its scenic beauty and challenging terrain, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
The route starts from Marble and leads to the town of Crested Butte, covering a distance of around 23 miles. The drive takes you through breathtaking scenery, including dense forests, crystal-clear streams, and snow-capped peaks. The road itself is unpaved and narrow, with steep inclines and sharp turns, making it a thrilling adventure for experienced drivers. Along the way, you’ll also come across several hiking trails, fishing spots, and campsites, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities.
For those seeking a more challenging experience, the Scofield Pass route also offers access to several off-road trails that lead deeper into the backcountry. These trails will take you to remote locations, where you can enjoy stunning views and explore the wilderness. However, it’s important to note that these trails are not suitable for all vehicles and require advanced driving skills.
Overall, the Scofield Pass route is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Colorado. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a nature lover, this route has something to offer for everyone.
Taylor Pass
Taylor Pass is a scenic mountain pass located in Colorado, USA. This route offers breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains and is known for its challenging terrain, making it a popular destination among outdoor enthusiasts.
The route starts from the town of Aspen and leads to the town of Crested Butte, covering a distance of approximately 35 miles. Along the way, you’ll encounter stunning scenery, including lush forests, crystal-clear streams, and snow-capped peaks. The road is unpaved and narrow, with steep inclines and tight curves that require skilled driving. However, the difficulty of the drive is well worth it, as you’ll be rewarded with amazing views and the chance to experience the beauty of nature up close.
In addition to the beautiful scenery, Taylor Pass also offers access to several hiking trails, fishing spots, and campsites. These areas are perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping, providing visitors with plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding wilderness.
One thing to keep in mind is that the Taylor Pass route can be closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall. Therefore, it’s recommended to plan your trip during the summer or fall when the weather is more favorable.
Overall, the Taylor Pass route is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of Colorado. Whether you’re an experienced adventurer or simply someone who enjoys breathtaking scenery, this route has something to offer for everyone.
Pearl Pass
Pearl Pass is a scenic mountain pass located in Colorado, USA. This route offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys and is known for its challenging terrain, making it a popular destination among adventurous travelers.
The route starts from the town of Aspen and leads to the historic mining town of Crested Butte, covering a distance of approximately 40 miles. Along the way, you’ll encounter breathtaking scenery, including dense forests, crystal-clear streams, and snow-capped peaks. The road is unpaved and narrow, with steep inclines and tight curves that require skilled driving. However, the challenge of the drive is well worth it, as you’ll be rewarded with incredible views and the chance to experience the beauty of nature up close.
In addition to the natural beauty, Pearl Pass also offers access to several hiking trails, fishing spots, and campsites. These areas are perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping, providing visitors with endless opportunities to explore the surrounding wilderness.
One thing to keep in mind is that the Pearl Pass route can be closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall. Therefore, it’s recommended to plan your trip during the summer or fall when the weather is more favorable.
Overall, the Pearl Pass route is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of Colorado. Whether you’re an experienced adventurer or simply someone who enjoys breathtaking scenery, this route has something to offer for everyone.
Stony Pass
Stony Pass is a scenic mountain pass located in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, USA. At an elevation of 12,492 feet, it’s one of the lesser-known mountain passes in the area but offers stunning views and easy driving conditions.
The route starts from the town of Silverton and leads to the town of Lake City, covering a distance of approximately 21 miles. Along the way, you’ll encounter breathtaking scenery, including lush forests, crystal-clear streams, and snow-capped peaks. The road conditions are generally easy to drive, with only a few rough patches along the way.
One of the highlights of the Stony Pass route is the stunning views that await you at the summit. From the top of the pass, you can see for miles in every direction and take in the beauty of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
In addition to the natural beauty, Stony Pass also offers access to several hiking trails, fishing spots, and campsites. These areas are perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping, providing visitors with plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding wilderness.
Overall, the Stony Pass route is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of Colorado without the challenge of more difficult mountain passes.
