If you’re looking for a scenic and adventurous road trip, Colorado should definitely be on your list. With its rugged terrain and breathtaking landscapes, this state is another paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
Once upon a time, a group of overlanders set out on a 7-day adventure through Northern Colorado. They packed their bags, loaded up their vehicles, and hit the road with high hopes and even higher spirits.
But with so much to see and do, where do they start? The road trip began in a small town called Oak Creek, nestled in the valley between the mountains. As they filled up the gas tank, they knew they had a long way to go before reaching our next destination, but the beauty of the Colorado countryside made the drive enjoyable.
“If you’re planning a trip to Colorado and want to go camping, make sure to acclimate yourself before heading to high elevations”. That’s the advice from Matt and Cara of Ozark Overland Adventures, who recently found themselves camping at just over 12,000 feet on McClellan Mountain in Georgetown, Colorado. They quickly discovered that the altitude was too much for them, as they struggled to breathe and sleep at night.
Although they made a mistake by not acclimating themselves before camping, Matt and Cara were excited to explore Colorado’s beautiful scenery, including Webster Pass and Holy Cross, during their seven-day adventure. They were joined by several other travelers, including Ben and his parents, who were traveling in a borrowed Forerunner from Robert. James and Betsy also joined the group, while Robert and John opted to skip camping due to the wind.
Matt and Cara are avid adventurers and love exploring new areas, which is why they were excited to discover new trails during their trip. They explored a mixture of scenic, technical, and hardcore trails, and they’re excited to share their experiences.
As they drove on Webster Pass, they encountered some technical difficulties. Ben struggled to navigate some of the terrains in the Forerunner and had to be guided by a spotter. But with some encouragement and support from the group, they made it through and continued on their journey.
Matt and Cara’s trip to Colorado highlights the importance of acclimating yourself before camping at high altitudes. It also demonstrates the joy of exploring new areas and the importance of having a supportive group of friends to help you navigate challenging terrain.
Exploring Colorado’s Northern Region: The Alpine Tundra
A group of off-road enthusiasts is having an adventure on the beautiful trails of the Alpine Tundra, in a 4×4 vehicle. The driver seems to be doing great, as the back tires climb the steep terrain with ease. The passengers cheer as they reach the top. The temperature is 26 degrees and it’s raining, but they are still excited about their expedition.
One of the passengers asks about Guy, who seems to be chilling and not at all scared. The driver congratulates him on his good performance. They are all amazed by the beautiful views and the challenges of the technical trails. They are having a lot of fun driving on the radical hills, but they know it’s a high-risk activity.
As they approach the Continental Divide, they stop to take a break and enjoy the stunning scenery. They are tired from the trail, but they are determined to camp out for the night and continue their journey the next day. They plan to explore Wheeler Lake and Mosquito Pass, which promise to be exciting adventures.
At the campsite, they share a laugh as they joke about the endless trail they’ve been driving on. They are happy to have made it this far, despite the rain and the difficulties of the trail. They are looking forward to the next day’s adventure.
The next morning, they head to the Wheeler Lake trailhead, where they air down their tires for the doozy ahead. They are excited about the challenging trail and the beautiful views. They encounter several obstacles along the way, which they expertly navigate with the help of each other.
At the third and last major obstacle, they discuss which line to take. One of the passengers suggests a challenging line, which the driver and others attempt. They all have a lot of fun and are proud of their accomplishment.
Despite the challenges of the trail, they all have a great time and are amazed by the stunning views of the Alpine Tundra. They all look forward to the next adventure on their trip.
Exploring Colorado’s Northern Region: The Holy Cross Trail
They’ve just finished their third day in Colorado, traveling around the northern region for a seven-and-a-half-day trip. So far, this trip has been amazing, but today they are conquering something special. The Holy Cross Trail is the toughest Jeep Badge of Honor Trail in Colorado, and it’s the only one they haven’t done yet. They are all a little nervous, but ready to take on the challenge.
Matt recalls：
Our group consists of myself, my friends Robert, Ben, and Karen. They are driving two Jeeps, Robert’s 4Runner and Ben’s Gladiator, and we’re about to find out just how tough Holy Cross Trail really is. According to Robert, it’s a hardcore trail, and it could potentially take us seven hours to complete. We’re prepared to spend the night if we need to, but we’re also looking forward to spending the night in Glenwood Springs after we’ve completed the trail.
We’ve just started the trail and encountered our first obstacle, a boulder garden hill climb. It’s a steep and rocky climb, but we’re all doing great so far. Robert’s 4Runner has already taken a few scratches, but that’s to be expected on this kind of trail. As we continue up the trail, we encounter more obstacles, including a long, steep, and rocky climb that seems to go on forever.
The sun is starting to set, and the road ahead is getting more difficult. The trail goes from moderate to difficult, and vehicle body mechanical damage is likely. But we’re all determined to complete the trail, and we push on. We encounter more obstacles, and we help each other through them. We’ve got four runners, Wranglers, and even a Subaru on this trail, and everyone is doing their best to conquer Holy Cross.
At one point, we lose Dave, an avid hiker in our group who usually takes off hiking and shows back up later. But we spot him ahead, and we all regroup. We take a moment to catch our breath and evaluate our life choices. This section of the trail is a nice change of pace, with smooth and easy-going paths.