Bachelor Loop
Bachelor Loop is a historic scenic drive located in Creede, Colorado, USA. This 17-mile trail takes you through the steep mountain valley with spectacular cliffs on both sides and past several mines, including the Last Chance Mine.
This route is unique in that it provides a glimpse into the area’s rich mining history. As you drive along the trail, you’ll pass by the remains of old mine buildings and equipment, providing a fascinating look at life during the mining boom of the late 1800s and early 1900s. The Bachelor Loop was originally used to transport ore from the mines to the smelter, and today it serves as a reminder of the area’s rugged past.
Along the way, you’ll also encounter breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The road conditions are generally easy to drive, though there are some rough patches, so it’s recommended to take it slow and enjoy the scenery.
In addition to the historic sites, Bachelor Loop also offers access to several hiking trails, fishing spots, and campsites. These areas are perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping, providing visitors with plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding wilderness.
Overall, the Bachelor Loop route is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history of Colorado’s mining industry. Whether you’re an experienced adventurer or simply someone who enjoys breathtaking scenery, this route has something to offer for everyone.
Imogene Pass
Imogene Pass is a scenic mountain pass located in Colorado, USA. At an elevation of 13,114 feet, it’s the highest pass on the list and the second-highest drivable pass in the United States. This route is known for its stunning scenery and technical difficulty, requiring high clearance vehicles for better clearance space.
The route starts from the town of Telluride and leads to the town of Ouray, covering a distance of approximately 17 miles. Along the way, you’ll encounter breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The road conditions are challenging, with steep inclines, rocky terrain, and tight turns. However, the challenge is well worth it, as you’ll be rewarded with some of the most beautiful scenery in Colorado.
In addition to the natural beauty, Imogene Pass also offers access to several hiking trails, fishing spots, and campsites. These areas are perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping, providing visitors with plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding wilderness.
One thing to keep in mind is that the road is only open during the summer months, typically from late May to early October, due to heavy snowfall. It’s recommended to plan your trip accordingly and check road conditions before traveling.
Medano Pas
Medano Pass is a scenic mountain pass located in Colorado, USA. This route offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys and requires four-wheel drive to traverse.
The route can be started from either side, but many people prefer driving up the east side from Gardner through the San Isabel National Forest. Along the way, you’ll encounter breathtaking scenery, including dense forests, crystal-clear streams, and snow-capped peaks. The road conditions can be challenging at times, with rocky terrain and steep inclines, so it’s important to have a high clearance vehicle.
Before entering the national park, there are 21 free camping sites available along the route. These campsites offer a chance to spend some time in the great outdoors and take in the beauty of the surrounding wilderness.
Once inside the park, you’ll find more opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping. One popular attraction is the Medano Creek, which flows through the dunes and provides a refreshing spot for swimming and picnicking.
It’s important to note that the road may be closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall, so it’s recommended to plan your trip during the summer or fall when the weather is more favorable.
Engineer Pass
Engineer Pass is a scenic mountain pass located in Colorado, USA. This route connects the towns of Lake City, Silverton, and Ouray along the Million Dollar Highway and offers multiple paths and cool viewpoints.
Covering a distance of approximately 20 miles, Engineer Pass takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in Colorado. Along the way, you’ll encounter breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, including the famous San Juan Mountains. The road itself can be challenging at times, with rocky terrain and steep inclines, but it’s generally suitable for high-clearance vehicles.
One of the highlights of the Engineer Pass route is the opportunity to visit several historic sites and cool viewpoints. One such site is the Animas Forks ghost town, which provides a look into the area’s rich mining history. Other popular spots include Mineral Point and Poughkeepsie Gulch, both of which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
It’s important to note that the road may be closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall. Therefore, it’s recommended to plan your trip during the summer or early fall when the weather is more favorable.
Colorado offers a plethora of exciting off-road trails that are sure to satisfy any adventurer’s cravings. From towering mountains to scenic unpaved roads, there’s never a shortage of exploring to do in this beautiful state. So grab your map, pack your gear, and hit the trails for your next unforgettable journey!