But there’s still more trail ahead, and we encounter more obstacles. We navigate through them, helping each other along the way. We’re tired, but we’re determined to finish the trail. And finally, we reach the end. We turn around and head back, grateful for the experience.
Overall, Holy Cross Trail was a challenging and rewarding experience. We’re proud to have completed it and to have done it with our friends. After a long day on the trail, we’re looking forward to spending the night in Glenwood Springs and enjoying a nice dinner. Tomorrow, we’ll be back on the road, exploring more of Colorado’s northern region.
If you are looking for a place to explore nature and take stunning pictures, Colorado should be on your list. Recently, a group of adventurers made their way north of I-70 to explore the area and were amazed by the stunning views.
The group was excited to explore new places they had never been to before, with a passion for discovering what the world has to offer. The trail they were on had amazing views that were perfect for taking pictures. They often stopped to capture the scenery and couldn’t wait to see what else the area had to offer.
Although the group encountered a rain shower, it was a typical occurrence in the mountains, especially in the afternoon. Despite the rain, the wildflowers were still in bloom, adding to the natural beauty of the area.
The group was ecstatic to explore Northern Colorado, and they were impressed by the unique landscape. The area was filled with wildflowers and meadows, making it unlike anything they had seen before. As they traveled deeper into the region, they encountered a breathtaking campsite near a lake. They found the site using Gaia’s Overland layer, a valuable tool for any adventurer.
The campsite was the perfect spot for setting up camp and taking in the views. The group enjoyed activities like paddleboarding and kayaking, surrounded by stunning scenery. The area was so beautiful that they declared it the best campsite ever, even better than other spots they had visited before.
As they made the way through the valley, they were surrounded by old barns and structures that gave the area a rustic charm. They had to switch to dirt roads to explore the nearby campsites, but it was worth it to find some secluded spots away from the big RVs and van lifers. They came across a wildfire area that was part of the Silver Creek Fire back in 2018. It was a somber reminder of the importance of fire safety, as 85% of wildfires are caused by humans.
Continued their journey through the Colorado National Forest, where the terrain changed dramatically. They went from seeing streams and bluffs to high deserts with wildflowers and Alpine lakes. They stopped for a quick lunch at a spot just outside of Radium Springs, where they could hear the Colorado River flowing. After airing up truck tires, they decided to call an audible and head to Rocky Mountain National Park, which was only an hour away. They were excited to experience all that the park had to offer, but the weather had other plans.
As they drove into the park, it started pouring down rain, and found out there was a flash flood warning. But that didn’t stop them from exploring! They climbed up to an elevation of 9,700 feet, where they saw cars with snow on their hoods and on the side of the road. The temperature steadily dropped to 46 degrees, which was the coldest they had experienced on the trip so far. It was an unforgettable experience that made us appreciate the beauty and unpredictability of nature.
Colorado is a state full of hidden gems, and they were fortunate to experience just a few of them on the road trip. From the valley to the mountains, from the forests to the deserts, there’s something for everyone in Colorado. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoorsman or a casual traveler, this state will leave you awestruck and wanting more.
If you’ve ever been to Rocky Mountain National Park, you know that the wildlife is always a highlight. Recently, a group of friends had an exciting encounter with a bull in the park. As they watched the bull from a distance, they couldn’t help but wonder why he was attracting all the ladies despite not being as big as some of the other bulls they had seen the day before.
As they continued down the road, they came across a big L card on the ground. They joked about how roadkill doesn’t happen in the park and how this would be quite a large piece of roadkill if it did. Later that evening, they enjoyed a delicious dinner at the Rocky Mountain Tavern in Estes Park. The owner, Tim, showed them his Colorado ZR2 with an Alu-Cab logo on the back and even a little chimney for the heater option. The group was impressed with Tim’s rig and couldn’t wait to try his food.
After dinner, they returned to their campsite at the La Quinta Inn and Suites Campsite in Loveland, Colorado. They reflected on their day, which had been filled with plenty of wildlife sightings and a great meal.
Overall, their experience was a great reminder of the beauty and excitement that can be found in our own backyard. If you’re ever in the area, be sure to check out Rocky Mountain National Park and all the amazing things it has to offer.
Some advice for Overlanding Northern Colorado.
If you’re planning an overlanding trip to Northern Colorado, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some professional tips to help you plan your trip:
Check weather and road conditions: Before you hit the road, make sure to check the weather forecast and road conditions in the area you’ll be traveling through. This is especially important if you’re planning to camp, as unexpected weather changes can make your trip uncomfortable or even dangerous.
Choose the right vehicle: Overlanding requires a vehicle that can handle rough terrain and off-road conditions. Make sure your vehicle is properly equipped with four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and all-terrain tires. It’s also important to carry spare parts and tools in case of a breakdown.
Pack smart: When packing for an overlanding trip, it’s important to balance bringing all the necessary gear with not overloading your vehicle. Prioritize essential items like food, water, and shelter, and pack lightweight, multi-functional gear that can serve multiple purposes.
Know the regulations: Different areas have different regulations regarding camping, off-roading, and fire restrictions. Make sure to research the regulations in the areas you’ll be traveling through and follow them accordingly.
Respect the environment: When overlanding, it’s important to respect the environment and leave no trace of your visit. This means packing out all trash, avoiding damaging vegetation, and sticking to designated trails and campsites.
By following these tips, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable overlanding trip to Northern Colorado.